The first heritage listed office building in Australia to be given a six star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia is being held up as a world-class model for refurbishment of existing commercial buildings.

The 92-year old nine-level Perpetual Trustee Company Limited building at 39 Hunter Street, Sydney, has been refurbished to the Green Building Council of Australia’s exacting standards.

The success of 39 Hunter Street demonstrates that 21st century environmental standards can be successfully applied to older buildings, according to quantity surveyors for the project, national development consultants Davis Langdon.

Associate Director of Davis Langdon, Michael Manikas, said this was particularly relevant in today’s heightened concern over greenhouse gas emissions from older style buildings around the world.

“In Australia, energy demand from commercial buildings alone makes up eight percent of national greenhouse gas emissions,“ said Mr Manikas.

“Older buildings have added the disadvantage of being less efficient; using higher amounts of energy and consequently creating higher greenhouse gas emissions.

“Another important advantage to upgrading is the capture of the embodied carbon that already exists in the building materials that have been reused.

“To improve energy efficiency takes considerable effort in replacing major plant and equipment as well as controls, but the refurbishment of 39 Hunter Street proves that it can be done.”

The Green Building Council of Australia aims to promote sustainable development and the transition of the property industry to implementing green building programs, technologies, design practice and operations.

39 Hunter Street has broken new ground for a refurbished heritage office building in Australia by achieving a six Star Green Star rating, demonstrating to the marketplace that heritage building stock can be upgraded to exacting, world-class environmentally sustainable development.

The project comprised a total refurbishment of the building originally built in 1916, and its net lettable office space of approximately 6000 sqm.

All major plant, equipment and services reticulation were replaced, including a state of the art displacement air-conditioning system, and energy efficient services.

Fixtures and features including the original vaulted ceilings, inspiring decorative features, and internal columns and beams were protected and faithfully reproduced where necessary.

 The project also included the upgrade of the ground floor entrance lobby and installation of three new lifts as well as flooding the building with natural light via a stunning central atrium and grand space under a new glazed roof.

An innovative “lily pad” ceiling system was installed to incorporate lighting and fire services.

The refurbishment established a building users guide, an environmental management plan and a comprehensive waste management plan to divert 80 per cent of construction waste away from landfill.

Paint, carpets, sealants and adhesives with low levels of volatile organic compounds were used throughout the building, and the sprinkler tank was used innovatively as a cold store for base building electrical demand reduction.

Efficient water management was implemented, including water efficient fixtures, and the inclusion of a rainwater tank for on-site stormwater retention and recycling.

Mr Manikas said the 12-month refurbishment process had been carefully managed and monitored to ensure that it met all the six-star standards.

“This building demonstrates how construction techniques, design practice, building technologies and operations can be combined to produce an outcome that meets a world-class standard in environmentally sustainable development in an existing, older style building,” he said.

For further information, contact Meaghan Jones on +61 3 9933 8800 or email mjones2@davislangdon.com.au