There are several ways you can determine how successful a piece of commercial architecture is, from the happiness and wellbeing of inhabitants to the impact the building has on the wider area. One factor that should not be ignored though is sustainability. These properties have the opportunity to provide inspiration for smaller buildings and can showcase innovative solutions that can be replicated in other settings.

Sustainability is so important that there are green building councils in over a hundred countries around the globe. Each one promotes sustainable design and construction, knowledge sharing, and innovation. They are linked thanks to the efforts of the World Green Building Council, the largest international organisation seeking to influence a greener marketplace.

The WorldGBC recognises the great work done in the field of commercial architecture around the world by issuing awards to buildings with outstanding sustainable designs. They recently awarded one to the office of engineering firm Floth in Brisbane.

The property was praised for its ability to generate incredible 53% lower carbon emissions than a building built in line with the current building code in the country. The outstanding design includes a photovoltaic system mounted on the roof that offsets a huge 28% of the whole building’s operational energy. By purchasing the rest of the power from green sources the property is effectively zero carbon.

The award was offered because the office has showcased new benchmarks that can be achieved in terms of sustainability in commercial architecture. It is a big honour for the designers and can serve as an inspiration for architects around the world involved in the creation of commercial properties.

At Coffey Architects we understand the importance of sustainability in all forms of architecture, from the residential and commercial sector to public buildings. We are passionate about protecting the environment and consider every aspect of our designs with the utmost care.