Australian Ethical Investment’s 6 Green Star Office
Trevor Pearcey House (Block E), 34 Thynne Street, Bruce ACT
Australian Ethical will open its office for tours between 12 noon and 2pm on Sustainable House Day, Sunday 13 September.
In 2007 Australian Ethical opened its new 6 star green star headquarters in Bruce, ACT. It was the third building in Australia to achieve this world leading rating, and the first refurbished building.
Environmental savings
Studies into green buildings have clearly shown their environmental benefits. These include a reduction in waste going to landfill through the reuse and recycling of materials, a reduction in energy and water consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Occupants of green buildings benefit from improved air quality and a more natural office environment, translating into greater productivity, and less staff turnover.
Staff health, comfort and control
Four dimensions of the refurbishment reflect this aim:
Better access to natural light
- four internal 'stacks' with glass brick sudes to allow natural light into (and to allow hot air to exit from) the middle of the first floor;
- opened barrel vault roof, installed louvred windows and a cathedral ceiling;
- limited internal office partitioning.
Better access to natural ventilation
More comfortable feeling of warmth / 'coolth'
- heated by hydronic radiators;
- downstairs slab has been exposed and insulated to avoid the need for mechanical cooling.
Improved indoor air quality
- low VOC emissions paint and sealants;
- low VOC emissions reconditioned carpet;
- very low formaldehyde composite wood products.
Energy use
Features intended to save energy and reduce ongoing green house gas emissions:
- passive cooling and ventilation combined with a wider thermal comfort band reducing demand on mechanical systems;
- double glazing;
- external walls are 'reverse brick veneer' - thermal mass on the inside is insulated;
- R5 insulation;
- shading panels;
- exposed ground floor slab;
- evacuated tube solar hot water heating.
The building is deisgned to be passively cooled in Summer by a night purge. When the night temperature drops well below the internal temperature the windows open automatically to draw cool air into the building. Hot air is exhausted via the stacks and the louvred windows in the barrel vault.
Estimated 75% reduction in CO2 emissions.
Water usage
Water efficient features and rain water tanks have resulted in an estimated 75% reduction in water use.
Waste
Significant re-use of building materials and use of recycled products. Recycling rate for the project of >80% by weight.
(September 2009) (
