This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
REAL estate investor and fund manager Cromwell Property Group on a electrification upgrade at its McKell building, in a first for the Sydney CBD.
The multi-million-dollar project will see the 24-storey building’s existing commercial gas-fired heating system converted to an electric heat-recovery reverse cycle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Located at 2-24 Rawson Place, the upgrade will replace the outdated 1970s era infrastructure with modern energy saving equipment, set to help future proof the asset.
“The McKell building is a 1970s-constructed building with an existing NABERS 5.5 Star energy rating, so while it is already significantly energy efficient, we are undertaking this project to reduce emissions and drive further energy efficiencies,” said Tessa Morrison, head of property operations at Cromwell.
“This is the first time that a multistorey, 25,000sqm commercial building in the Sydney CBD has undergone an electrification upgrade – and we’re excited to have engaged experienced mechanical air conditioning contractor Velocity Air to help deliver the project.”
The new reverse cycle HVAC system will see hot air removed, as part of the air conditioning process, recycled back into the system to be used elsewhere, including the building’s water.
The system will also be programmed for seasonal efficiency, reducing energy consumption.
Cromwell acquired the McKell Building back in June 2013, with the asset solely occupied by a NSW Government tenant.
“The McKell Building electrification upgrade project presents an opportunity to deliver a sustainable outcome that aligns with Cromwell’s Net Zero carbon reduction pathway, alongside a significant tenant that is also committed to sustainability,” added Morrison.
“While we recognise that the decarbonisation of the grid has still some way to go, we are future- proofing the building through our electrification project – and estimate that we will achieve an initial 5% energy reduction of the total base building electricity consumption through the installation of a heat recovery chiller.”
“Cromwell Property Group is committed to meeting our current and future ESG responsibilities, including a proposed Cromwell Portfolio Net Zero target for operational control buildings by 2035.”
