The ‘Green’ Hype

| November 24, 2010







Never before has the subject of ‘green’ practices been taken more seriously.

The concept was once deemed ‘new age’, but strict new building standards mean business owners are finally taking notice that change needs to take place. Business owners need to put their CSR hats on and start seeking more energy efficient solutions.

Businesses are constantly under pressure from shareholders, employees and customers to operate more sustainably.

Federal and local governments are recognising the pressure society is placing on green practices thus moving energy efficiency up the political agenda.

In recent months we have seen the introduction of NABERS energy ratings, the introduction of Victoria’s retrofitting legislation and the City of Sydney’s retrofitting commitment.

The proof is in the…energy solutions.

Businesses that obtain a positive rating will obviously hold a commercial advantage; but what about the hundreds of thousands of existing structures that form the heritage of Australian cities?        

Heritage listed buildings are not exempt from building regulations, so how can the occupying businesses take advantage of new technology to save both money and energy like the competing businesses that surround them? Also, most importantly, how can modern solutions be applied to these buildings while ensuring no damage will occur to the existing framework?

Retrofitting is all about replacing outdated systems with new, greener infrastructures. Increasingly, we are working with older buildings that are seeking more energy efficient solutions. Every day, our mySmart CTI experts provide advice to electrical engineers and specialised consultants on the best way to proceed and the benefits that can be achieved by replacing existing technologies (such as lighting) with  newer systems. By doing this we are not only helping these businesses conserve energy, but also helping to deliver significant cost savings.

The concept of retrofitting can seem overwhelming. Both time and money appears to stand in the way of switching to greener solutions, however,  the returns are noticed quickly through significantly reduced electricity bills and even word-of-mouth marketing.  

99 Macquarie Street is a great example of the benefits that retrofitting can achieve. Situated in Sydney’s busy CBD, 99 Macquarie Street is a heritage listed building that was constructed in 1938. Rich with local history the building is an iconic art deco architectural landmark.

The building has been extensively refurbished to its original glory on the exterior and (with the help of mySmart), the interior and functionality of the building has been modernised as well. Some of the solutions included incorporating two lighting control systems which maximised functionality using minimal cabling over seven floors. The system allows all switches and sensors to reside on one cable; and utilise ‘daylight harvesting’ using photoelectric cells for perimeter lights.

The initial multi-network ‘base-building’ design created a platform which led to easy integration of the lighting control system for tenants. Using a touch screen control the lighting on each floor can be controlled at designated times, maximising energy use and efficiency.

The pressure for structures like 99 Macquarie Street to adopt greener practices continues to grow.  These structures require careful strategic integration and as retrofitting is gaining more recognition and weight it’s becoming a practical solution to converting older buildings to greener practices. Building owners can no longer pretend that this issue is merely a passing trend. Change needs to take place and if adopted properly significant rewards can be achieved.

The ‘green’ hype is here to stay but the question is how are you going to take full advantage?

 

Scott Warren joined Complete Technology Integrations (CTI) in 2001 as Director & Technical/Operations. He has driven the company through significant growth including the establishment in 2004 of sister company, mySmart, in which Scott also holds the role of Director. mySmart have completed major projects with organisations including Fairfax Digital and Taroonga Zoo. Prior to joining CTI and mySmart, Scott held the role of Integration Specialist at SAS Technologies, where he was responsible for designing, programming and commissioning smart homes as well as new business development.

 

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