In addition to their prowess with rainwater harvesting (and, of course, that whole permaculture thing), Aussies will soon be able to lay claim to another green distinction: the tallest building in the world constructed with using Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). The high-rise apartment building, slated for Victoria Harbour, Melbourne, will also be shooting for 5 Green Star As Built certification, the Land Down Under’s equivalent of LEED Platinum for New Construction.

CLT tech, which has already been used in Europe for a decade or so, will deliver better thermal performance than conventional high-rise framing techniques while requiring less energy to heat and cool, said Mark Menhinnitt, Chief Executive Officer for the Australian arm of the project’s developer, Lend Lease, in a statement. He goes on to note that the CLT structure — combined with other design elements such as natural light, ventilation, sweeping outdoor views — will make it a healthier living option as well.
. . .
Other green features of the project include space for a vegetable garden for each apartment; LED lights; easy access to both a bike-share and car-share program, as well as public transportation; and (yes) rainwater harvesting. It will encompass over ten stories, offering 23 boutique residential apartments and four townhouses located just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge in inner-city Melbourne.
http://www.earthtechling.com/2012/06...of-eco-timber/