41 Raff Street, Spring Hill, Brisbane, QLD

After relocating to 41 Raff Street in 2003, NDY Brisbane began a complete building renovation and fit-out of its new office space. The building is now testament to NDY’s ESD capabilities and a leading example of a ‘green’ building in Brisbane.

The lack of original documentation for building services meant that the extensive site survey work was required to confirm the original building services details. Once this was completed the refurbishment/retrofit design work was undertaken using proven technologies with acceptable payback periods.

NDY set a goal of a NABERS Energy 4 star rating to encourage best practice amongst their staff in the design, operation and maintenance of commercial buildings. The end result has benefited NDY in terms of energy savings and the environment due to CO₂ sequestration. It has also increased the intrinsic value of the property.

NDY became a Queensland Government ecoBiz partner in 2004. As part of the program, energy improvements were made to 41 Raff Street to demonstrate that it was possible to economically upgrade existing buildings to achieve a high NABERS Energy rating in a cost effective manner

Access to natural light on all sides of the new premises led to a basic design decision to eliminate internal partitions and maximise the use of glass to raise exposure to views and light. Low energy lights were adopted in favour of low voltage fittings and perimeter internal dimming and switching provisions allow for greater occupant control and reduced energy consumption. Recycling was high on the agenda with all existing workstations being disassembled and reassembled in the new premises. This represented a major cost saving and an initiative that reduced materials usage. Existing door frames, doors and aluminium sections throughout the new building were recycled into the new layout.

As part of the ecoBiz partnership the cost of the further upgrade works was in the order of $60,000 to provide a savings in carbon emissions in excess of 22.5% or 45,133 kg CO² per annum. The building achieved a 5 Star NABERS Energy and 4.5 Star NABERS Office Water Rating.