Mirvac’s Brisbane Tower Makes Green History

A commercial tower in the Brisbane CBD has become the first in Australia to receive the new 6-Star Green Star Buildings certified rating.

Mirvac and M&G Real Estate received the certification from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for Heritage Lanes at 80 Ann Street at an announcement this week. 

Mirvac’s $800-million redevelopment of the property was the first to achieve the “new standard in sustainability”, according to GBCA’s chief executive Davina Rooney. 

“With buildings like this designed more than five years ago, we didn't think it was possible to achieve the 6 star and I’m absolutely thrilled that the project partners have proved us wrong,” Rooney said. 

Rooney said that before the new Green Star Buildings rating tool, which  assesses the sustainability of new buildings and major refurbishments, was launched, Mirvac was on track to receive the highest level of certification for the old rating tool, Green Star—Design and as Built.

But the developer decided to “pivot” mid-project.

More than 950 projects had been certified through the old system, Green Star—Design and as Built, before it was superseeded in 2021.

▲ Heritage Lanes at 80 Ann St in Brisbane City was completed in early 2022.

Spanning 35 levels, the “highly-efficient” Heritage Lanes is powered through 100 per cent renewable energy, has colourful light fixtures controlled by wind data and window louvres to allow fresh air circulation.

Tenants Suncorp and KPMG have their head offices within the building.

Suncorp calls the 31st level home, including an entire outdoor setting for fresh air, part of the breathable and healthy-spaces design Mirvac incorporated throughout the development. 

Mirvac general manager for commercial and mixed-use developments Simon Healy said the property industry needed to be brave and aim for similar design and sustainability goals.

“It does take time, it does take effort, it does take a certain level of results but if you stick to it you can get there,” Healy said. 

He said after construction began five years ago, they had been aiming for a higher green rating through collaboration with GBCA and a lot of work with the design team, subcontractors and suppliers.

Brisbane City Councillor Adam Allan, chair of the City Planning Suburban Renewal Committee, said the Heritage Lanes project was an embodiment of the Buildings That Breathe design specifications. 

“It’s really an exemplar of what can be done and something we want to showcase,” Allan said. 

“This is the way Mirvac is going forward and they are really taking on that leadership role in this space.”