Sustainably preparing for AIID construction

Embedding sustainability into the AIID project is a key priority. This extends to the preparation of the AIID site ahead of construction. Concerted efforts are being made to reuse furniture and fittings from the existing buildings. 

In particular, a former student accommodation building on the AIID site has been dismantled with hundreds of items saved and redeployed to new student accommodation being established in Dookie. 

This has included 60 bed frames and mattresses, 70 bedside tables, 70 desks, 58 study chairs and 58 bar fridges, as well as several large communal items. 

Similarly, a large volume of office furniture has been recovered from 780 Elizabeth Street including more than 130 chairs, 44 workstations, large screens and video conferencing equipment, kitchen appliances, sofas and tables. 

University of Melbourne Program Director – Capital Works Russell Vicary said that embedding sustainability principles into the project just made sense. 

“The redeployment of high-quality furniture and appliances is a win-win for the project,” he said. 

“Not only does it minimise expenses for the new student accommodation and other university office fit-outs, it ensures those items don’t needlessly end up in landfill.  

“Sustainability is front of mind for the AIID Project Team and we are looking to embed sustainability principles into the project wherever practicable.” 

This is one of the first of many sustainability measures that will feature in the AIID establishment and early works, and we look forward to sharing other initiatives as works progress. 

Image at right: a salvaged and reused student desk.