Sustainable Energy

Located at Griffith University’s Nathan campus in Brisbane, the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre is a pioneer in sustainable self-sufficiency: the first large scale building in the world to utilise low pressure hydrogen to store the solar energy it generates. 

Aimed at demonstrating how solar energy can be captured in areas where there’s no electricity grid, this living laboratory incorporates an extensive variety of sensors to monitor energy generation and use. It provides a rich stream of data that scientists use for designing similar installations and optimising the operation of the Sir Samuel Griffith Centre itself. 

Constructing this marvel of sustainable engineering required our team to collaborate with solar panel specialists. Together we developed a solar panel and energy production scheme that incorporated photovoltaic panels which generate their own power supply. Supplemented by hydrogen power and batteries that store the solar power for night-time and low-sunlight weather use, this system allows the building to run almost exclusively off-grid. 

Far exceeding our client’s expectations, this highly complex 6-Star Green Star building also features grey water recycling, advanced water collection and natural ventilation. It was constructed from approximately 30 per cent recycled material.