Awards 2014

CitySwitch National Signatory of the Year 2014

CBRE 

With a 44 per cent decrease in energy use, CBRE is demonstrating that leadership and bold thinking can deliver an inspirational step change in performance.

CitySwitch National Awards judging panel

Congratulations to CBRE, awarded National Signatory of the Year.  CBRE was awarded the top accolade for an innovative office redesign to activity based working at their Sydney George St tenancy. The project delivered a 44 per cent reduction in energy savings and an impressive 1.5 star NABERS rating improvement to 5.5 stars. 

This well-planned project was rolled out to meet environmental performance goals without compromising on the needs of staff. Comprehensive staff engagement was undertaken to help usher in the changes, materials were reused and overall consumption of energy and paper was greatly reduced.

Emma McMahon, CBRE Sustainability Manager, accepts the CitySwitch National Signatory of the Year Award as presented by Frank Roberson from the Office of Environment and Heritage.

CitySwitch Partnership of the Year 2014

City of Greater Geelong  - Future Proofing Geelong, Ryrie Centre Property and 235 & 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong

This collaboration has brought companies together to create a shared high performance culture with clear energy efficiency objectives and significant progress already under their belt.

CitySwitch National Awards judging panel

A collaboration between City of Greater Geelong - Future Proofing Geelong,  Ryrie Centre Property and the tenants of 235 & 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong to develop the first two CitySwitch vertical communities in regional Victoria, has been awarded CitySwitch Partnership of the Year.

CitySwitch helped Future Proofing Geelong and Ryrie Centre Property to engage with tenancies at the two buildings on Ryrie Street and subsequently 12 tenants joined CitySwitch program. With assistance, the tenants have now developed energy action plans with several completing lighting upgrades and staff engagement programs. The two communities have already reported savings of 43 per cent of the CO2 savings required to achieve their CitySwitch commitment to a 4 star NABERS tenancy rating. 

Tim Hellsten Manager, Planning Strategy & Urban Growth at City of Greater Geelong and Tina Prefrement, Future Proofing Geelong Team Leader, receive the Partnership Award from Councillor Arron Wood from the City of Melbourne.

New Signatory of the Year 2014

Echo Entertainment Group

Echo Entertainment put in a formidable performance this year.  Taking a root and branch approach to sustainability, the organisation has created targets and accountability, implemented a raft of projects and delivered a portfolio energy saving of nearly 4 per cent in the first year of being involved in the program.

National CitySwitch judging panel

Echo Entertainment Group have achieved energy and carbon emissions reductions of nearly 4 per cent as a result of projects implemented since they joined the program earlier this year.

These positive results, which are undoubtedly a sign of even greater  reductions to come,  have been achieved through the implementation of a national staff engagement program, a five-year Environment and Sustainability Strategy and a commitment to ambitious energy and waste reduction targets across their property portfolio.

Esther Bailey, CitySwitch National Program Manager presents Amanda Visser, Manager Sustainability and Environment at Echo Entertainment Group with the National New Signatory of the Year Award.

Winners under 2000sqm

New South Wales & ACT

Steensen Varming

NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
7 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Lighting and IT equipment upgrade and staff engagement initiatives.

This 6 star NABERS energy rated tenancy has maintained its leading edge by continuing to  enhance an already high performing space and completely embedding sustainability throughout their organisation. This year, the organisation has saved 7,631kWh by further upgrading their lighting using state of the art LED technology and starting a transition to cloud-based IT storage, all as part of their approach to ‘creating positive environments’. To embed their sustainability initiatives and practices, they developed an Environmental Management System,  accredited to ISO14001 standard, which highlights exceptions in their performance to allow staff to quickly respond and adjust behaviour.

LED lighting upgrade and information systems to maintain and fine tune a 6 star energy rating. Sustainability is an integral part of their management focus with great staff involvement.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

Michael Harrold, Associate Director of Steensen Varming and Diksha Vijapur, Sustainability Consultant accept the CitySwitch Signatory of the Year Award as presented by Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney.


