I want to:

Case study - Perth GPO 4-star Green Star rating

Background

The Perth General Post Office (GPO), located in the heart of Perth's CBD, was constructed in 1914. The building, which is owned by Australia Post, has been classified by the National Trust and listed on the Historic Building Register.

The building comprises a basement, ground floor and seven upper floors.

Australia Post decided to refurbish the building with the aim of:

  • maintaining the building's heritage features
  • providing a modern office development for tenants
  • reflecting best practice environmental performance
  • creating a valuable asset for Australia Post and the Perth community.

Implementation

The key challenge was to incorporate sustainable design principles into the building while maintaining its heritage features.

The refurbishment achieved the following key environmental features.

  • Around 68% of materials removed during the refurbishment were recycled rather than sent to landfill.
  • Water-efficient plumbing fixtures were installed to minimise water use. For example, the urinals use a waterless oil-trap system. The GPO is expected to use 20-25% less water than a conventional building.
  • The construction incorporated passive chilled beams that cool rooms by using natural air movement, rather than fans. Hot air rises to the ceiling and is replaced by cool air that drops from the chilled beams.
  • Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) carpets and paints were used throughout the building to improve air quality.
  • To encourage staff to cycle to work, facilities for cyclists were installed such as a secure bike storage area, lockers, showers and change rooms.
  • High-efficiency lighting was installed throughout the building.
  • A large glass light well was incorporated into the design to direct natural light into the building. This has significantly reduced energy consumption.

Results

The Perth GPO, which reopened in April 2008, is one of Western Australia's most environmentally friendly refurbished buildings. It was given a 4-star Green Star Rating by the Green Building Council of Australia and is the first refurbishment in Western Australia to achieve this rating.

To find out more on how we are working to reduce energy consumption in our buildings, visit buildings which details environmental initiatives we are undertaking in our facilities.

Read more about our overall environmental performance in publications.

To top