Awards 2013

CitySwitch National Signatory of the Year 2013

The Royal Automobile Club of W.A.

RAC have shown great dedication to embedding sustainability into every facet of the organisation. Sustainability is a long-term game, and lasting change requires bringing staff and culture along with you - rather than resting on their laurels after last year's win, RAC have redoubled their efforts and used momentum to delivery even more in 2013.

CitySwitch National Awards judging panel

Congratulations to the Royal Automobile Club of W.A. The judges were pleased to award the Signatory of the Year Award to RAC for the second year running for the organisation's continued dedication to minimising their carbon impact. RAC has continued to show leadership in the CitySwitch program through ongoing use of benchmarking and monitoring systems to actively manage energy efficiency and to achieve a half star rating beyond their original commitment.   

In this last period, the organisation has maintained a 4.5 star NABERS Energy base building and whole building rating.

Since joining CitySwitch in November 2011, RAC’s focus on their own office operations has seen a range of bold and innovative projects implemented including most recently the delivery of a comprehensive Resource Efficiency Action Plan  prioritised against their interactive Marginal Abatement Cost Curve tool. This has resulted in a 10 per cent saving in electricity consumption (compared to the previous year) and a 9 per cent difference in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. Regular inter-floor energy competitions, 'lunch-n-learn' sustainability staff sessions and a new internal green awards scheme along with the public display of real-time monitoring screens are testimony to the organisation's commitment to a sustainable future. 

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore presents Amanda Joseph, Environmental Sustainability Specialist of RAC with the National Signatory of the Year Award at the National Awards ceremony in Sydney.

CitySwitch Partnership of the Year 2013

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors + WT Sustainability + J Goddard & Co + UXED

This exciting project is a true demonstration of partnership, with these four organisations working together to obtain a federal government grant to deliver the innovative and practical LEASA App to help tenants save money and improve industry transparency.

CitySwitch National Awards judging panel

Congratulations to RICS, WT Sustainability, J Goddard & Co and UXED for the development of the LEASA App and companion guide book which were launched earlier this year. This innovative resource is a solution genuinely needed by the tenant sector, and one that has the potential to bring about true market transformation. This kind of collaborative solution has not been seen in a long time with tenants, leasing agents, suppliers and mechanical engineers all set to gain from the insights provided by this tool.

The tool draws in commercial building disclosure and leasing data to help tenants around Australia to compare potential tenancy costs and rank sustainability features. The LEASA App impressed the CitySwitch Awards judges in its aim to promote the benefits of high performing buildings, facilitate better market transparency and allow for more informed decisions regarding our commercial workspaces - the tool allows offices around Australia to be searched, ranked and compared on sustainable and cost merit, ensuring tenants can make smart choices when deciding on the most energy-efficient and cost effective space. 

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore presents Daniel Woo of UXED, Nick Hudson of RICS, John Goddard and Stephen Hennessy of WT Sustainability, with the inaugural National Partnership of the Year Award.

New Signatory of the Year 2013

Wallmans Lawyers

 

Wallmans in Adelaide have hit the ground running. As a new Signatory they have embraced energy efficiency and the CitySwitch philosophy. They have moved rapidly to obtain a benchmark rating and have taken a structured approach to initiative energy-saving initiatives.

National CitySwitch judging panel

Wallmans have implemented a number of energy-saving actions and engaged with others beyond business-as-usual. Quick to obtain a NABERS benchmark rating, the new Signatory has also addressed green procurement processes and taken a structured approach to implementing energy-saving initiatives.

Inefficient equipment like office photocopiers have been replaced by a smaller number of energy efficient, multifunction devices which have brought about a saving of 1,000kWh per annum. The tenancy has also implemented automated shut-off of lights and air-conditioning after-hours.

Trevor Edmonds, Managing Partner for Wallmans Lawyers accepts the New Signatory of the Year Award.

Winners under 2000sqm

New South Wales

WT Sustainability

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
24 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Full lighting upgrade, reduction in supplementary air-conditioning, new office layout to increase efficiencies.

WT Sustainability set out to be the most energy efficient tenancy in Australia, and have achieved great success over past 12 months (using 78 per cent less energy than a typical tenancy). The organisation has attended to every detail in managing energy consumption in their premises, with impressive achievements made without expensive technology or proprietary equipment, just careful choices and proper planning, implementation and monitoring. For example, installing a timed power circuit to the work stations such that power to most outlets is cut ‘out of hours’ thus eliminating standby loads, not having supplementary air conditioning, and ensuring meeting rooms and office space has efficient lighting and controls.

The work that was achieved over the past 12 months by WT Sustainability is a demonstration of leadership and commitment to make change in commercial offices. In addition, WTS's efforts to support the market with tremendous innovative ideas to drive true and deep market transformation are to be commended.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

Stephen Hennessy, Director of WT Sustainability accepts the CitySwitch Award as presented by North Sydney Mayor, Jilly Gibson.

South Australia

Thomson Rossi

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
5.2 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Comprehensive energy audit, energy targets and actions guided by an Environmentally Sustainable Design working group.