South Australia

dsquared Consulting

NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
2.9 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Office fitout incorporating energy efficient lighting and equipment upgrades and extensive use of recycled materials

dsquared Consulting has demonstrated excellence in environmental leadership over a number of years. Having been actively involved with CitySwitch since the early days of the program, their new fitout demonstrates how a sustainable workspace can be achieved with minimal budget. dsquared Consulting selected an office space with great natural daylight and ventilation, then complemented it with substantial lighting upgrades, including daylight and motion sensors and chose energy efficient office equipment. Extensive use of recycled materials was an important part of the office fitout. Having achieved a 5.5 star NABERS energy rating, dsquared Consulting also undertook the first accredited GreenStar Interiors rating in SA and achieved 5 stars.

dsquared Consulting have implemented an exemplary office fitout and healthy, productive work environment for a relatively low expenditure, achieving an excellent NABERS and GreenStar Interiors rating.

SA CitySwitch judging panel

 Paul Davy, Director of dsquared Consulting and Ken Long, ESD Consultant at dsquared Consulting accept the CitySwitch Award as presented by David Chick, General Manager, City Planning and Design and Alison Cusack, CitySwitch Program Manager of City of Adelaide.


Victoria

Baptcare

NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
25 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Energy efficient lighting upgrades at three offices and a sustainable office fitout at one location.

As a result of a commitment to an ongoing and comprehensive sustainability program, this year Baptcare’s seven CitySwitch tenancies across Victoria have saved over 100 tonnes of carbon emissions and their head office has gained ½ star on its NABERS rating to reach 5.5 stars.  Energy efficient lighting upgrades were undertaken at three of its regional community aged care office tenancies in 2014. At one location, Baptcare undertook a holistic sustainable fitout which included indoor plants, thermal blind installation, efficient lighting upgrades, low VOC paints, sustainably sourced furniture, recycling infrastructure and standing desks. All waste from the office fitout was also recycled.

Baptcare’s commitment to sustainability is more than skin deep. Through their close involvement with the CitySwitch program and numerous projects, Baptcare has shown itself as an exemplar community service organisation.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

Liam Henderson, Sustainability Coordinator of Baptcare accepts the Victorian CitySwitch Signatory of the Year Award from Councillor Arron Wood from City of Melbourne.


Western Australia

Jones Lang LaSalle

NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
2.7 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Environmental planning, monitoring, and reporting; green procurement, office equipment upgrades and staff engagement.

Jones Lang LaSalle is demonstrating that first principles matter.  The organisation’s monitoring and monthly reporting program tracks the effectiveness of their energy efficiency initiatives. As well as identifying and communicating the outcomes and benefits, this approach has made initiatives more visible across the organisation.  Jones Lang LaSalle also actively and directly engaged staff through initiatives including a ‘switch-off’ campaign and participation in Earth Hour. Additionally the organisation has made substantial commitments to reduce their energy use through investment in major equipment upgrades as well as further organisational change which has delivered a 3400 kWh reduction in electricity use.

Jones Lang LaSalle provides a highly commendable example of the power of positive staff engagement, complemented by a range of projects in keeping with the core CitySwitch strategies.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

City of Perth Lord Mayor, Right Honorable Lisa-M Scaffidi presents Gary James, Director of Energy & Sustainability Services, Jones Lang LaSalle with the CitySwitch Award.

 

 

 

Winners over 2000sqm

New South Wales & ACT

CBRE

NABERS Energy rating:

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

CBRE have embraced a move to activity-based working to achieve efficiencies at their George Street tenancy. In doing so they reduced electricity consumption by 44 per cent and made an impressive 1.5 star NABERS rating improvement to 5.5 stars. This well-planned project was rolled out to meet environmental performance goals without compromising on the needs of staff. Comprehensive staff engagement was undertaken to help usher in the changes, materials were reused and overall consumption of energy and paper was greatly reduced.

