BRIT facility manager Andy Walker believes Bendigo has the potential to be at the cutting edge of sustainable design by offering relevant training to existing tradespeople and their trainees.

He said the planned $11 million expansion of BRIT's Charleston Road campus would enable retraining of plumbers, builders and electrical tradesman in new sustainable technologies as well as teaching building sustainable business practices to students.

Mr Walker said this week's funding announcement means BRIT can now begin designing its campus makeover before construction of the new facilities starts.

He said new buildings would include sustainable features, such as rainwater collection and storage systems for the large roof space and solar panels to supplement its power supply.

The proximity of the campus to the Epsom Spring Gully Pipeline offers the potential to tap into recycled water use.

Mr Walker said the new feed-in tariff for solar power, which reduces the payback time for installing photovoltaic cell systems, along with central Victoria's natural climate advantages, put Bendigo in a perfect position to take up sustainable technology, as well as generating demand for trades to service the new industry.

He said the new sustainable BRIT buildings should be completed within about 18 months, giving current apprentices know-how through their curriculum and hands-on experience through the buildings they work in everyday.

Mr Walker said the upgraded campus and course content would position Bendigo as a specialist area for the emerging technologies of the future.

This (development) is a great opportunity,'' he said.