Sustainability Considerations in Design

What is Sustainable Development?

Sustainable Development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

There are four primary objectives of sustainable development:

• minimised risk of environmental damage arising from incomplete knowledge.
• ecological sustainability and environmental protection.
• socio/cultural sustainability recognising the needs of all.
• economic sustainability maintaining high and stable levels of economic growth and employment.

The NSW Government is committed to:

• ensuring environmental protection in all its activities.
• greater social justice for the whole community.
• economic development to reduce public debt and unfunded liabilities by more financially responsible delivery of programs.

Agencies need to integrate the objectives of sustainable development across all their business practices from corporate planning to service delivery and resource planning. In terms of office accommodation this extends to several aspects of workspace fitout.

Sustainable Development Issues in Workspace Fitout

Government policy relating to required ABGR ratings for base buildings and tenancies is detailed in Premier's Memorandum 2004-04, greenhouse Performance of Government Office Buildings and Rental Properties. The Memorandum states that:

Where an existing building is owned by the agnecy, the agency must

• Achieve a 3-star building rating by 1 July 2006 and
• Commit to a minimum 4 star rating when undertaking major upgrades.

Agencies that build new government offices are to commit to a 4.5 star rating for the new building.

Where an agency is a tenant, the agency must

• Achieve a mimimum 4-start tenancy rating by 1 July 2006
• Commit to a 4.5 star tenancy rating for major fit outs and refurbishments
• Endeavour to occupy premises where the building is rated at least 3 stars (this will increase to 3.5 stars from 1 July 2006) and
• Require disclosure of the accredited rating for the building when seeking information about the building for leasing purposes.

A full description of the policy is attached to Premier's Memorandum 2004-04 and is available from the Premier's Department website.

Further information about the ABGR scheme and its application to buildings and tenancies can be found at the Australian Building Greenhouse Rating website.

Some of the key sustainability issues to be addressed when designing a fitout include:

• Optimise use of natural light with intelligent operating systems to reduce energy consumption, eg:
  - Cost-effective lighting
  - Lights that automatically turn off when natural light is sufficient
  - Sensors that turn off lights when rooms are vacant
  - Current controller on the office lighting.
• Optimise use of energy efficient appliances to reduce energy consumption
• Use low environmental impact materials, where practical, eg:
  - Plant-based paints that emit no volatile organic compounds
  - Minimise use of polyvinylchloride (PVC)
  - Avoid the use of CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) and polyurethane foams in furniture.
  - Low emission fibreboards for cupboards and shelving
• Maximise use of renewable materials, fuel and energy sources, eg:
  - Green energy sources
  - Solar energy options
  - Specify fabrics and products manufactured from coir, wool, cotton, silk, hemp, cane, sisal, jute and linoleum
  - Specify furniture built from plantation timber
  - Furniture constructed from recycled materials
• Increase energy efficiency and user comfort with hybrid airconditioning systems that allow use of natural ventilation (unless this type of system is already installed, it may only be possible to achieve in newly constructed buildings)
• Install water conserving fittings and devices
• Promote and educate staff waste avoidance and recycling.

These are just some of the issues you should consider in providing a fitout that is ecologically friendly. If you are interested in finding out more, the Building Division of the Queensland Department of Public Works has developed a very comprehensive Ecologically Sustainable Development Office Fitout Guideline that is available from its website. It contains detailed information on incorporating sustainability issues into every aspect of office fitout and a number of self-assessment checklists to assist you in the process.

Further information about sustainability issues relating to buildings can be found in Section 4 of these guidelines. You should also be aware of Premier's Memorandum 2003-02, High Environmental Performance for Buildings, which requires agencies to incorporate the requirements of the Environmental Performance Guide for Buildings into their Asset Strategies and in subsequent project delivery briefs for buildings. The Performance Guide is an interactive web-based document and is available at The Environmental Performance Guide for Buildings.

Information on sustainable development and its application in asset management planning can be found in the Sustainable Development guideline that is part of the Total Asset Management Manual on the Government Asset Management Committee website.

Another useful link for sustainability related matters is the NSW Sustainable Energy Development Authority.

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