The Lendlease-built Glasshouse Theatre at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) has achieved a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built rating, exceeding its original 4 Star target.
Awarded by the Green Building Council of Australia, the rating recognises the project’s approach to sustainability across its design and construction, with measures introduced to reduce environmental impacts during delivery and ongoing operations.
During construction, renewable electricity was used across site operations, including a large battery system that powered one of the project’s tower cranes in place of a diesel generator. Renewable diesel was also used in a 230-tonne mobile crane during major lifting works.
Material selection also contributed to the project’s sustainability performance, with Queensland ironbark incorporated into the auditorium and cross-laminated timber used to reduce the environmental impact of construction.
The completed theatre incorporates water-efficient fixtures, native and drought-tolerant landscaping, reflective roofing and low-emission finishes to support its long-term environmental performance.
Lendlease general manager of construction for Queensland and the Northern Territory Matt Eastman said the rating recognised the collective efforts of the project team.
“Achieving a 5 Star Green Star rating is a significant milestone for Lendlease and our project partners, recognising the shared focus on sustainability that guided the Glasshouse Theatre from design through to completion,” he said.
“From lower-emissions construction methods to thoughtfully selected materials, the project was designed to reduce environmental impact while creating a venue that will serve Queensland audiences for generations to come.”
Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said sustainability had been incorporated throughout the project’s development.
“The 5 Star Green Star rating recognises the commitment to sustainability that has been carefully considered throughout the theatre’s design, construction and its ongoing operations,” he said.
QPAC chief executive Rachel Healy also recognised the project team’s contribution to achieving the rating.
“To receive a 5 Star Green Star rating is further recognition of the building’s remarkable design and construction led by Department of Housing and Public Works with architects Blight Rayner + Snøhetta and managing contractor Lendlease,” she said.
“It’s particularly significant that one of the heroes of the design, the stunning curved Ironbark that wraps around the auditorium, doesn’t just serve an acoustic and visual purpose, but is also one of the most visible sustainable design choices that contributed to the rating. The Glasshouse Theatre certainly wears its sustainable heart on its sleeve.”
Built by Lendlease on behalf of the Queensland Government and QPAC, the Glasshouse Theatre opened in March 2026, expanding QPAC to five venues and making it Australia’s largest performing arts centre under one roof.
