23 Furzer Street in Phillip has achieved a six-star ratings sweep. Photo: Supplied.
A Woden office building has taken home one of Australia’s top property prizes for sustainable development at the Property Council of Australia/Rider Levett Bucknall Innovation and Excellence Awards in Sydney.
23 Furzer Street, owned by national developer Mirvac, won the CEFC Award for Best Sustainable Development – Existing Buildings for showcasing how innovative thinking and strategic investment can deliver spectacular outcomes for people and the environment.
Completed in 2010, the Woden office was purpose-built for the Department of Health and Ageing.
According to the Property Council’s Chief Executive, Ken Morrison, 23 Furzer Street sets a high bar in an industry which already has a world-leading reputation for commitment to sustainability.
“Australia’s buildings are responsible for 23 per cent of our greenhouse gas emissions, and the property industry is fully committed to playing a central role in our transition to a low-emissions future,” he says.
“Mirvac’s ongoing investment and operational excellence at 23 Furzer Street has achieved a six-star ratings sweep.”
This includes 6-star ratings for energy and water efficiency under the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) and a 6-Star Green Star – Performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia.
The 6-star NABERS Energy rating equates to a 50 per cent reduction in carbon intensity when compared to a 5-star NABERS Energy rating.
In 2016, the building was the first in Australia to increase its Green Star rating from a 5 Star Green Star – Office Design rating to a 6 Star Green Star – Performance rating.
The then-new rating represented ‘world leadership’ in sustainable building operations and was achieved through Mirvac’s strong asset management and investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy systems, in close collaboration with major tenant, the Department of Health.
The building’s environmental performance has already been recognised at the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers Awards in London, winning the Facility Management Award and a high commendation in the International Project category. This follows two important industry awards in Australia, including the Facility Management Industry Energy Efficiency Award and the Best Commercial Building Energy Efficiency Project by the Energy Efficiency Council.
Chief Executive Officer of the Green Building Council of Australia, Romilly Madew, said in 2016 that the 6 Star Green Star rating represented a ‘watershed’ moment for the property industry.
“The industry has become increasingly sophisticated in the way assets are managed and this exceptional achievement from the team at Mirvac demonstrates that a smart, sustainable design can lead to even better, more sustainable outcomes in operation.
“Mirvac has shown true commitment through its sustainability strategy in demonstrating how Green Star ratings for design and construction can deliver a world leading Green Star – Performance rating.”
Mr Morrison says Mirvac’s team delivered a great building in 2010, but did not rest on its laurels. “They continue to look for ways to improve the building’s performance – something that is great for the environment and great for the people who work in the building,” he says.
Mirvac has an ambitious sustainability strategy, This Changes Everything, which is aimed at pushing the boundaries in sustainability and setting new benchmarks for the Australian property industry. The Group has a goal of off-net positive energy by 2030.
Award winners were announced on Friday 17 May at a gala dinner at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. A full list of winners is available online: www.propertycouncilawards.com.au
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