CBRE has embedded sustainability values and objectives in their business and are 'walking the talk'. Their innovative and flexible office redesign has created an open, engaging and collaborative environment.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

Amanda Steele, CBRE Head of Sustainability, Pacific and Emma McMahon, CBRE Sustainability Manager, accept the CitySwitch Signatory of the Year Award as presented by Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney.


Queensland

Queensland Nurses’ Union


NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
9 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Selection and move to a high performing building, sustainable fitout, green procurement and staff engagement.
A move by QNU to a new building with environmentally friendly and energy efficient design demonstrates how a well-managed move to a high performance space can supercharge an organisations environmental performance and transform staff culture and engagement. Their new building features higher HVAC efficiency, utilising a VRF heat recovery system which negates the need for cooling towers and chillers, LED lights with sensors and timers, water tanks for toilets, solar hot water and extensive recycling facilities. Furniture, contractors and office equipment were procured with energy efficiency and sustainability front of mind.  The QNU now enjoys an informed and pleasant work environment, improved work health and safety and staff wellbeing.

QNU sought out an efficient design in relocating to a new building. Their higher ratings reflect the ‘built-in’ sustainability features and fitout.

QLD CitySwitch judging panel

Queensland CitySwitch Program Manager Alexander Stathakis presents the Queensland Signatory of the Year Award (over 2000 sqm) to Jocelyn Connor, Finance Officer of Queensland Nurses’ Union.

South Australia

Wallmans Lawyers


NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
6.2 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Energy efficient lighting upgrade, green procurement policies, program promotion, collaboration and engagement with building tenants and manager.

Wallmans have demonstrated positive leadership, by engaging other tenants in their building,  promoting the benefits of the CitySwitch program through presentations and working with their building manager (CBRE). This activity has successfully encouraged another tenancy in their building to join CitySwitch. Wallmans have also been actively engaged with CitySwitch via the LinkedIn group to encourage peer to peer networking. In their own tenancy, a lighting upgrade from halogen to LEDs has improved their NABERS rating from 4.5 to 5 stars.  Wallmans are also committed to selecting suppliers with environmental policies and have ensured energy efficiency is a core part of new IT infrastructure procurement. They recently upgraded their IT hardware with an expectation of a 30 per cent energy saving

Wallmans have been active CitySwitch participants and have demonstrated strong leadership, encouraging other organisations to join the program.

SA CitySwitch judging panel

David Dercho (Client Development Manager), Trevor Edmond (Managing Partner) and Michael Kay, (Partner) of Wallmans Lawyers accept the CitySwitch Signatory of the Year Award as presented by David Chick, General Manager, City Planning and Design, City of Adelaide.


Victoria

Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure

NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
113 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
LED lighting upgrades, behaviour change campaign, office consolidation, stationery freecycle program, improved bike storage and water infrastructure.

DTPLI has been tenaciously committed to maintaining their 5 star NABERS tenancy rating. An LED lighting upgrade has saved over 35,000kWh per annum and an office consolidation program resulted in over 900,000 kWh saved this year. A computer ‘switch-off’ campaign as part of the organisations ongoing staff engagement activity delivered a 49,000kWh saving over the past year. In addition to these energy saving initiatives, DTPLI launched the ‘Stationery Freecycle’ project, which has reduced stationery consumption by over 20 per cent.

DTPLI has long been a high achiever in CitySwitch demonstrating energy performance improvements year-on-year. A new stationary recycling program which partners with community groups shows how they can influence others as well.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

David Helmore, Environment Manager of Victorian Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure accepts the CitySwitch Signatory of the Year Award as presented by Councillor Arron Wood from the City of Melbourne.


 

Western Australia

Department of Housing, Government of Western Australia


NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
91.4 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Participation in the Curtin collaboration project, created a green team, replaced a water chiller and upgraded lighting.

