The Queen Victoria Market Precinct Renewal program has received a six star Green Star – Communities accreditation.
The City of Melbourne is the first Australian local government to earn this rating.
Acting Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the Green Building Council of Australia awarded its highest rating following an assessment of the renewal master plan against best practice benchmarks for liveability, environmental sustainability, design excellence, prosperity, governance and innovation.
“The 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating is an endorsement of the City of Melbourne’s leadership in delivering a world class sustainable precinct that will thrive into the future,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
“Through our $250 million renewal program, we have an unrivalled opportunity to implement sustainable practices that will benefit traders, residents and businesses for generations to come.”
Cr Wood said the independent business case demonstrated that Queen Victoria Market cannot survive as a unique inner city fresh produce market without significant investment.
n today’s modern market place, it is clear that we need to upgrade the operating modes, amenities and waste management systems to ensure Queen Victoria Market remains viable into the future,” the Acting Lord Mayor said.
The Queen Victoria Renewal program delivers sustainable infrastructure including large scale waste and organic recycling facilities to handle the 6000 tonnes of solid waste and 60 tonnes of organic waste.
Solar power and battery storage are able to generate on-site renewable energy and rainwater collection alongside stormwater harvesting are used to reduce water consumption.
CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, Romily Madew said the Queen Victoria Market is one of Melbourne’s most loved landmarks.
“The City of Melbourne’s approach strikes the right balance between preserving a heritage icon and rejuvenating an important centre of trade so that it is economically and environmentally sustainable for decades to come.”
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