Jessie Street Centre in Parramatta’s CBD is a landmark A-Grade building that comprises ground level retail and office accommodation, a four level office podium with expansive atrium, 15 upper levels of office accommodation and basement parking for 337 vehicles. The property was extensively refurbished during 2007 to 2009.
Brookfield’s goal in refurbishing the 22 year old Parramatta landmark was to implement much more than a superficial facelift; the aim was to create an environmentally responsible building with improved energy efficiency and sustainability strategies.
The upgrade was designed to target an increased NABERS Energy base building rating of 4.5 stars from an existing 3.5 Stars. The building has been recently rated to achieve a 5.5 Star NABERS Energy base building rating. This rating was achieved without the inclusion of on-site (Tri-Generation and PV Panels) or off-site (green power) carbon off-setting schemes.
The Jessie Street Centre refurbishment incorporated a mix of high design elements alongside modern technologies to achieve the project goals and eco-efficiency targets.
Superior performance and design was implemented throughout. Below are just some of the measures Brookfield undertook to substantially increase efficiency:
− Upgrade of all AS1668 controls;
− Replacement of the entire building management and control system with Johnson Controls Metasys System.
− Replacement of all light fittings with new energy efficient 28 watt T5 lights;
− Installation of motion sensors and dimmers to fire stair wells providing an overall saving of approximately $13,500 per annum in fire stairs alone;
− Installation of carbon dioxide monitoring sensors within the mechanical ventilation system allowing continuous monitoring and adjustment of air rates;
− Use of low volatile organic compound paint to all perimeter, core, columns and partition walls, all doors and fixed ceilings;
- Laminam (Vitrified Porcelain Based) cladding throughout the foyer and entry areas;
- Powerpax oil-less low load chillers;
- Energy efficient boilers for mechanical services manufactured by Hunt;
- Danfoss Variable Speed drives to all pump and fan motors;
- Main cooling towers removed from level 21 & new BOC cooling towers installed on Level 6 to reduce energy draw by pumps;
- Radial diffusers type RA-N3-DN 350 supplied by Krantz installed to all refurbished office areas;
- Lifts fully upgraded by Kone including new “Kone Elink” lift controls;
- Digital Antennae System (DAS) installed to building car park to eliminate ‘black spots’ – supplied by Enersus Pty Ltd;
- Solar reflective blinds by Verasol;
Water efficient bathroom fittings include:
-Smart Flush mechanisms for urinals by Reece;
- Reece acacia back to wall pans with pneumatic button set with 3 star Wels rating; and
- Abey Gessi Bathroom Basin mixer tapware with 6 Star Wels rating.
The reuse of existing building materials contributed to the achievement of Ecological Sustainable Development (ESD) and architectural and financial targets by minimising cost and wastage.
Working within an operating office was a challenge also embraced by the project team. The tailored project methodology allowed for the building upgrade works to be staged and structured in a manner that minimised disruption to the tenants.
Through quality design and finish, Brookfield says it has transformed the 22 year old property into a truly energy efficient property- Jessie Street Centre represents best practice in sustainable design and construction.