The Department of Housing showed incredible initiative and perseverance to deliver 91 tonnes of carbon abatement this year. The organisation collaborated closely with CitySwitch, participating in every opportunity provided by the program as well as making extensive use of CitySwitch toolkits, case studies, and other program resources. The Department then applied a range of techniques, including a combination of technological improvement and staff engagement to achieve energy reductions, resulting in savings of  117,135 kWh or $21,000. Initiatives ranged from replacement of the chiller tower and lighting upgrades to internal communications, green volunteer recruitment, and workplace competitions.

Even with restrictions on resource and budget, the Department of Housing sets a high standard. With its comprehensive program of projects and awareness raising initiatives, the signatory has truly embraced the values of CitySwitch.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

City of Perth Lord Mayor, Right Honorable Lisa-M Scaffidi presents Department of Housing's Building Services and Sustainability leaders Emmie Maunder and Stephen Chin with the CitySwitch Award.


Winners Partnership

New South Wales & ACT

ActionAid & WWF Australia

Key initiatives:
Collaboration on an office relocation to a more sustainable office

ActionAid and WWF Australia worked together to share knowledge, break down barriers and streamline ActionAid's office relocation. Having gone through the process in 2012 with excellent results in environmental performance, WWF Australia generously provided inspiration, knowledge, accessible support and key contacts. These two organisations show how collaboration can achieve sustainable outcomes.  On WWF Australia’s recommendation, ActionAid formed a dedicated relocation committee to help with their internal change management and establishing positive and sustainable behaviours at the new premises.

A partnership that was truly beneficial to both organisations to achieve the choice of a more sustainable office. A fantastic achievement.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

Matt Wilson, WWF Australia’s National Manager – Corporate Partnerships, Steph Ross, ActionAid’s Office Manager and Natalie Roberts formerly of WWF Australia receive the Partnership Award from Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney.

 

 

 




Victoria

City of Greater Geelong  - Future Proofing Geelong, Ryrie Centre Property and 235 & 237 Ryrie Street, Geelong 

Key initiatives:
Collaboration to develop energy action plans, education, support and engagement and indicative NABERS ratings.




City of Greater Geelong - Future Proofing Geelong has successfully partnered with Ryrie Centre Properties to develop the first two CitySwitch vertical communities in regional Victoria. CitySwitch helped Future Proofing Geelong and Ryrie Centre Property to engage with tenancies at the two buildings on Ryrie Street and subsequently 12 tenants joined CitySwitch program. With assistance , the tenants have now developed energy action plans with several completing lighting upgrades and staff engagement  programs. The two communities have already reported savings of 43 per cent of the CO2 savings required to achieve their CitySwitch commitment to a 4 star NABERS tenancy rating.

The City of Greater Geelong should be commended for developing the first two CitySwitch vertical communities in Victoria, showing how building owners and tenants can collaborate to achieve significant energy reductions.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

Vicki Grosser, Future Proofing Geelong Project Officer and Ryrie Centre Property's owner Greg Bryant recieve the  Victorian Partnership Award from Councillor Arron Wood from City of Melbourne.


Western Australia

The Royal Automobile Club Of Western Australia & HFM Asset Management

Key initiatives:
Collaboration with CitySwitch and Curtin University to provide training for graduate students on MAC Curves, NABERS ratings and sustainability action plans.

The RAC and HFM demonstrated their industry leadership again this year by helping to train Curtin graduate students in the fundamentals of creating a sustainability action plan for commercial tenancies.  In the pilot project, Curtin University graduate students were matched with CitySwitch signatories to eliminate the two primary barriers to energy efficiency project implementation - lack of time and expertise. This project collaborated closely with CitySwitch, creating value for the program and signatories in Western Australia as well as building a foundation for future innovative collaborations with the sustainability professionals of tomorrow. RAC and HFM also provided students with additional support to help them refine their action plans and presentations.

The RAC and HFM have demonstrated industry leadership at a high level with its partnership project.  The breadth of involvement, the robustness of process and methodology and the direct professional development partnership with academia is recognised and applauded.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

City of Perth Lord Mayor, Right Honorable Lisa-M Scaffidi with Matt Holmes of HFM Asset Management and Dr. Regina Flugge and Amanda Joseph of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia.

