The 2019 Sustainability AwardsThe 2019 Architecture & Design Sustainability Awards were in many ways a milestone. This is because, being the 13th year, it is also a turning point as in 2020, Australia’s biggest and oldest built environment sustainability awards will be moving to Melbourne for the very first time.

So, this may be a prudent time to point out that next year will be the first time the awards have been outside of Sydney, thereby giving rise to the opportunity to broaden not only the awards’ entry base but also the diversity of people who come to our Gala Night to enjoy the festivities and the announcement of the winners.

In all, the Architecture & Design Sustainability Awards have a purpose – to help promote (or increase if you like) the sustainability of the dwellings in our built environment.

According to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and its ‘Every building counts: A practical plan for emissions reduction’ initiative, designed to transform Australia’s built environment and achieve net zero emissions by 2050, it is not usually discussed by the wider media that our buildings currently account for over 50 percent of Australia’s electricity use and almost a quarter of our carbon emissions.

This is why sustainability really does matter in a practical sense, as any savings incurred by increasing sustainability helps both the individual hip pocket and entire planet.

While Australia is a leading light in sustainable building design, and it is well-known that other countries have started to take note of the techniques that our builders use, the international recognition for our sustainably focussed architects and designers has been somewhat slower in coming.

This is where the Sustainability Awards come in. As a national and highly-respected program designed from the outset to reward those that design with sustainability in mind, the idea is to help promote the work like that of the 17 from the 2019 program – and to ensure that Australian architects and designers receive the kudos they so richly deserve. And in 2020, the cultural capital of Australia will find out just why this is such an important issue.

BRANKO MILETIC

EDITOR, ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

2

DICK CLARKE

DIRECTOR & BUILDING DESIGNER,

ENVIROTECTURE

JEREMY SPENCER

DIRECTOR & BUILDER,

POSITIVE FOOTPRINTS

MAHALATH HALPERIN

DIRECTOR, MAHALATH

HALPERIN ARCHITECTS

KNUT MENDEN

SENIOR ASSOCIATE,

BVN

SANDRA FURTADO

M.ARCH, M.BE (SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT)

RORY MARTIN

SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER

– RESIDENTIAL, FRASERS

PROPERTY AUSTRALIA

JEAN GRAHAM

DIRECTOR,

WINTER ARCHITECTURE

KATE HARRIS

CEO, GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL

CHOICE AUSTRALIA (GECA)

MICHAEL FAINE

REGISTERED ARCHITECT,

FAINE GROUP ARCHTECTS

SARA WILKINSON

PROFESSOR OF SUSTAINABLE

PROPERTY, UNIVERSITY OF

TECHNOLOGY SYDNEY

The Awards Jury

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

3

A&D: What puts James Hardie on centre stage as a global leader in fibre cement manufacturing and buildings solutions? How do you differentiate from other building materials companies?

TE: James Hardie has a global presence. We have great products and great people, and we’re number one in every market we choose to participate in. Our strategy begins with the foundation of “Zero Harm”: we are committed to safe people, safe places and safe systems.

James Hardie embraces four guiding principles to ensure that our products are designed with sustainable best practice:• Renewable and recyclable resources• Water resources and energy conservation• Protection of the environment• Full life cycle and product sustainability

We recognise the importance of minimising our impact on the environment. This includes the development of industry leading, innovative, durable products and building solutions. We also strive for continual improvements to manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental impact of our products over their full life cycle.

As part of James Hardie’s long-standing commitment to reducing environmental impacts of our products we have been working with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) since 1999. LCA is an internationally standardised method for identifying and quantifying the impact of a product across its life cycle – from raw material extraction through to disposal/recycling/reuse. LCA provides James Hardie with the information to focus on the processes and materials that make the biggest contribution to the environmental impact of our products.

A&D: What does the term ‘a sustainable future’ mean to James Hardie?

TE: James Hardie’s commitment to environmental excellence and the value the company places on long-term sustainability is reflected in its maintenance of a comprehensive environmental management system together with our commitment to efficient manufacturing processes.

Our approach to sustainability is in response to the role that buildings and construction play on our natural habitat. Accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the building and construction sector has an important role to play to mitigate our environmental impact. Indeed, for everyone in the industry, meeting the needs of our society without breaching the earth’s ecological boundaries will demand a paradigm shift in our behaviour.

