We’re proud to announce that Sydney Swans HQ has been recognised for excellence in sustainable design and construction, being awarded a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

The project has seen the transformation of Sydney’s iconic Royal Hall of Industries building into a world-class home for our AFL and AFLW teams, the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, community partners GO Foundation, Clontarf Foundation, and Lifeblood, as well as gym 98 Training, and Hoops Capital, the owners of the Sydney Kings and Flames.

Established in 2002, GBCA aims to lead the sustainable transformation of Australia’s built environment. Design & As Built ratings consider nine categories that define best practice in environmental design. Sydney Swans HQ received points in all nine categories including Management, Indoor Environment Quality, Energy, Transport, Water, Energy, Land Use & Ecology, Emissions, and Innovation. GBCA’s 5 Star certification represents Australian excellence in better, healthier and more responsible buildings.

Working together through the project, the Sydney Swans and GBCA identified several key initiatives to minimise impact on the environment and promote sustainable design and operations. Some of these include:

• Rooftop solar panels to power the building with renewable energy from the sun.
• Skylights and plenty of well-placed windows to maximise natural light within building.
• Upgrades to existing glazing on the Royal Hall of Industries and a new high-performance Danpatherm façade to the basketball court, improving indoor conditions while reducing pressure on heating and cooling systems.
• Rainwater tanks to increase recycled water usage.

Meanwhile, the decision to adapt an existing building rather than construct a brand-new facility heavily reduced the use of materials and associated embodied carbon.

Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said a commitment to sustainability has always been at the forefront of planning.

“We went into this project with a clear vision to deliver a world-class facility that would be environmentally sustainable, both now and into the future. We’re proud to have been recognised for that commitment by being awarded a 5 Star certification through the Green Building Council of Australia,” Harley said.

Sydney Swans HQ was designed by architects Populous and constructed by FDC, an Australian owned, leading building delivery partner with over 30 years of experience.

FDC Project Director George Pavlakos said the organisation is committed to practices that are environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

“At FDC we pride ourselves on delivering best-in-class construction, fit-out, refurbishment and building services across a diverse range of sectors. We are extremely proud to have partnered with the Sydney Swans and others, in delivering the 5 Star Green Star rating on this project.”

GBCA CEO, Davina Rooney, congratulated the team behind Sydney Swans HQ for achieving a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built certification. 

"The Sydney Swans are setting a remarkable example both on and off the field. While their AFL team has spent most of the season on top of the ladder, behind the scenes they have shown great leadership in sustainability, earning a 5 Star Green Star rating for their redeveloped Sydney Swans HQ.”

To find out more about Green Star ratings visit: www.gbca.org.au