The University of Newcastle, Australia

Construction of a new teaching space that automatically cools itself and reuses rainwater is underway at the University of Newcastle Central Coast campus.

The $3.8 million ‘smart building’ will save energy through a computerised management system to reduce the amount of power used for cooling and heating. Rainwater will be collected and diverted for use in toilets.

The building will be home to specialist information technology teaching spaces, a simulation laboratory and clinical demonstration classroom for nursing students.

“The management system will automatically open windows at night to remove hot air so it will take less energy to climate control the building,” Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Central Coast campus, Professor Stephen Crump, said.

The new education and nursing building has been funded by the Australian Government and the University. It is one of five projects in a capital works program underway at the campus valued at $20 million.

Federal Member for Dobell, Craig Thomson, Federal Member for Roberston, Deborah O’Neill, and Professor Crump will mark the start of construction with a sod turning ceremony on Tuesday 15 March 2011.

“Education and nursing programs are in demand at the Central Coast campus and these new facilities will provide state of the art teaching and learning facilities to support these students,” Professor Crump said.
Construction is expected to be completed by October 2011.

High-resolution artist’s impressions of the new University of Newcastle Central Coast campus Education and Nursing building are available on request.