Nyaal Banyul leads the way in health, safety and sustainability

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA – Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has been awarded the internationally recognised WELL Health-Safety Rating, becoming the first convention centre in the Asia-Pacific region to achieve the certification.

The achievement builds on Nyaal Banyul’s sustainability credentials, following its recent 5-Star Green Star rating, which recognises excellence in environmentally sustainable building practices.

The certifications recognise Nyaal Banyul’s commitment to health, safety, wellbeing and sustainability, validating the measures in place to create a welcoming environment for visitors, delegates, exhibitors and staff.

Key initiatives noted in the WELL Health-Safety certification include:

• enhanced cleaning and sanitisation
• improved indoor air quality through increased outdoor air and high-efficiency filtration
• robust emergency preparedness planning
• clear health and wellbeing policies

In receiving the 5-star Green Star rating, Nyaal Banyul was recognised as excelling in several areas including:

• Positive contribution to environmental issues including carbon, water and material (from construction) management.
• Encourages solutions that address social health of the community.
• Designed, procured, built and handed over in a responsible manner.

Together, these initiatives support a safe, resilient and sustainable venue, and provide confidence to everyone who visits Nyaal Banyul.

Nyaal Banyul General Manager Rick Aylett said the certifications were a significant milestone for Nyaal Banyul.

“From day one, our focus has been on delivering exceptional event experiences while supporting the wellbeing of our visitors and staff. These credentials demonstrate that commitment is embedded in both the design and operation of the venue.”

Plenary Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Crowe said achieving the credentials was a significant achievement for the Nyaal Banyul precinct, creating a lasting legacy for Geelong.

“While Nyaal Banyul is recognised for its landmark architecture, these credentials show that good design goes further by minimising the impact on the environment and creating a safe and welcoming place for people.”

“Congratulations to our project partners involved in delivering a venue that has embedded health, wellbeing and sustainability into both its design and ongoing operations.”

Built Head of Operations Andrew Morgan said the certifications reflect the project’s long-term focus on creating a venue that delivers lasting value for Geelong and the wider region.

“Our vision for Nyaal Banyul was to create a world-class venue that also sets a new benchmark in its sector for health, safety and wellbeing in Australia.”

“Achieving the WELL Health-Safety Rating is recognition that our commitment to excellence extends beyond construction and provides a framework to continue to deliver positive outcomes for the community well into the future.”

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is administered by the International WELL Building Institute and requires third-party verification of strategies across areas including cleaning and sanitisation, emergency preparedness, health services, air and water quality management, and stakeholder engagement.

Nyaal Banyul achieved 16 verified WELL Health-Safety features as part of the certification process.

The Green Star Buildings rating by the Green Building Council of Australia assesses the sustainability performance of a building’s design and construction.

Leaders from Plenary, Nyaal Banyul, Wadawurrung and precinct architects Woods Bagot will be participating in a panel discussion about the venue design and development process at the upcoming Victorian Regional Design fair, part of Geelong Design Week. More details at www.geelongdesignweek.com.au