Environment centre coming to Immanuel

The slab goes down at Immanuel Lutheran College.

In a first for a Sunshine Coast school, a $2 million Environmental Education Centre will be constructed at Immanuel Lutheran College.

Using the latest in sustainable materials and technology, the centre’s main goal will be to promote student learning experiences. It will showcase the College’s rainforest environment by creating wet labs and ‘living’ classrooms in which students from Immanuel, USC and other Sunshine Coast schools can conduct field studies to learn about the region’s flora and fauna.

Principal Colin Minke is thrilled to see this addition to the school.

“Our environment is so important, we are very blessed. We all have a responsibility to look after it,” he said.

The 550 square metre Centre will be adjacent to Immanuel’s rainforest and will create an indoor/outdoor learning experience where the traditional classroom context will mix with real world experiences.

“There will also be opportunities to engage with local Indigenous people to map the history of the area,” Mr Minke said.

The space will also offer a venue for professional learning in which external agencies can work with students from both primary and secondary schools.

The latest in sustainable materials and technology will be used including energy efficient lighting with smart controls; photovoltaic panels to power lighting and ceiling fans; louvres to provide natural cross ventilation; larger eaves to increase daylight throughout the year without extra, unwanted heat; solar panels, solar hot water and rainwater catchment tanks; and recyclable, waterproof materials for doors and joinery.

“Helping to keep the environment as pristine as we can is something for us all to be mindful of,” Mr Minke said.

Construction of the centre is expected to be completed by late 2018.