Together with our clients, we work to deliver products, buildings and cities with not only the lowest possible impact, but towards systems of means of production that are healthy, circular, climate friendly and resilient.

A&D: What are the different ways that James Hardie contributes to sustainability in the company’s strategies, missions and goals?

TE: James Hardie’s commitment to environmental excellence and the value the company places on long-term sustainability is reflected in its maintenance of a comprehensive environmental management system together with our commitment to efficient manufacturing processes.Our Sustainably Manufactured Product

Highlights Include:• High quality standards for the raw materials

used to drive best in class performance of our products;

• At least 75% of our raw materials are locally sourced, reducing the environmental impact caused by transportation of materials;

• James Hardie’s 19 manufacturing plants on four continents support the respective regional economies in which they are located, again reducing the environmental impact caused by transportation of our product;

• Raw materials such as cement, cellulose pulp, sand, and water are low in toxicity; and

• Durable fiber cement and fiber gypsum materials not only require fewer resources for replacement, but help reduce maintenance, repair and replacement costs.

• James Hardie has decided to adopt the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) framework. The GRI will provide a framework for us to report on material topics, their related impacts and how they are managed, and is the most widely adopted framework for Environmental, Social and Governance reporting.

A&D: As housing standards evolve and respond to environmental issues, how do you see your products align with the sustainability and a positive ecological and social impact?

TE: James Hardie can play an important role in providing responsible products and reliable and comprehensive data and information. We can also take responsibility for the life cycle performance of our products as part of construction systems. This commitment can be seen through all

Q+A with James Hardie’s Tim Elliott

Architecture and Design is pleased to have James Hardie as the official sponsor of the ‘Commercial Architecture (Large)’ category at the 2019 Sustainability Awards. Counting down the days to this year’s awards, we spoke to Tim Elliott, the Product Manager (Commercial) at James Hardie and discuss the company goals and process for their sustainability initiatives in response to the evolving nature of the architecture and design industry.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

4

elements of our business, from the way we operate to the products we offer. For instance, our commercial façade system, ExoTec™, has been engineered to endure, with durability and water tightness a key feature of the product.

The ExoTec façade panel and system and our new RAB™ Board sheathing working together as part of the James Hardie fully certified wall system ensures a compliant, trusted, durable cladding system. The RAB Board itself replacing the traditional plastic wrap or metal backpanning with an FC weather barrier to create acontinuous weatherproof seal across the building. The RAB™ Board is installed beneath external cladding or rain screens and delivers superior water resistance and long-term durability and strength whilst its breathable design allows vapours to escape. This combination protects the framework and water sensitive materials from mould and degradation, during and after the construction process.

With this in mind, our products work to create buildings more sustainable, optimising energy efficiency of the wall by reducing air leakage, protecting the wall from direct heat transfer and protecting water sensitive materials from degradation.

James Hardie works to go beyond the product, assessing systems and buildings to ensure we maximise sustainability wherever we go and whoever we work with. We use recognised standards and methods as the basis for communicating relative environmental credentials with clients and stakeholders. Our credentials, information and transparency can already be used to obtain credit points under GBCA’s Green Star rating tools, specifically relevant to the Life Cycle Impacts and Responsible Building Materials credits.

James Hardie understands its role in providing standardised, trusted and comprehensive data and information. To this end James Hardie has continued to produce LCA reports, with updates in 2013 and 2015. James Hardie was also an early adopter of Environmental Product Declarations in Australia, publishing third party verified life cycle information and data for their external claddings range in 2017, and with the full product range being published in 2019. We believe this leadership position and transparency will not only set an example for industry, but also help all building professionals make better and more informed decisions.

A&D: What are the biggest problems that the industry is faced in building production and manufacturing in adapting to sustainability requirements and how do you overcome those challenges?

TE: There are several major challenges for industry to deliver buildings with lower life cycle carbon and environmental impacts, healthier environments for the occupants, ethical labour practices in supply chains and resilience against extreme weather events.

At James Hardie, we strive for continual improvements to manufacturing processes to reduce the environmental impact of our products over their full life cycle, and research has shown that our lightweight and durable products have significant advantages and potential to contribute to a low carbon, low resource and resilient built environment. To practically support this, James Hardie’s Engineering Solutions Team work with architects and manage the MyHardies Industry Professional web portal with practical tools,

resources and information. James Hardie’s Estimations Team assist with ensuring minimal on-site wastage by optimising sheets and designs for maximum coverage.

