SHEPPARTON has been put on the map for leading the way in reaching a major sustainability development. SAM has been awarded a 6-Star Green-Star ‘Design & As Built’ v1.2 rating, the highest rating possible, making SAM the first Australian gallery or museum to achieve this accolade. This achievement represents world leadership in sustainable design of a public building.
Previously the site of a petrol station with no ecological value, the site was carefully remediated to restore significant wetlands. Limiting the museum floor area to cover the degraded area allowed more land to be preserved or returned to its natural state.
Designed by Denton Corker Marshall, with environmental consultancy services provided by Integral Group, SAM was built with sustainability in mind. Energy efficient features include the compact design that reduces thermal transfer and energy demand, while maximising access to natural lighting.
As well as generating energy from 162 photovoltaic panels, toilet flushing at SAM and nearby public toilets is supplied from a 10,000L underground rainwater tank, and at least 95 percent of the steel used in the building was sourced from a responsible steel maker.
The features that scored SAM this rating also improve visitor experience. For example, enclosed spaces are designed to minimise crosstalk between spaces and to reduce reverberation, creating comfortable acoustic conditions.
SAM’s 6-Star Green Star rating demonstrates a growing commitment to sustainability targets while illustrating Shepparton’s contribution to grand design and the protection of our unique environment.
