Energy Consumption

The most obvious improvement is the comfort level for those working and visiting the building. In a region which has 50 frosts and below freezing temperatures in winter, over 40 degree C heat in summer, and a diurnal range in spring and autumn of 20 degrees C plus, the benefit of a pleasant work environment goes without saying.

Previously the staff were cold in winter, often supplying their own small electric blow heaters at each desk, whilst in summer only a few offices had individual air conditioning units, and most of the staff sweltered in the heat. A comparison of power consumption over similar periods between the new completed building and the previous two buildings combined, indicates that although floor area has increased, the energy use per m2 is only marginally greater, and at times slightly less — refer Graph 1. Thus, despite the addition of full heating and cooling to the larger building, it has not significantly increased its impact on the environment, producing an average of 109.5 kg CO2/m2 (gross area) annually.

NOTE: Vacation of the main building to enable construction commenced in April, 1999, and the completed building was not fully back in operation until April 2000; Whilst consumption records for the new building have been provided monthly, the old building

Graph 1 —

Series 1 — Old Buildings, May 1998 to Jan 1999 Series 2 — New Building, May 2000 to Jan 2001 Series 3 — New Building, May 2003 to Jan 2004

Further, using the SEDA benchmark for office buildings with full HVAC systems3, rated for NSW at 135 kWh/m2/pa or 486 Mj/m2/pa, this building potentially performs extremely well. Although the figures above are based on gross floor area, it is expected that when a thorough AGBR rating (Australia Building Greenhouse Rating) is carried out, the building will still score extremely well, most likely above industry best practice.

Taking into account the increase in both floor area and services, the increased energy use and therefore emissions generation is in effect less than that generated by the old buildings — refer Table 3. And this is in a climate of extremes and heavy heating and cooling loadings.

SERVICES & ENERGY

Old Buildings

New Building

Facilities Provided —

HVAC system

Individual as hoc heaters & fans

Lift

Auto doors

Networked computer systems

Electronic security system

Extensive communication system

Controlled thermal comfort

Total Energy Consumption (av., based on gross area

KWh/m2/pa

94.9

109.5

Mi/m2/pa

341.64

394.2

Kg CO2/m2/pa

94.9

109.5

Table 3 — Energy & Services Comparison between Old and New Buildings