Green office buildings need not be expensive was the message coming out of the Property Council of Australia’s forum Bein’ green – what does it take? held on Wednesday 18 February at the Crowne Plaza Darwin.
The Property Council’s NT Executive Director, Ms Karen White said that with growing public interest in energy efficiency and reducing green house emissions the Property Council wanted to communicate to members and guests what it takes to gain a ‘green’ rating.
“More and more building owners and developers are being asked to demonstrate the sustainable performance of their buildings.
The Property Council asked developers and practitioners involved in local green office developments to discuss their experiences, and challenges, pursuing a green rating for their buildings,” she said.
Principle speaker and founder of Winston Group, Mr Clinton Arentz is currently building the Northern Territory’s first commercial office development designed to achieve a five star NABERS energy rating.
The building, Arnhemica at 16 Parap Road, Parap, will set a new precedent in office developments in the Northern Territory and has already achieved a NABERS commitment agreement for initial modelling of the development in terms of its energy efficient design, delivery and operation.
Due for completion in April, the $12 million development will set a new benchmark in office accommodation for Darwin.
Mr Arentz says that bein’ green doesn’t mean spending more ‘green’ and pre planning will ensure green rating success.
“The NABERS scheme is a world first initiative developed for Australian conditions, providing accredited assessments of the greenhouse intensity of office buildings by awarding a star rating on a scale of one to five,” Mr Arentz said.
“An important key to targeting the 5-Star rating is to incorporate the modelling into the project right from the start. There is a common misconception that an energy efficient building is going to be more expensive to build – but if you plan it well from the start this isn’t necessarily the case.”
The forum was kindly sponsored by Winston Group and Connell Wagner.
