Sustainable Futures In Education

Innovation  Study 

Australia’s first sustainable vocational education and training campus has just opened at Robina on the Gold Coast. Contemporary environmental design and construction practices were utilised throughout the building, including 250 solar panels, sensor activated lighting, a rainwater-fed automated irrigation system, as well as recycled materials and ecological finishes.

Speaking at the launch of their fourth Gold Coast campus TAFE Queensland’s Karen Dickenson said the facility was designed from the ground up to be sustainable, including the suppliers and contractors who worked on the project.

“We’ve embedded sustainability into the building, in the construction, in the fit-out and into everything you see around you… even the course curriculum - they all have a story of sustainability. This will be a very memorable and rewarding journey for all the students who choose to study here,” the TAFE Gold Coast General Manager said. 

Karen Dickinson and Di Farmer launch the new campus

Global recognition

The campus was officially unveiled by Di Farmer, the Queensland Minister for Training and Skills Development, who was suitably impressed by the new facility.

“This campus is so special. It was recognised internationally with a Silver Award in Construction at the 2022 World Federation of Colleges and Polytechnics Awards of Excellence – what a fantastic achievement!”

The Minister also acknowledged the importance of the campus to the Gold Coast.

“This is the fastest growing area in Queensland. That’s why Robina was chosen as the site. There will be 2500 students enrolled at this campus in its first 12 months, which gives you an idea of the demand for this facility,” she said.

 

The campus is officially opened

Best practice

TAFE Queensland’s objectives to have sustainability at the heart of all aspects of the new campus meant that every facet of the site from culture to curriculum was analysed to meet stringent requirements, with TAFE’s Executive Director of Education and Training Shane Palmada providing insights into the thinking behind the project.

“The way we approach everything has changed. With a sustainability lens on the curriculum all of the courses being taught at Robina have been deconstructed as a result. All of our staff have undergone 12 months’ training to understand what’s required. It’s all about best practice in sustainability,” he said.

The new campus features a substantial network of interconnected technology, which is designed to revolutionise traditional teaching styles. For instance, professionals who may not be able to visit the campus directly will be able to engage with students as virtual guests, which will create opportunities to access expertise from anywhere in the world at any time to enhance the learning experience for students.

“We want to create seamless workflows in the building, similar to the way co-working spaces operate, which is just a reflection of what we’re seeing in the real world. The old style classroom is a thing of the past,” Shane Palmada explains.

Commercial cookery students work with experienced chefs at the new facility

Real world experience

Technology also plays a key role in the ethical responsibilities of the new facility as it becomes the first TAFE campus in Australia to actively promote students bringing their own device for classes.

“If you have a lot of latent hardware that isn’t being utilised it chews up a lot of energy, even on standby mode. The bonus is that by having greater flexibility in the learning space with everyone using their own devices you’re encouraging new ways of interaction and engagement.

“Having said that, the last thing we want to see is certain demographics or social groups disadvantaged by a policy that’s designed for the greater good. Tablet devices will be available on loan to those who need them. It’s about creating greater equity by enabling access so that people don’t feel alienated within their own community,” the Executive Director of Education and Training points out.

And it’s the local community that will provide the key aspect of seamless integration into TAFE’s real world experience model on site. Whether it’s a commercially operating hospitality venture such as a café, restaurant and event centre; or a gymnasium, beauty clinic or early childhood centre, the new TAFE Robina campus is designed to engage students with locals harmoniously on their learning journey towards a more sustainable future.

TAFE's new facility is their 4th campus on the Gold Coast

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