Certified green: The Reef Authority’s Stanley Place office earns Green Star recognition

In a significant step toward its sustainability goals, the Reef Authority has achieved 6 star Green Star Interiors certification for its new head office at Stanley Place in Townsville. This nationally recognised rating from the Green Building Council of Australia affirms the Reef Authority’s commitment to environmentally responsible, climate-conscious workplaces.

The move to Stanley Place in 2024 was more than a change of scenery ̶ it was a strategic transition designed to modernise operations, improve staff wellbeing, and embed sustainability into the fabric of the workplace. The office boasts natural light, thoughtful layouts, contemporary furnishings, and an abundance of indoor greenery that together create a calm, energising environment.

“Sustainable thinking played a key role in the planning and design of the building,” said Patrick Lally, Assistant Director of Sustainability. “You can feel the difference when you walk in – it’s a space that reflects our values, and our staff feel more positive and energised coming to work each day.”

This sense of alignment between values and environment is at the heart of the certification.

What is Green Star certification? 

Green Star is Australia’s leading sustainability rating system for buildings and fit outs, developed by the Green Building Council of Australia. It assesses projects across key areas such as: 

• Energy efficiency 

• Water conservation 

• Indoor environmental quality 

• Use of sustainable and low-emission materials 

• Waste management and innovation 

By achieving Green Star certification, the Reef Authority has demonstrated how government workplaces can reduce their environmental footprint while creating healthier, more productive spaces for staff. 

Key sustainability features of the Stanley Place head office 

The Stanley Place fit-out includes a range of practical and innovative design elements aimed at reducing environmental impact: 

• Energy efficiency: The office is equipped with energy-efficient lighting and air conditioning, with energy use monitored to identify ongoing improvements. 

• Water conservation: Low-flow taps and appliances ensure water is used sparingly – a priority in Townsville’s dry climate. 

• Sustainable materials: Fit-out materials include carpets made from recycled fishing line, reclaimed timber furnishings, and low-VOC paints that improve indoor air quality. 

• Waste reduction: Centralised recycling stations help minimise waste to landfill. 

• Indoor air quality: The air conditioning system draws in fresh outdoor air, complemented by lush indoor plants that purify the air and create a welcoming, healthy environment. 

• Sustainable transport: With end-of-trip facilities for cyclists and close access to public transport, staff are encouraged to reduce commuting emissions. 

Respecting culture through design

The Reef Authority’s approach to sustainability includes honouring the Traditional Owners of the Great Barrier Reef region. As part of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, Indigenous design principles were embedded throughout the new office, from co-designed meeting room names to acknowledgement plaques and the display of Indigenous art. This ensures the space is not only environmentally sustainable but culturally respectful and inclusive.

What’s next? 

Green Star certification marks a proud moment in the Reef Authority’s broader Sustainability Strategy. But the work doesn’t stop here. The organisation is actively progressing toward its next goal ̶ achieving net-zero operational emissions by 2030. Initiatives like purchasing 100 per cent GreenPower electricity and investing in climate-smart operations are keeping this ambition on track. 

With the Stanley Place office now a certified Green Star project, the Reef Authority continues to lead by example ̶ proving that sustainable, people-centred design is not just possible but powerful.