This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
RF CorVal’s Workzone East in Perth, which has 12,361 sqm of office space, has become the second building in Perth to achieve a 6 Star NABERS Energy rating with carbon neutral certification.
The achievement for 1 Nash Street was reached via a partnership between RF CorVal, and Knight Frank, which manages the facility.
The first building to obtain the certification was Workzone West, which was also managed by Knight Frank.
Workzone East accommodates seven levels of office space and has a roof-level plant area and car parking provided within the basement for 83 car bays including electric chargers.
It was built in 2013 and designed as a 5 Star Green Star building, and became the first carbon-neutral commercial building in West Australia in 2021.
The NABERS Energy rating for the building increased from 4.5 Star to 6 Star by implementing numerous energy-saving initiatives which has reduced energy intensity by 57% over the past five years. Upgrades to LED lighting, implementation of the GEMS data analytic system, fine-tuning the AHUs and changing the control strategy for pumps and chillers has reduced energy consumption in the base building. The building consistently recycles around 70% of waste output with the ongoing support from tenants and contractors.
As part of a goal to reach a net zero target in 2025, Workzone replaced the gas boilers with an energy efficient heat pump system for the end-of-trip facilities which saves around 70% of energy consumption. 99kW PV solar panels commissioned this year on the roof space generated renewable energy for the base building system.
RF CorVal, head of asset management, Con Tsioulos said building owners played an integral role in improving the sustainability of property and making a positive contribution to the environment by implementing energy efficient initiatives.
“We have also committed to the electrification of the property over the next 10 years, and we will replace all-natural gas uses,” he said.
Forty per cent of global carbon emissions come from the real estate sector, and of these emissions, about 70% are produced by building operations.
“Seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions now forms an essential part of the role played by building management,” Knight Frank senior facilities Manager Janitha Kaushal said.