A&D: How do you see the architecture and design industry, specifically with building materials and solutions, evolving in response to the sustainability shift for the future?

TE: We see the industry moving towards a higher focus on environmental, resource and cost optimisation through:• Increased focus on raising awareness and

coalescing agreement on sustainability related challenges.

• Accelerating the shift to low embodied carbon materials in all work. All new projects will be evaluated against the aspiration to contribute positively to mitigating. This will involve accessing and understanding the embodied carbon footprint from the manufacturer of products used in in construction, as well as the overall life cycle carbon factoring in durability, maintenance and resource recovery and reuse at the end of life.

• Minimising wasteful use of resources in architecture and urban planning, both in quantum and in detail.

• Collaborating with engineers, contractors and clients to further reduce construction waste.

• Broad scale uptake, exchange and use of triple bottom line data and information with other actors and disciplines in the building life cycle - include life cycle costing, whole life carbon modelling and post occupancy evaluation as part of our basic scope of work, to reduce both embodied and operational resource use.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

5

Large Commercial Award Nominees

proudly sponsored by James Hardie

ARUP MELBOURNE WORKPLACE

HASSELL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARUP

AXLE AT SOUTH EVELEIGH

MIRVAC

FACEBOOK SYDNEY OFFICE

GENSLER

MOUNT MULLIGAN LODGE

DUBOIS

VISY ESSENDON FIELDS

A1 OFFICE

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

6

Award Winner

ARUP MELBOURNE WORKPLACE

HASSELL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARUP

In a long-term collaboration between design and engineering, Hassell partnered with Arup to create a workplace that invites people back, resonates with them, inspires them to reflect on their knowledge and, through increased connectivity, promotes the open sharing of ideas. The resulting workplace has created a new paradigm in flexibility, connectivity, sustainability and wellness.

JUDGE’S COMMENT

For a large commercial workspace, this scheme offers its users with a sophisticated uncompromised aesthetic whilst maintaining its ecological objectives. Prioritising the functionality and layout with a selection of robust, well considered materials and pairing these with designer furniture pieces to off-set some more common, but less appealing workplace design norms. This space is desirable and sets a new standard for the future of workplace design.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

7

In both the commercial and residential sectors, building standards around the world are evolving to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. With global concerns regarding climate change and the environmental impact of construction at an all-time high, the design and construction industry is trying to find ways to deliver sustainability and efficiency across all elements of building design.

James Hardie, with its innovative, resilient and high performing RAB™ Board fibre cement pre-cladding solution, responds to the needs of an evolving world by directly addressing the elements that ensure buildings perform sustainably over their lifetime and deliver elevated levels of occupant health, safety and comfort.

THESE ELEMENTS ARE:

• Fire safety; • Condensation management; • Energy efficiency; and• Superior weatherproofing

The building envelope plays a critical role in managing these elements, and builders are looking at new ways to meet the challenge of building compliance while addressing common issues relating to weather resistance, moisture ingress and airtightness.

A NEW APPROACH TO BUILDING FACADES

Finding a solution that meets the stringent demands of contemporary design has been difficult, especially for taller, complex facades, resulting in solutions that fall short in terms of performance and durability. A new approach to facade systems in Australia, rigid air barriers are a cutting-edge solution that improves performance over the life of a building by equalising the air pressure within the external wall cavity, resulting in superior weatherproofing and airtightness and fire protection.

Ideal for the exterior of mid to high-rise residential, institutional and commercial buildings, RAB™ Board is an all-in-one bracing, airtight fibre -cement rigid air barrier that ensures efficient, sustainable building performance both inside and out. Built to battle the elements, the inherent strength of RAB™ Board allows it to stand up to 7kPa wind pressures, making it ideal for use in taller, or complex, wall design. It is comprised of materials deemed non-combustible, achieving superior fire performance unlike traditional flexible and timber wall underlay. These characteristics mean RAB™ Board can be safely used in cyclonic regions and for all types of non-combustible construction for all classes of building.

