Sustainability

The Cutaway is targeting 6-star Green Star Buildings rating (As‑Built).

100% renewable, low carbon operations

The Cutaway is designed for long term energy responsibility and operational carbon reduction.
  • The building is powered by 100% renewable energy as part of the precinct-wide 25 year Green Product Purchase Agreement, making operations as close as possible to carbon neutral.
  • The project achieved significant improvements in  energy performance through a range of energy-efficient design measures. From the mechanical services, these included:
    • a water-cooled heat recovery system providing free heating during cooling operation, significantly improving the central plant’s efficiency
    • seawater cooling and heating systems for periods when simultaneous heating and cooling were not required
    • CO2 and demand-based control of air handling systems
    • EC fan motors for improved efficiency under low-load conditions
    • assisted natural ventilation during periods when neither cooling nor heating was necessary.
  • The cavern’s surrounding natural sandstone wall and the landscaped Barangaroo Reserve above provide passive thermal stability, shielding the space from heat, reducing cooling loads, and enhancing resilience during extreme weather.
  • Smart building systems optimise performance under low-energy modes, reducing operational demand without compromising comfort. Some of these systems include motion and daylight sensors, and customised ventilation modes based on occupancy.
  • 94.7% of construction materials were recycled or diverted from landfill.

Retaining embodied carbon

The Cutaway’s sustainability performance begins with what already existed.
  • Reusing the subterranean building shell preserved significant embodied carbon that would otherwise have been released into the atmosphere—representing an estimated saving of ~5,700 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
  • The strategy achieved a 54% reduction in upfront carbon emissions and eliminated demolition waste entirely.
Healthy interiors with considered materials

Every finish and material within the Cutaway was selected to enhance wellbeing and reduce indoor pollutants.
  • Low-volatile organise compound (VOC) paints, adhesives and sealants significantly reduce airborne pollutants.
  • Low formaldehyde joinery and composite materials maintain a cleaner, healthier indoor environment.
  • These thoughtful choices enhance comfort for visitors, performers and staff throughout the life of the building.

Connection to Country 

Country is not an idea layered onto the project; it is embedded in the design.
  • First Nations design consultants guided how cultural knowledge shaped the building experience, architecture, materiality and landscape relationships.
  • Architectural elements reference the local environment: 
    • The sculptural timber trees draw on the Damun (Port Jackson Fig).
    • The curved interior walls echo the giba gunya (rock shelters).
  • Cultural storytelling is embedded into interior finishes: interior fabrics are designed by First Nations artists.
  • Procurement choices honour and sustain First Nations businesses, with all interior fabrics and furniture sourced from local Aboriginal enterprises—representing over $5 million in Aboriginal business engagement.

Water positive engineering

The Cutaway integrates advanced water-sensitive technologies to reduce environmental impact.
  • The project leverages the existing district cooling plant, using seawater for heat rejection, to cool the entire building, eliminating what would have been the building’s largest demand for potable water.
  • Greywater systems further reduce potable water consumption in toilets.

Structure designed to last 50 Years

Guided by Green Star principles, the Cutaway is designed to achieve long-term resilience.
  • Structural elements have been retained and reused wherever possible, reducing embodied carbon and material demands.
  • Materials and fixtures have been selected for durability, lower lifecycle impact and long-term adaptability.
  • Public spaces are designed to adapt to diverse future events, learning programmes, technologies and artforms.

Inclusive design

Accessibility and equity were fundamental drivers of the project.
  • A fully certified Changing Places facility provides safe, dignified access for people with high support needs.
  • Listed publicly on the Changing Places Australia website, the facility includes: 
    • an adult sized change table
    • a ceiling mounted hoist system
    • space for two support people.
  • Universal access has been considered throughout the venue, supported by a public lift connecting the basement car park, the Cutaway, and Stargazer Lawn.

Encouraging active and public transport

The Cutaway’s location ensures environmentally responsible mobility options for visitors and staff.
  • Situated in a highly walkable precinct, with direct access to: 
    • Barangaroo Metro
    • Ferries
    • Light rail
    • Train networks (via Wynyard Walk)
    • Continuous foreshore walking and cycling routes
  • Secure bicycle parking for up to 20 bikes and end of trip facilities support active transport for staff.
  • These transport links minimise reliance on private vehicles for large event audiences, supporting a low carbon visitor experience.