North Sydney tower bolsters its sustainability ratings

Winten Property Group’s $1.2 billion 1 Denison commercial tower has bolstered its sustainability ratings, claiming to be North Sydney’s most sustainable tower, after achieving WELL V 2 Platinum certification and 6-star NABERS Energy and Waste ratings.

Designed by Bates Smart, the 1 Denison tower was delivered by Multiplex in 2020 and features 61,000 m² of commercial office space across 37 storeys, with a lifestyle precinct and basement parking for 225 cars and 568 bicycle racks.

According to 1 Denison’s Property Managers CBRE, the building’s sustainability was further enhanced through strategic, operational fine-tuning road-mapped after the building was constructed.

“We identified several core environmental pillars to focus on including reducing energy and waste, with occupant health and wellbeing also paramount. We collaborated with our project team and developed strategic pathways to achieve these new environmental benchmarks,” said Nathan Chehab, General Manager of 1 Denison Street.

Since its completion the building’s total energy consumption has been more than halved annually, from 3.8 MW in 2020 to 1.6 MW in 2023, which has elevated its NABERS rating.

In collaboration with Conservia, the building’s property management team implemented a range of initiatives to increase energy efficiency, such as an energy management platform under a preventative maintenance structure.

The team optimised Tenant Condenser Water and Chiller Staging modification to maximise efficiency and reduce peak demand during summer, effectively resulting in 20% less energy being used for the chiller alone. Peak load lopping is used, reducing the amount of energy consumed during periods of peak demand and further optimising the building’s electricity usage.

There has also been a focus on waste management strategies, which aim to achieve 100% landfill diversion and a zero-landfill target.

The WELL Platinum V2 certification recognises the building’s excellence across a range of factors including air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.

The building has been awarded a 5 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) since completion.

The tower has a range of sustainability features, including onsite rainwater harvesting that delivers 70,000 litres of water to the building’s amenities. The windows feature high-performance glazing and automated blinds to reduce the impact of harsh sunlight, while energy-efficient lighting is tuned to occupants’ Circadian rhythms.

Tenants can also use a waterless car wash by Wow Wash, which can save an average 200 L of water per car. They also have the opportunity to lease low-emissions vehicles via the digital building app, with access to Tesla car and Lekka bike hires, in partnership with Ohmie Go.

Other features include a purpose-built wellness amenity, end-of-trip facilities, circadian lighting, bi-annual ergonomic assessments, water and air quality testing, stress support program, healthy food options and retailers, and annual onsite flu vaccinations.

Images: Supplied