Thomson Rossi have enthusiastically implemented a myriad of CitySwitch staff engagement activities, from active transport, to switch-off campaigns and scoping of a large solar PV install. The roll-out of Thomson Rossi's Natural Resource Management Plan is projected to have an environmental impact of planting 146 trees or taking six cars off the road.

Thomson Rossi has demonstrated an outstanding effort well above and beyond their core business particularly in such a short period of time. We recognise the architectural firm's leadership and engagement initiatives including their newly introduced internal Green Super-Star Awards.

SA CitySwitch judging panel

Thomson Rossi's Amanda Rossi and Marino Rossi (middle) received the Under 2000 sqm CitySwitch Award from The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood (far left) and Ian Hunter MLC, Minister for Sustainability, Environment & Conservation.

Victoria

Baptcare

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
221 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Lighting upgrades, waste management improvements, along with other new initiatives including glazing and insulation.

Baptcare has undertaken significant lighting, glazing and HVAC upgrades to both of its CitySwitch committed tenancies as well as fantastic improvements to its waste management practices. The lighting upgrades set to save Baptcare a total of 221 tonnes of CO2 and has already helped the organisation achieve a 5 Star NABERS rating. Baptcare’s Liam Henderson mentored a group of students through the CitySwitch RMIT student audit program and has been a familiar face at all CitySwitch events in the last year.

Both in the office and across its many facilities, Baptcare is undertaking meaningful and effective energy and resource efficiency projects while bringing its staff along for the journey. It is evident through the amount of work that has gone into improving sustainability at Baptcare that this is an organisation with both the will and the people to achieve great things.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

Baptcare Sustainability Coordinator Liam Henderson receives the Under 2000 sqm Award from City of Melbourne Cr Arron Wood.

Western Australia

Savills Australia

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
19 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Energy efficient lighting upgrades, electronic equipment timers, plus HVAC upgrades including the implementation of supplementary air conditioning along with zoned and manual controls.

Savills have undertaken a broad range of initiatives including lighting upgrades which have seen a 50 per cent reduction in T5 lighting (via delamping), the install of sensors and after-work our timers. This year the small office has achieved a total annual energy saving saving of 24,000kWh and is continuing to help improve the environment by reducing landfill through re-use and recycling efforts. Most projects have been led by the organisation's environmental team.

Savills has demonstrated a significant depth of commitment to CitySwitch through a broad range of initiatives undertaken over the last year. Significant energy savings were achieved given their size (859m2), and Savills has actively used the CitySwitch energy action plan to implement some great initiatives including a centralised IT system.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

Lord Mayor, Lisa-M Scaffidi with Tom Burlinson of Savills Australia  (photo courtesy of Jean-Paul Horre).

Winners over 2000sqm

New South Wales

Goodman Group

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
4 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Behaviour change strategies following a new activity-based working fitout.

The Goodman Group have reinforced their behaviour change strategies following the implementation of activity-based working last year. Results of an improved 0.5  star rating showcases that continuous efforts and employee engagement are key to ongoing efficiencies.

Goodman Group's submission really stood-out for their efforts to constantly improve their energy rating and optimise savings. We wanted to recognise their innovation and continued work and acknowledge that activity-based working was only the start of a great journey.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

Vesna Kljajic of Goodman Group accepts the CitySwitch Award as presented by Lord Mayor, Clover Moore.

South Australia

City of Adelaide

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
55.9 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Building upgrades (including lighting and lighting controls), along with the implementation of an Energy Management Action Plan across the organisation.

With a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2020 (with a maximum 35 per cent purchase of Green Power) and reducing energy use by 15 per cent by 2014, Adelaide City Council has been very proactive in its efforts to reduce carbon emissions. So far, a 60 per cent reduction in emissions has been achieved (from 1994 levels) through a number of lighting and air conditioning upgrades. Adelaide City Council have implementing a raft of new lighting and building management system upgrades, and showcasing those achievements to other companies looking to follow their lead.

The judges acknowledge and recognise the leadership shown by the City of Adelaide in 'walking the talk' and going above and beyond their responsibilities as CitySwitch program managers.

SA CitySwitch judging panel

The Right Honourable The Lord Mayor Stephen Yarwood and Neil Brown, General Manager, City Infrastructure and Public Works received the Over 2000 sqm Award from The Honourable Ian Hunter MLC, Minister for Sustainability, Environment & Conservation.

Victoria

Norton Rose Fulbright

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
933 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Energy management systems, server virtualisation, equipment upgrades.

Norton Rose Fulbright have focused their efforts on energy management and reporting to achieve an incredible increase of 2.5 stars in their NABERS rating for 2013. Adjustments to procurement processing putting the onus on efficiency criteria for new office equipment was implemented earlier this year, which when combined with server virtualisation delivered savings of 933 tonnes of CO2. Since joining in 2009, Norton Rose Fulbright has demonstrated a national commitment to the program and this year's recognition follows on from their Award win in NSW in 2011.