Furthermore, RAB™ Board features CoreShield™ Sealer Technology that provides a rigid water resistant and vapour permeable membrane, eliminating the need for additional sarking or treatment. Its unique green panel utilises built-in air and water-resistant barriers to keep moisture out, while allowing moisture vapour to escape, allowing the framing cavity to dry. This protects building elements against moisture-related degradation, contributing to buildings that are more durable, safe and long-lasting.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN: THE IMPORTANCE

OF BUILDING ENVELOPES

Excelling as a high-performing weather barrier as well as temporary weather protector during construction, RAB™ Board enables a continuous watertight and airtight seal that delivers weatherproofing across the facade. Airtightness is critical to the performance of building envelopes in terms of energy efficiency and indoor air quality. Undesirable and uncontrolled air leakage to the outside through the building envelope will reduce the efficiency of thermal insulation and heat resistance, and result in a greater reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. Delivering superior airtightness, this solution provides enhanced occupant

In both the commercial and residential sectors, building standards around the world are evolving to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. With global concerns regarding climate change and the environmental impact of construction at an all-time high, the design and construction industry is trying to find ways to deliver sustainability and efficiency across all elements of building design.

Pushing the Building Envelope: Sustainable Facade Systems with James Hardie’s RAB™ Board

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

8

comfort, increases the envelope’s service life and contributes to meeting increasingly demanding energy efficiency requirements in Australia.

The material composition of RAB™ Board further adds to its elevated performance and sustainability values. Made from James Hardie fibre-cement, this product will not crack, warp or swell. It is also resistant to termites, pests and rot. Notably, fibre cement is made of materials that can be sustainably harvested, namely cement, water and air, radiata pine and sand. Fibre cement is asbestos free and contains minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds, ensuring it not only reduces the impact of construction on the environment, it also contributes to healthier building environments. Due to their light weight, fibre cement solutions offer increased speed of installation and reduced labour, transport and energy requirements.

RAB™ Board is the product of James Hardie’s commitment to conducting business in an environmentally sound and sustainable manner. The company utilises management systems and procedures to monitor the environmental impact of their products and operations, while also continuously looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint. To learn more about RAB™ Board, visit

James Hardie’s website

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

9

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 0

Weather barriers create a seal that stops moisture forming through the transfer of warm air to a cool surface, meaning the structure can dry, minimising rot. By providing protection from the elements air barriers can also increase the energy efficiency of the envelope overall. They can be so effective that a study from the US National Institute of Standards and Technology estimated the potential energy savings at up to 36% in commercial buildings.

RAB™ Board by James Hardie is a specialised fibre cement rigid air barrier for use beneath cladding. It uses CoreShield™ penetrating sealer technology to keep air, water and wind out, while letting moisture vapour escape from within. RAB™ Board is comprised of low-toxicity, locally sourced materials with minimal volatile organic compounds to reduce environmental impact. It is ideal for use behind ventilated rainscreen cladding where it acts as a pressure equaliser between the interior and exterior of the cladding. RAB™ Board’s fibre cement is deemed non-combustible, as well as being resistant to termites and rot, making it one of the most durable weather barriers in the market.

Being fibre cement, They are suitable for use in high-wind zones and in wind pressures of up to 7kPa. They come in variable standardised sheet sizes and - with a mass

of 8.69kg/m² - are lightweight to allow easy transport and installation.

RAB™ Board is built for easy installation, streamlining the construction process and minimising wastage onsite. Using the purpose-built Villaboard Knife the installation process is as easy as score - snap - screw, and tape meaning lengths do not need to be pre-ordered to size and adjustments can be made as needed during fitout. The quick installation and strength of RAB™ Board allows for early close-in, avoiding potential weather delays and allowing sub-trades to start quickly.

Specifying durable, long-lasting materials is key to any sustainable design, and RAB Board is created with longevity in mind. Whereas flexible underlays may deteriorate from positive/negative pressurising actions created by gusting winds within the cavity and on building façade, the fibre cement composite of RAB Board remains rigid even under extreme gusts, providing greater long-term durability. The panels can be exposed to the weather for up to 180 days without cladding over them which can alleviate time pressures and make for a more economical, energy and resource efficient build.

RAB™ Board proved its prowess in the construction of the $790M Newmarket Westfield redevelopment in New Zealand. Spanning multiple sites over 4.5 hectares and

with interior floor space of 186,766m², the project is the largest undertaken by Scentre Group (who operate the Westfield brand) in Australasia. With 7,100 tonnes of structural steel used in the buildings and a constrained build site in the middle of a busy retail area, the project had numerous challenges. RAB™ Board was selected as an ideal air barrier due to its structural rigidity, weather resistance and ease of installation. As a non-combustible material it passed stringent local Council fire standards and allowed the time-sensitive build to continue quickly and without issue.

