Kangan Institute’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence is officially one of Victoria’s most sustainable new training facilities, achieving a 5-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
Representing Australian excellence in better, healthier and more responsible buildings, the purpose-built facility received 54 points in building design and construction – well above the 35 required for a 5 Star rating.
It performed strongly across the positive, healthy and people categories, delivering an efficient, wellbeing focused and inclusive place for learners, staff and community.
(Natural lighting, greenery and First Nations artwork feature in the building's foyer where students and staff can rest and recharge.)
The Health and Community Centre of Excellence is designed to support Victoria's growing pipeline of nurses, carers and community workers, while helping Kangan Institute advance its net zero 2030 target.
Key sustainable features of the Health and Community Centre of Excellence:
• Clean, fresh indoor air with low‑toxicity materials and strong acoustic and daylight standards
What it means for users: healthier spaces with better concentration, less noise and more natural light
• Inclusive wellbeing spaces, plus greenery and nature inspired design throughout
What it means for users: places to pause, recharge and feel supported during training or work
• Fully powered by renewable energy, cutting carbon and water use significantly
What it means for users: a cleaner, greener facility with lower running costs and a smaller climate footprint.
• Indigenous‑led design principles and social procurement creating jobs and community benefit
What it means for users: a centre shaped through community voices, celebrating culture and creating local jobs.
(Light-filled pathology lab in the Health and Community Centre of Excellence)
Key Green Star achievements
About the facility
Opened in February 2025, the Health and Community Centre of Excellence supports more than 1,600 learners each year across nursing, aged care, pathology, early childhood education and allied health.
Supported by the Victorian Government and purpose designed to meet growing workforce demand, the centre features high-tech simulation environments, flexible teaching spaces and strong industry partnerships.
The $60 million project was designed by the award winning team at Architectus and delivered by Hutchinson Builders, with engagement from First Nations representatives, the Wurundjeri Council, and key industry and community stakeholders.
What is Green Star?
Green Star is Australia’s trusted sustainability rating tool for the built environment, setting the standard for better, healthier and more responsible buildings and places. Developed by the GBCA, Green Star has been used to certify thousands of buildings, homes and precincts around the country, driving better buildings for today and tomorrow.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney:
“Our world-class TAFEs are at the forefront of Victoria’s clean economy by delivering the best facilities in the most sustainable way.”
“Not only will this support training in vital areas like nursing and community services – it will also mean students will learn in a healthy, sustainable and inclusive building.”
Quotes attributable to Kangan Institute CEO Laura Macpherson:
“Achieving a 5 Star Green Star rating is a proud milestone for Kangan Institute and shows what’s possible when sustainability, innovation and education come together.”
“This achievement means our students, staff and community can learn, teach and connect in a healthier, more sustainable environment. We are designing the future of skills training with the wellbeing of people and the planet at the centre.”
Quotes attributable to GBCA CEO, Davina Rooney:
“This project shows what’s possible when we design buildings around people.”
“A 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating means this centre is healthier to learn and work in, cheaper to run over time and aligned with Kangan Institute’s net zero ambitions. We congratulate the team for delivering such a thoughtful and high-performing facility.”
