Going green is all about getting the design right
19 February 2009
Green office buildings need not be expensive as long as the design is right according to building developer, Clinton Arentz.
Founder of Winston Group, Mr Arentz is currently building the Northern Territory’s first commercial office development designed to achieve a five star NABERS energy rating.
The building, Arnhemica at 16 Parap Road, Parap, will set a new precedent in office developments in the Northern Territory and has already achieved a NABERS commitment agreement for initial modeling of the development in terms of its energy efficient design, delivery and operation.
“The NABERS scheme is a world first initiative developed for Australian conditions, providing accredited assessments of the greenhouse intensity of office buildings by awarding a star rating on a scale of one to five,” Mr Arentz said.
“An important key to targeting the 5-Star rating is to incorporate the modeling into the project right from the start. There is a common misconception that an energy efficient building is going to be more expensive to build – but if you plan it well from the start this isn’t necessarily the case.”
Clinton Arentz discussed his experience in developing a “green” commercial building at the NT Property Council's Four O'clock Forum yesterday.
“Winston Group is committed to developing projects which respond to real market demands. With growing public concern over energy efficiencies and greenhouse emissions it makes sense to develop a building which has been specifically designed for the Top End’s environment and promotes sustainable values.”
Due for completion in April, the $12 million development will set a new benchmark in office accommodation for Darwin.
About Clinton Arentz
Clinton Arentz founded Winston Group in 1990 in response to the Queensland Government’s push for redevelopment in Brisbane’s blighted areas and a community desire for a wider and more interesting range of housing choices. The company today has completed over $150 million of commercial, residential and mixed-use projects in over 75 separate projects. Arnhemica is Winston Group’s first Territory based project.
About Arnhemica
The Arnhemica commercial office building will provide 2,140m2 of high quality commercial office space over two levels. Local consultants involved in the project include: Les Platt of MKEA Architects, Clive Clements of Hawkins & Clements, interior designer Nicole Wheeler and design modeling by local firm Engscribe Pty Ltd and Connell Wagner Engineers.
About NABERS
The NABER’s assessment process involves computer simulation of specific building fabric solutions, layouts and design footprints, heat loading and shading, all plant and equipment selections on a life cycle basis, smart building management systems and the calculation of annual energy consumption and carbon footprints over a 12 month lifecycle for Darwin conditions.
