June 25th, 2013

Workplace of the Future Developed with Focus on Staff

Global engineering leader Aurecon has worked in partnership with Lend Lease on its new Melbourne headquarters in Docklands. The significance of the new building lies in the company’s commitment to improving the working environment for its staff through energy efficiency, sustainability, measures to ensure air quality and innovation.

Employees were consulted throughout the process of creating the new work premises for its 700 Melbourne-based staff. Aurecon staff will work across five floors in the ‘smart’, green building.

Energy targets for the building’s performance will be around 25% better than normal practice for the market and will be 40% better than the previous head office of the company.

The internal environment and comfort of occupants have been major considerations that will not be compromised. Technical Director at Aurecon Peter Mathieson explained that the organisation chose not to pursue a six-star ranking. “Sure there would be a marginal improvement in environmental outcomes, but we didn’t feel it would deliver the holistic value we are after,” he said.

Underfloor air conditioning, a terrace and windows that can be opened are some of the features that support occupant comfort and wellbeing, making the building an enjoyable place to be where staff can control their own environment.

Aurecon Senior Mechanical and ESD Engineer Anthony Calderone said, “anyone can save energy but if it is at the expense of occupant comfort it defeats the purpose.”

Source:  http://designbuildsource.com.au/workplace-of-the-future-a-focus-on-the-occupant