Affordable and Clean Energy
Energy Efficient Renovation and Building
The University of Newcastle is committed to incorporating energy efficiency and environmental sustainability into the design, construction and renovation of its buildings. Guided by the University's Environmental Sustainability Plan and Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) tools, new developments, major refurbishments and fitouts are designed to meet recognised energy efficiency and sustainability standards. These frameworks help integrate sustainable design principles into campus infrastructure projects, supporting improved building performance, reduced energy consumption and the University's broader environmental sustainability goals.
Standards for new buildings
The University's Environmental Sustainability Policy, established a commitment to maximising opportunities for new buildings to achieve a minimum 6 Star Green Star ‘Design & As Built’ rating. This provides a framework for incorporating recognised sustainability standards into the design and construction of new campus infrastructure. The Environmental Sustainability Policy was in force throughout 2025, having taken effect on the 8th of December 2022, and was revised in June 2026.
The Environmental Sustainability Plan 2019–2025 further supported this commitment by embedding Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles into capital projects, with a focus on improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. The Plan established a target for all new University buildings to achieve a minimum 6 Star Green Star ‘Design & As Built’ rating by 2025, reinforcing the University's approach to delivering high-performance, environmentally sustainable buildings.
Standards for refurbishments and fitouts
The University of Newcastle incorporates energy efficiency and environmental sustainability into refurbishment and fitout projects through its Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Tool, with a target of achieving a minimum 5 Star Green Star rating or equivalent standard for applicable projects.
The University's ESD Project Briefing Document guides the integration of sustainability principles across projects of all sizes, from minor works to major refurbishments. The ESD Tool includes specific requirements relating to energy efficiency and is introduced during the early stages of project planning, with regular reviews throughout design and delivery to ensure sustainability measures are incorporated into completed projects.
The University Interior Design Guidelines further support this approach by requiring fitout projects to follow the ESD Project Briefing Document and achieve Green Star certification where applicable. These frameworks help improve the energy performance of existing buildings, reduce environmental impacts and embed sustainable design practices across the University's campus infrastructure.
Australian and NSW building requirements
The University of Newcastle's approach to sustainable building design is supported by national and state regulatory requirements that promote energy efficiency and improved environmental performance. University construction and refurbishment projects must comply with applicable provisions of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, including Section J on energy efficiency.
In NSW, the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022 establishes additional sustainability requirements for qualifying non-residential developments and major building alterations. These include measures addressing energy and water efficiency, embodied emissions and sustainable building performance. Alongside the University's own Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) principles and Green Star objectives, these requirements help guide the delivery of more efficient, environmentally responsible campus buildings.
Energy-efficient design in practice
The University's Q Building at the Honeysuckle City Campus was the first building in regional NSW to achieve a 6 Star Green Star ‘Design and As Built’ certification, demonstrating the University's commitment to sustainable building design. The building incorporates a range of energy-efficient features, including electrochromic smart glass that automatically adjusts to heat and glare, energy-efficient LED lighting, solar panels and optimised heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These features help reduce energy consumption and improve the building's overall environmental performance.
Q Building, Honeysuckle City Campus
Together, the University's policy, ESD tools, recognised Green Star benchmarks and applicable government standards provide a consistent framework for improving the energy performance of new buildings, renovations and fitouts across the University estate.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.