Norton Rose Fulbright has achieved fantastic gains in energy efficiency over the past 12 months in its Melbourne office. CitySwitch aims to bring Signatories up 0.5 stars every two years and Norton Rose Fulbright has managed 2.5 stars in a single year. We commend their efforts.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

Elisa de Wit receiving the Over 2000 sqm Award for Norton Rose Fulbright from Charlie Knaggs of CitySwitch program partner, the Net Balance Foundation.

Western Australia

The Royal Automobile Club Of Western Australia

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
89 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Implementation of a Resource Efficiency Action Plan with priorities based on marginal abatement cost curve outcomes, and roll-out of innovative staff behaviour change programs.

Engagement activities have included use of the real time monitoring screens to display data from monthly 'Take the Stairs' inter-staff challenges - this display included the amount of times staff would have climbed Bluff Knoll (in nearby Stirling Ranges, WA), based on the stair counter hits between the floors and estimated emission savings. Upcoming priority initiatives include capture of fleet emissions, further development of the current display of building performance dashboard data as educational tool to staff and clients, along with renewable energy generation, control system adjustments and enhancement of air-conditioning and lighting systems.

RAC has continued to show leadership in the CitySwitch program this year, delivering a further10 per cent saving since last year's win. RAC has demonstrated active engagement and large investment in technology to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption. They have also demonstrated strong cultural interaction between management and personnel. We congratulate the RAC for their leadership.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

Lord Mayor Lisa-M Scaffidi presents Erica Haddon of RAC with the CitySwitch Award (photo courtesy of Jean-Paul Horre).

Western Australia Police

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
645 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Lighting upgrades, HVAC management and behaviour change through real-time monitoring.

Western Australia Police were awarded for demonstrating how improvements to older buildings can save energy and how sustainability can be imbedded in organisations where such measures are outside the core business. Monitoring tools, LED lighting and raising staff awareness through real-time public data displays also gained them merit.

The WA Police are attestation of what public sector tenancies can achieve in energy efficiency. While in an old building that is operational 24 hours a day, they have utilised the opportunities available such as LED lighting to reduce consumption. The WA Police have used their CitySwitch action plan as a basis of their initiatives, combined with energy tracking and monitoring tools to identify potential savings.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

Lord Mayor, Lisa-M Scaffidi with Garry Lord of Western Australia Police (photo courtesy of Jean-Paul Horre). 

Winners New Signatories

New South Wales

Envizi

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
1.8 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Embedding switch-off practices into office culture.

Envizi has undertaken a number of initiatives since joining CitySwitch earlier this year including having started discussions with their facilities manager to act as a test office for an energy efficient lighting replacement program. If successful this will be rolled out to the rest of the building. In addition, the  IT team at Envizi completed a review of all relevant equipment settings in the offices to ensure every unit is set to be best practice for usage. Staff are engaged with regular reminders about sustainability initiatives in the office and wider activities including World Environment Day.

Envizi stood-out from other new Signatories this year for their strong level of program engagement, and a set of great projects they have underway to overcome a number of challenges at their tenancy at Australian Technology Place.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

Tamara Robinson, Marketing Manager of Envizi accepts the CitySwitch Award as presented by Lord Mayor, Clover Moore.

South Australia

Wallmans Lawyers

NABERS Energy rating:
Emission savings:
0.8 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Equipment upgrades, engaged with staff, co-tenants and clients to look for additional opportunities to improve energy efficiency.

Wallmans have implemented actions and engaged with others beyond business-as-usual via public events, staff engagement and by addressing green procurement processes. Inefficient equipment like office photocopiers have been replaced by a smaller number of energy efficient, multifunction devices which have brought about a saving of 1,000 kWh per annum. The tenancy has also implemented automated shut-off of lights and air-conditioning after-hours.

Wallmans in Adelaide have hit the ground running. As a new Signatory they have embraced energy efficiency and the CitySwitch philosophy. We also acknowledge their commitment to selecting suppliers with reference to their environmental policies.

SA CitySwitch judging panel

Wallmans Lawyers received the CitySwitch Award from The Honourable Ian Hunter MLC, Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation (second from right) as presented to David Dercho (Marketing and Business Relations Manager), Trevor Edmond, (Managing Partner), and Carolyn Vigar (Head of Section, Local Government and Public Law).

Victoria

Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation - Victoria Branch

NABERS Energy rating:delete this line
(Indicative)
Key initiatives:
Set-up a sustainability committee, undertook a green procurement policy review, utilised a number of office resource audits as facilitated via CitySwitch's RMIT student audit program.

The ANMF kicked off their exploration in sustainability with a Health and Environmental Sustainability seminar which was attended by over 200 members. As a new signatory, the ANMF have taken to sustainability in a big way through the development of a cross organisational sustainability committee, a review of their procurement and tendering policy to include sustainability and multiple initiatives to identify and separate waste. The ANMF also had three separate resource audits undertaken by RMIT students in 2013 which will help to guide their activity into the next year.

As an organisation beginning their sustainability journey, the ANMF have demonstrated a commitment to participate, learn and allocate resources to achieve their goals.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability Professor Katy Auty presents the New Signatory of the Year award to Pip Carew of the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation.