Territory’s first 4 Star Green Star building certified at Power and Water’s Ben Hammond Complex.
13 May 2009 - Media Release
While there are a number of office and commercial developments that are ‘going for green’, Power and Water Corporation has just received a 4 Star Green Star – Office Design v2 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). This recognition of best practice is a first for the Territory and only the second north of the Tropic of Capricorn.
The new building’s design showcases increased energy efficiency and reduced emissions, two of the most significant factors in minimising a building’s environmental impact.
Power and Water’s Employee and Organisational Services General Manager, Rebecca Kardos said, ‘The new office building provided Power and Water with an opportunity to put into practice electricity, water and waste management strategies right at the design phase of the project.
‘We wanted to demonstrate that it is achievable it is to design a green building without compromising design and making it costly.
‘The 4 Star Green Star certification recognises not only the design elements incorporated into the building but the efforts of the team behind it.’ She said.
‘Power and Water’s 4 Star Green Star building not only sets a new green benchmark for developments in the Territory, but also demonstrates how good tropical design can overcome the challenges of distance, extreme temperatures and humidity to deliver a sustainable building,” says Robin Mellon, the GBCA’s Executive Director – Green Star.
Built by Laing O’Rourke, the design of the new office and workshop buildings was undertaken by GHD and Darwin-based MKEA Architects.
In addition to the Green Star rated building, redevelopment across the Ben Hammond Complex is also the largest commercial project to date in the Territory to incorporate a comprehensive environmental strategic design resulting in a 20% reduction in energy and water use across the entire site.
Some of the design features contributing to certification of the building (which is now completed) are:
- Control of temperature levels
- Daylight glare control
- Use of non-volatile organic compounds for finishes such as painted surfaces, carpets, adhesives and sealants
- 5 star greenhouse rating for energy use and emissions
- Cyclist features such as storage, showers and changing facilities
- Landscape irrigation water efficiency
- Water saving fittings such as toilets, taps and showerheads
- Recycling waste storage
The Green Star environmental rating system for buildings was developed by the Green Building Council of Australia and is the nation’s first comprehensive rating system for evaluating environmental design and performance.
Before a Green Star rating can be awarded, all design submissions must be assessed by an independent panel of professionals from a diverse range of industry backgrounds including property development, construction, engineering and architectural design, and environment.
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