171 Collins Street receives Sustainability Development Award

Sustainable office building 171 Collins Street has had its green credentials recognised at the Urban Taskforce Development Excellence Awards 2014, where it received the Sustainability Development Award for its innovation and initiative in implementing green building practices.

Designed by Bates Smart Architects, the building uses ESD principles and sustainable design to create a healthy working environment for its tenants. Its construction focused on using recyclable materials, including 90% recycled concrete and 90% recycled steel, while 90% of construction waste was recycled.

The building’s high-performance ceramic frit facade is made up of over 250 glass panels, while its thermally enhanced separated curtain wall assists in reducing heat and glare. At its centre is a nine-storey atrium, surrounded by more than 720 individual glass panels which provide natural light to both the tower and the adjoining Mayfair building.

The design integrates large floorplates with underfloor air distribution throughout, which provides a range of benefits for occupant comfort, control and flexibility. Its floor-level diffusers gently deliver clean air into the workspace at low velocity; the warmth then rises through natural convection and is exhausted at the ceiling level.

Other sustainability credentials include:

• Floor-to-ceiling double glazing with thermal insulation for maintaining occupant comfort
• Dedicated waste-storage area for separation, collection and recycling
• Rainwater and grey water re-use system
• Optimised lighting design with extensive controls for occupancy and daylight harvesting
• Energy-efficient fixtures and fittings
• Low VOC and formaldehyde emissions
• End-of-trip facilities including 280 bicycle spaces, showers, change rooms and lockers.

Since its completion in mid-2013, 171 Collins Street has become Victoria’s first PCA Premium Grade building to be awarded the 6 Star Green Star - Office Design (v2) Certified Rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, representing ‘World Leadership’ in environmentally sustainable design. It also received the Hanson’s Green Building Award at the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Awards in June 2014.

One month previously, the building was recognised at the International Property Awards (Asia Pacific), where it was judged the Best Commercial High Rise Development in Australia and was also highly commended in the ‘Office Development Australia’ category. Its major tenant, BHP Billiton, meanwhile took out the ‘Best Office Interior’ Award for both Australia and Asia-Pacific for the design of its global head office within the building.

Cbus Property and Charter Hall formed a 50:50 joint venture in March 2010 to jointly market, lease and manage the building. Tenants include BHP Billiton, Egon Zehnder, Evans & Partners, VicSuper and McGrathNicol.