Australian Government Department leads on energy efficiency

Canberra’s first building designed to achieve a five star Australian Greenhouse Building Rating has been completed for occupancy by the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Minister for Community Services, Senator Nigel Scullion, today officially opened Centraplaza, a six storey building which houses in excess of 500 Commonwealth public servants.

‘This building is an excellent example of the Australian Government’s commitment to the environment and to reducing energy consumption.

‘Energy efficient buildings have lower operating and life cycle costs and to achieve a five star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating measures must be taken in the core building construction, fitout technologies and the commitment of those people working in the building.

‘Staff will play a key role in achieving the five star rating over the next twelve months through their commitment to reducing energy consumption with consequential environmental impacts.

‘The core building applies rainwater harvesting and highly efficient building services, whilst fitout technologies include a digital lighting system and sensitive, adjustable heating and cooling zones, which take outside ambient weather conditions into account to adjust the internal building temperature, ensuring improved efficiencies.

‘Centraplaza has set higher goals for building efficiency in Canberra while not losing sight of the importance of providing an attractive and efficient work environment for staff,’ Senator Scullion said.