Wellington Case Studies - Meridian Energy Head Office
Location: Kumutoto development, Wellington waterfront
Key features:
- construction and demolition waste minimisation
- REBRI (Resource Efficiency in the Building and Related Industries)
- green office
- rainwater collection
Constructing Meridian's office
Meridian Energy’s new four-storey head office has eco-friendly design features promoting carbon neutrality, reducing the environmental footprint, and encouraging sustainability.
Due for completion in late 2007, it aims to be the first new office building to achieve the New Zealand Green Building Council’s five-star rating.
Comprehensive design specs covered aspects from proximity to public transport and use of environmentally healthy materials, through to an energy-monitoring system designed to track use and show where energy savings could be made.
Design plan for the Meridian building
Minimising construction and demolition waste, which accounts for up to 40 percent of waste sent to New Zealand landfills, was a primary aim of the development. A waste-specialist sponsored by Ministry for the Environment worked with the contractors to implement the REBRI (Resource Efficiency in the Building and Related Industries) guidelines. Waste minimisation included keeping a waste register, recycling, and staff training. More than 60% of construction waste was sent for recycling.
Interiors are designed to make the office a pleasant, productive place to work in with maximum natural light, views for most staff and automatic temperature controls that staff can over-ride when required.
The building is designed to use 60 percent less energy and 70 percent less water than comparable office buildings. Energy-saving features include a double-skin façade for insulation, rainwater collection, water-efficient sanitary fittings, solar water heating and mixed mode ventilation.
Related Links
Department Details:
Strategy