Thinking long term and designing sustainably is at the very core of modern architecture and construction. It is essential that designers and specifiers opt for materials that last, are environmentally friendly, and contribute to greater energy efficiency throughout the project’s lifespan. James Hardie’s cement fibre RAB Board air barriers are weather resistant, durable and reduce energy requirements in commercial or residential settings.

Learn more about RAB™ Board and James Hardie’s

other high-performing, sustainable products here.

Designing for durability, longevity and sustainability with James Hardie

A key factor in designing sustainable spaces is specifying materials that last, add to the durability of the structure and minimise energy requirements of the project. To this end, weather barriers are an essential part of any sustainable building envelope’s cladding - but they do more than protect against wind.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 1

151 Clarence Street, home to Arup’s new Sydney headquarters, lays claim to a 6 Star Green Star Interiors rating, and was the first project in Australia to be awarded WELL Core and Shell Gold Precertification—a certification tool introduced by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) in 2016.

Designed by HASSELL with Arup as engineers, the new office is a champion of biophilic principles. Its spaces are filled with plants—893 to be exact—each chosen to create a healthy environment.

Also contributing to a high level of indoor air quality is a low noise, low energy underfloor displacement ventilation system designed by Arup. The system, which is not common to commercial projects, prevents the mixing of pollutants in the space. Air quality was also an important consideration to the furniture selection, with pieces that do not emit chemicals specifically chosen.

“The Arup fit-out scored highly across all sustainability categories, including management, indoor environment quality, energy, transport, water, land use and ecology, emissions and innovation, with a perfect score awarded in the materials category,” the GBCA says.

According to Arup, the project’s stellar sustainability credentials was made possible only by the close collaboration between the different stakeholders. The involvement of HASSELL and developers Investa in the early planning stages meant the team was able to shape the project together, and align the architecture strategy with engineering solutions.

“We underwent an iterative strategy and design process with partner HASSELL, to create an office that can adapt to future industry changes,” Arup explains.

“Employees were engaged in innovating and testing pilot spaces in our former office. The final design reflected insights into collaborative ways of working, health, productivity and digital connectivity.”

The hero in the five-storey workspace is a striking, light-filled core. Here, a cast concrete floating staircase injects dynamism to the design, while affording wide-angle views of the office’s everyday operations. As HASSELL puts it: “this visual manifestation of Arup’s ingenuity and honesty adds…to the sense that things are always moving and changing”.

Open exchange areas surround the central void, creating spaces where employees and clients can gather. Each of this space has a different focus, such as specialist experimentation labs and a workshop zone.

These areas are complemented by “team neighbourhoods”, which include everything from adjustable desks to creative spaces, an external terrace and quiet areas.

Boasting 100 percent renewable power, Arup’s Sydney HQ scores highly on the sustainability scale, with high star NABERS ratings for energy and water expected for the project. However, it is its people-first approach that sets it apart, with the design thoughtfully connecting occupants and supporting their holistic wellbeing.

“Every consideration was made with our people and our clients in mind,” says Andrew Pettifer, Arup’s NSW region leader. “In a time where people can work from anywhere at any time, creating a place where people really want to be brings them together, supporting and maintaining our unique culture.”

Photography by Earl Carter, courtesy of HASSELL.

Arup’s New Sydney HQ Shines With A People-First Approach

A recently completed 7,500sqm commercial office in Barrack Place, Sydney, has received high praise from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) for demonstrating “world leadership in sustainable design”.

LEFT: Bridges span the voids across two floors, keeping the company’s 800 employees flowing.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 2

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 3

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 4

Combined, the 31 installations are expected to generate more than 6.3 gigawatt hour (GWh) of clean energy annually.

Undertaken by Photon Energy Group, which will also provide the operation and maintenance systems to ensure the PV roofs are reliable and performing, the project is the latest in a series of efforts by Aldi Australia to become more energy efficient.

The German-owned retailer already has several solar projects in the country, including a 1 MW roof installed by Epho at a distribution centre in Brendale, Queensland, and a 1.5 MW array at a facility in Prestons, NSW.

“Solar power is a perfect fit for supermarkets and these large commercial solar systems can supply a significant chunk of the electricity needs for stores and distribution centres with free and clean renewable energy for years to come,” Dr Oliver Hartley, Epho’s managing director, says.

