The ACT's first building to achieve a six star Green Star rating has opened at the Australian National University, named to honour the legacy of esteemed scientist Frank Fenner.

The building was opened by ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young.

Young said the opening of the building is a significant step for future environment and climate change research at ANU, while developing greener buildings is part of a new era for the university

The new Frank Fenner Building houses the Fenner School of Environment and Society and the Climate Change Institute. Professor Young said the building was named after a prolific research figure in the University’s history.

The building had a host of environmental and sustainability features built in, including a photovoltaic array, hybrid air-conditioning unit, rainwater collection and recycled blackwater, resulting in a saving of over 60 per cent in carbon emissions each year.

Professor Young said: “The building will be used as a living laboratory, with live displays and a wetland which will increase biodiversity and collect stormwater runoff.

Ms Gallagher commented: "The $11 million building has achieved a 6 Green Star environmental performance rating in the Office As Built v3 category, setting a new benchmark for office building design and construction at the ANU and in the ACT.

"I congratulate the ANU on constructing a building that will be carbon neutral - achieving zero net carbon emissions from its operation," Ms Gallagher said.

Professor Young said:“Frank Fenner’s name graces a number of ANU institutions including Fenner Hall and the Fenner School of Environment and Society, but his legacy is much richer than that,” he said.

“Frank had a career that would have satisfied three great scientists: as the world expert on myxomatosis, leader of the World Health Organisation’s program to eradicate smallpox and an astute early voice warning of the risks humans pose to the future of the planet.”

A rich history with ACT architecture

Fenner’s rich history with architecture includes having his Canberra residence, designed by Robin Boyd, awarded the first Canberra Meritorious Award for Architecture in 1956, and subsequently declared a Heritage house. Read more here.

Image: ABC