International House Sydney is an engineered timber pre-fabricated six-storey building system. It has received 6 Star Green Star for Office v3 Design and targeting the same for As Built Rating. The NABERS Commitments for the Base Building are Energy 5 Stars, Water 5 Stars, Waste 5 Stars, Indoor Environment Quality 5 Stars, and the Tenancy Energy 5 Stars.

To control summer heat entry, external shading and high performance glazing is used to minimize additional energy use. For internal climate control Passive chilled beams are used throughout. Chilled water comes from the energy and water efficient district cooling plant using plate heat exchangers. Filtered harbour water is pumped straight into custom made chillers. This eliminates the risk of legionella or other microbial contagions being emitted into the atmosphere. This also eliminates the use of heat rejection water, whilst providing energy efficiency much higher than air cooled chillers.

The air conditioning system is a 100% outside air system, with the minimum flow being a 40% increase on AS1668.2. The system also has CO2 monitoring for indoor air quality.

Gas fired forced draught boilers are used for reheating and domestic hot water.

Non-potable water supply is from the Recycled Water Treatment Plant and is used for flushing toilets.

The inclusion of a fire stair that also acted as a circulation stair, using fire rated glass, reducing the use of lifts.

Low energy LED lighting is used throughout, with programmable controls including motion sensors and daylight harvesting.

A large 111kW solar photovoltaic system installed on roof, produces enough electricity to power 41% of the base building loads

End of trip facilities and visitor bike racks are provided to encourage active commuting.