Aldi, known for its solar investments in the US and across Europe, has an ongoing commitment to reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint across offices, warehouses and stores. This includes lowering its greenhouse gas emissions per square metre of sales area by 30 per cent on its 2012 baseline.

It will also refurbish all its stores to include energy efficient chillers and LED lighting by 2020.

“With lighting, refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems the major drivers of our energy consumption, we have prioritised upgrading these as part of our ongoing store refurbishment,” the German-owned retailer says.

“We also make smart choices when designing, selecting and using these systems, and regularly analyse our energy consumption data and conduct audits to identify any further energy saving opportunities.”

Aldi Australia to Roll Out 4.6 MWp of Solar Projects Across 30 Stores

Discount supermarket chain Aldi is set to install 4.6 Megawatt Peak (MWp) of rooftop solar across 30 stores and a distribution centre in New South Wales and Queensland.

RIGHT: The 1 MW rooftop solar system at an Aldi

distribution centre in Brendale is sufficient to cover the

facility’s daytime power requirements on a sunny day.

Comprising over 3,400 panels, it’s one of the largest solar

systems on a single roof by anyone across Australia,

and generates enough energy to power 270 homes in

Queensland for a year. Image: Epho.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 5

New Bates Smart Skyscraper Imagined as Sculptured Sustainable Wellness Hub

A 55-storey, highly sustainable commercial precinct designed by Bates Smart has been submitted for planning approval by developers Cbus Property.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9

/

J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE

/

S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 6

Made up of four different “bundles” of varying heights, 435 Bourke Street is imagined as a vertical village with outdoor terraces and a dedicated wellness hub that spans four floors.

The $1 billion project is targeting a WELL Platinum rating, minimum 5 Star Green Star design and as-built certifications, and a 5.5 stars NABERS rating.

One of the most striking elements of the proposal—the building’s soft, sculptured form—plays a twofold role: creating a unique street presence, and allowing sunlight to stream into communal areas.

“The building’s design references the neighbouring streetscape and is crafted to be more organic in form, aspiring to enliven the precinct and create a more people-friendly environment that stimulates the senses and imagination,” Bates Smart director Cian Davis said.

The tower’s gentle curves also work to improve its structural performance by reducing the wind effect on its core.

A double skin façade with a sealed closed cavity system—to be featured on the northern and western faces—further provides thermal protection and boosts energy and cost efficiency.

Other sustainability features include a 10 percent air permeability of the building’s envelope, as well as the specification of LED lighting, high WELS rating fixtures, and low U-value materials.

Nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD on the corner of Bourke and Queen streets, the proposed project will accommodate 64,500sqm of office space for over 5,000 workers.

“The Property Council of Australia has predicted that Melbourne’s CBD will need an additional 4.4 million sqm of office space in the next two decades to cater for the projected workforce,” Adrian Pozzo, CEO of Cbus Property, says.

“Our vision for 435 Bourke Street will help meet this demand by providing a premium and performance based commercial solution focused

on connectivity, wellbeing and environmentally sustainable design that will reinvigorate this precinct within the CBD.”

To bring the concept of “wellness” to life, Bates Smart has adopted a humanistic design approach that will cater to occupants’ happiness, health, engagement and sense of belong.

This strategy centres on a range of spaces that promote passive wellness and active connectivity. This includes flexible studio spaces, consulting rooms and a variety of landscaped terraces where inhabitants can gather and socialise. The offices will be informed by biophilic design principles.

“We believe that great humanistic architecture and interior design should incorporate an understanding of how the spaces we work in impact our overall health and wellbeing,” Davis told The Fifth Estate.

Construction is expected to begin this year, subject to planning approval.

SU

ST

AIN

AB

ILIT

Y A

WA

RD

S 2

01

9 / J

AM

ES

HA

RD

IE / S

US

TA

INA

BIL

ITY

eB

OO

K 2

01

9

1 7

MELBOURNE

2020Join us in...

SUSTAINABLEBUILDINGAWARDS.COM.AU 12 NOVEMBER 2020 | PLAZA BALLROOM, MELBOURNE

@architecture&designaustralia@archanddesign @architectureanddesignaustralia

ADQ4_2019_SUS20_FP_V5_FA.indd 47 24/10/19 2:20 pm