Fenner’s sustainable future realised

The legacy of esteemed scientist Frank Fenner lives on in a new building opened at The Australian National University named in his honour. The state-of-the-art, energy efficient building was opened by ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher and ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Young. The new Frank Fenner Building houses the Fenner School of Environment and Society and the Climate Change Institute. Professor Young said the building was named after a prolific research figure in the University's history. "Frank Fenner's name graces a number of ANU institutions including Fenner Hall and the Fenner School of Environment and Society, but his legacy is much richer than that," he said. "Frank had a career that would have satisfied three great scientists: as the world expert on myxomatosis, leader of the World Health Organisation's program to eradicate smallpox and an astute early voice warning of the risks humans pose to the future of the planet." Professor Young said the building had a host of environmental and sustainability features built in, which would put it in the top 25 per cent of buildings in Australia in terms of environmental performance. "The new building houses a photovoltaic array, hybrid air-conditioning unit, rainwater collection and recycled blackwater, resulting in a saving of over 60 per cent in carbon emissions each year," he said.