The next generation of Curtin University students will reap the benefits of clean energy, via a major new industry-connected innovation hub. With more than 56,000 students, Curtin University is WA’s largest university with the main campus based in Perth, a major regional campus in Kalgoorlie and four international campuses.
The mixed-use Exchange development in Perth will deliver improvements in energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions while providing world-class educational facilities. It will include about 1,000 new student accommodation beds, a 60-room boutique hotel, 38 apartments, 3,000 square metres of commercial space and 15 specialty retail shops. The CEFC has committed up to $120 million in debt finance towards the $300 million Exchange project. The first stage of the development is expected to open in January 2022.
The Exchange is expected to save more than 2,455 tonnes of carbon emissions annually – the equivalent of taking about 520 cars off the road each year. To achieve that target, integrated sustainability initiatives will include a high-performance building façade, energy efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning, energy efficient internal lighting systems and a more than 300kw of solar PV across the project.