GREEN building is the way of the future, especially for the carbon-conscious commercial sector where savings in energy — and taxes — are most achievable.
Design and construction techniques aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of buildings are at the heart of Victoria University’s new Sunshine trades college.
Students are learning competency standards needed for the modern building industry, particularly innovations that lead to energy reductions and fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Apprentices and pre-apprentices will work in an environment that’s a far cry from the hot, tin workshops and factory floors of most industrial builders.
“A lot of thought has been put into this and we are pretty confident the building will get a six-star rating” said Peter Jacobson, head of the university’s school for construction industries. “And it will do a lot for the profile of this area.”
The building features a two-storey internal garden wall and an external gabion rock wall, drawing cool air into the building during hot weather, as well as night stacks that use cooler night air in conjunction with airconditioning systems.
Hydroponic heating extracts warm air from deep underground to complement water heaters.
Every Wednesday from this week until March 13, prospective students, parents and industry representatives can tour the new trade school and view skills areas for carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, electrical, engineering, fabrication, furniture and sign-writing.
Teachers will be on hand to give career advice and offer expert opinion.
The trades college is at Building C, 460 Ballarat Road. Wednesday tours will be held from 1.15-2.30pm.
