From a building services perspective, the 90 Devonport Road project in Tauranga stands out for its integrated approach to achieving a 6 Star Green Star rating, the highest sustainability benchmark under the New Zealand Green Building Council’s framework. Providing the complete Mechanical and BMS design and installation for this cutting-edge project, VAE centred on maximising the building services’ impact on the Green Star rating:

• Energy Efficiency (NABERS 5 Star): The building’s services were designed to achieve a 65% reduction in energy consumption compared to typical office buildings. Key features include:
  • High-performance HVAC: heat recovery optimise heating and cooling, reducing energy demand.
  • Zoned controls allow precise temperature management across open-plan and meeting spaces.

• Building Management System (BMS): A sophisticated BMS monitors and optimises HVAC, lighting, and other systems in real-time, ensuring peak efficiency. This aligns with Green Star’s Management category, which rewards proactive energy monitoring.

• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): The building services prioritize occupant health, a core Green Star focus:
  • Ventilation: Enhanced fresh air rates via mechanical ventilation exceed ASHRAE standards, improving air quality. CO2 sensors adjust ventilation dynamically, balancing energy efficiency with comfort.
  • Thermal Comfort: The mass timber structure’s thermal mass, combined with high-performance glazing and insulation, reduces HVAC loads while maintaining consistent indoor temperatures. This supports IEQ credits for thermal comfort.
  • Low-VOC Materials: Building services components, like ducting and piping, were selected for low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, contributing to IEQ credits for healthy indoor environments.

• Renewable Energy and Electrification: The building is fully electric, with no gas reliance, aligning with Green Star’s push for low-carbon operations. Rooftop solar panels (though limited by roof space) and provisions for future expansion contribute to the Energy category. EV charging stations in the parking area further support Green Star’s Transport credits.

• Scope of Works included:
  • Centralised air-cooled chillers 
  • Reverse return chilled water (CHW) cooling system
  • Heat recovery outdoor air systems via centralised air handling units 
  • Fan Coil Units including CWH and electric heating 
  • Split System Air Conditioning Units 
  • Toilet exhaust ventilation systems 
  • Tenant exhaust systems 
  • Tenant kitchen extract provision 
  • Natural ventilation of Fire pump room
  • Ventilation of ground floor EoT facilities
  • Mechanical supply and passive ventilation of EoT Hot water plant room
  • EoT exhaust systems
  • Transformer room exhaust and make-up air system
  • MSB room exhaust and make-up air system
  • Loading/Waste room exhaust and make-up air system
  • Bike Park exhaust systems
  • New BMS graphics and user interface
  • Mechanical Switchboards and Control Centres