Skillset has long believed that current energy consumption and construction practices are unsustainable and have deliberately changed their corporate practices to a more environmentally friendly and ecologically responsible position. This is in line with both State and Federal Government's plan for a more sustainable future.
As part of the Federal Government's Education Investment Fund, Skillset applied for, and was successful in obtaining $5million to construct a world class carbon efficiency skills centre to be located in Bathurst. Skillset itself will also contribute a substantial amount towards the project.
The Flannery Centre (as it will be known) is hoped to achieve at least a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia with a high energy rating. The Flannery Centre will be a focal point for the region not only in the training of apprenticeships, concentrating on emerging green skills, but also to assist businesses and their current and prospective workers to make the transition to a low carbon world.
The initial phase of the project once successful in achieving funding was to learn more about what lessons other organisations have learnt from building sustainable buildings. This was achieved by a tour of many Green Star accredited buildings in NSW, Queensland and Victoria. This time was also utilised to assess the most appropriate way of managing the project to a successful conclusion. It was finally decided the best option was to engage an experienced Project Management company who has already built Green Star accredited buildings and are comfortable with managing different contractors and professionals at the same time whilst never losing sight of the stated goals.
At the appropriate time, it is hoped to have input from all stakeholders, including Skillset staff in the Flannery Centre project. This will occur after the PM company has been selected. Consultation and coordination with many people will be integral in achieving a user and environmentally friendly building. It is planned the building will be completed by 30 June 2010.