Buildings
that are energy and resource efficient are often labelled 'green
buildings'. For
reasons
we have explained elsewhere, we at White Hat find the use of the word
'green' a somewhat mindless marketing term in the Australian context and
prefer to use more objective terms such as environmentally sustainable
design (ESD).
Below are some of the more significant energy efficient buildings in
Melbourne together with tours and events related to sustainable design.
City
Council House 2 is the main administration building of the City of
Melbourne (Melbourne City Council). When it opened in August 2006 it
represented one of the most energy-conscious office buildings in the world
and received the (then) maximum six star rating from the Green Building
Council of Australia. Full details at
Council House 2.
Docklands
Digital Harbour Port 1010, was the first new development at Docklands
to achieve a Green Building Council, 5 Star Green Star Office Design
rating. The main challenge at Digital Harbour Port 1010 was to ensure
that the development�s goal of maximised energy and water efficiency and
minimised environmental impact was achieved in a cost effective
solution. NDY adopted a holistic approach to environmental and energy
efficient design through key initiatives including but not limited to:
- An onsite blackwater treatment facility
- Use of a variable air volume (VAV) system to regulate energy use
- Energy efficient lighting solutions
- Carbon dioxide monitoring and control resulting in reduced
emissions
- A night purge system for natural building cooling
- The use of 100% fresh air economy cycles improving ventilation
throughout the building
- A high efficiency fa�ade that reduces heat load without
compromising external views.
As Port 1010 at Docklands is located on previously contaminated land,
the excavation of the site and the balance of earth removed was
minimised. Native plants were introduced to this previously under-utilised
land to improve the site�s ecological value and minimise irrigation
requirements.
The
Guage at Melbourne Docklands has been awarded the Green Buildings of
Australia Six Green Star rating. Features include:
- An on site electricity cogeneration system
- A number of initiatives to reduce potable water consumption
Inner suburbs
Currently one of Australia�s highest-rated green office buildings.
This state of the art, environmentally friendly and energy sustainable
development represents a benchmark for the best practice design and
performance in green office building. It has been acknowledged by
industry and recognised by winning several national awards. It is a
landmark in sustainable design and engineering with a six star rating
from the Green Building Council of Australia. 40 Albert Road has been
redeveloped from an average 20 year old, five floor office block to a
sustainable building taking careful consideration of today�s
environmental impacts.
This warehouse, now converted to office and commercial spaces, was
one of the first in Melbourne to attempt to apply a whole range of
sustainable design principles to such a conversion. The list of tenants
gives some indication that this is a hub for a number
conservation-minded organisations. Tenants include The Australian
Business Council for Sustainable Energy, Australian Conservation
Foundation, Birds Australia, Environment Defenders Office, Environment
Victoria, Going Solar and the Victorian National Parks Association.
Middle & outer suburbs
Country & Regional Victoria
A five star energy rated rural building located in the heart of
Bendigo. This building
demonstrates environmental best practice as recognised by the Green
Building Council of Australia. Bendigo Bank�s objectives have also
encompassed staff satisfaction acknowledging the importance of work
place. In addition, energy and water efficiency innovations have
resulted in a five star energy performance to the Australian Building
Greenhouse rating. This building is full of many ground-breaking
Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) characteristics.
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