As a combined effort, the refurbished building has effectively reduced electricity consumption and so not only costs but greenhouse gas emissions. Had the Council simply rebuilt without taking into account the ESD issues employed, consumption and greenhouse gas emissions would have tripled, and in the long run have also cost them more. Cowra Shire Council made a conscious effort to set the benchmark as leaders in local government, practicing what they preach for ratepayers to reduce costs and energy

use. The direct tangible benefit, of course, is the reduction in overheads for the Council. But the long term benefits to the Council and Cowra of being environmentally responsible also engenders good community incentive and positive gain to all.

The completed building has proved to be an asset to the Council from several aspects —

• the improved work environment has resulted in increased productivity and morale from staff;

• the use of solar passive and energy efficient methods has resulted in improved running costs; and

• the implementation of many of its special features has enabled Council to put into practice issues of being environmentally responsible.

To some, it is simply a newer, nicer building. Bright colours, open spaces and a pleasant work environment are all pluses. On the surface, the building is not that much different to any other building. But whilst not necessarily being outwardly different in issues of being a ‘green building’, the resultant building shows that there are many small yet easily achievable ways to be green. That it is not hard, and is in fact beneficial, to reduce energy consumption and overheads, take advantage of the sun (despite the poor orientation of this building) and take on environmental responsibility.

The building is ecologically, socially and fiscally responsible. Its many ESD components reinforce that environmentally sound buildings can still look like ordinary buildings. The Cowra Admin Building has won several awards, mostly in recognition of its ESD components, and continues to deliver to the Council a friendly, efficient and safe work environment, in which the staff and public alike are proud to have invested. It goes to show that ESD doesn’t have to be a weird word applied to weird buildings.

NOTES:

1. Information provided by WaterFurnace Geothermal Engineering, Wayville SA;

2. Figures based on actual kWh electricity consumption, provided by Advance Energy & Country Energy accounts for periods indicated;

3. Based on figures provided by Dr Paul Bannister & SEDA’s Building Greenhouse Rating;