Winners New Signatories

New South Wales & ACT

Echo Entertainment Group


Emission savings:
4,490 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Enhanced environmental monitoring and reporting, staff engagement, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Echo Entertainment Group’s vision for sustainability demonstrates how the Group’s environmental values, activities and commitments are embedded throughout the organisation. Their achievements since they joined the program include a national staff engagement program, a five- year Environment and Sustainability Strategy with resource saving targets and objectives, and a commitment to continuous environmental and sustainability performance across their property portfolio.  Echo is the first major entertainment group to become a CitySwitch signatory and to commit nationally to ambitious energy and waste reduction targets. The impressive results already achieved show their future potential.

For such a large energy user this was a tremendous achievement with a genuine focus on staff engagement.

NSW CitySwitch judging panel

 

Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney presents Amanda Visser, Manager Sustainability and Environment at Echo Entertainment Group with the New Signatory of the Year Award.


Queensland

VRT Systems

NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
6 tonnes CO2-e
Key initiatives:
Lighting audit and delamping, electricity and water usage data displays, review of HVAC and lighting operating times and staff engagement.

A shift to good data monitoring and displays were behind VRT Systems’ energy savings results. The organisations success stemmed from real time displays coupled with staff awareness campaigns. The monitoring showed how simple measures like removing lights, reducing use of other lights and air conditioning can yield real results. Measures implemented by the organisation reduced electricity usage and greenhouse emissions by four per cent within the first four months.

Very impressive energy savings achieved in a short time. It is easy to see how staff has been engaged with real-time, attention-grabbing data.

  QLD CitySwitch judging panel

Queensland CitySwitch Program Manager Alexander Stathakis presents the Queensland New Signatory of the Year Award to Beverly Meehan, Chief Financial Officer of VRT Systems.


South Australia

Nunkuwarrin Yunti of South Australia Inc.

NABERS Energy rating:

Key initiatives:
Development of a Sustainability Action plan, environmental policies and a staff engagement program.

Nunkuwarrin Yunti has been focussed and strategic in their approach to participation in CitySwitch.  Within two months of joining, they obtained an indicative rating and developed new policies and procedures that embed energy saving and other environmental outcomes within their organisation. A three year Sustainability Action Plan was created by their newly formed "Green Mob" which has members from across the organisation.  These initiatives have provided an effective framework that will help them reach their energy efficiency and other sustainability goals. Nunkuwarrin Yunti is a shining example of an organisation actively and deliberately embedding sustainability into their planning and operations.

Nunkuwarrin Yunti’s "Green Mob" and three year Action Plan are a great foundation to build on.  We will watch this organisation with anticipation.

SA CitySwitch judging panel

David Chick, General Manager, City Planning and Design, City of Adelaide presents Nunkuwarrin Yunti repsresentatives with the CitySwitch Award - Deanna Nickolettos (Records Management),Alicia King (Manager Business Support Services), Barbara Myles (Resource/Asset Officer) and Carol Varley (Executive Assistant).


Victoria

Ross House Association

NABERS Energy rating:

Key initiatives:
Upgrade to lighting sensors and switches, HVAC upgrade and behaviour change tool for tenants.

Ross House Association has implemented a number of impressive energy efficiency projects, including a $90,000 lighting upgrade, a new HVAC system, and the new Greening Ross House: Your Tenancy Guide. Collectively these initiatives have led to a reduction of over 89,000 kWh in electricity usage in the last year. The organisations actions have opened up a dialogue between management and tenants about making positive environmental change and it has positioned Ross House as a model for sustainable community buildings.

Ross House has undergone a transformation with lighting, controls and HVAC upgrades resulting in impressive savings. The building’s 53 tenants have been a focal point – with a new guide to help make the most of the investment.

Victoria CitySwitch judging panel

Councillor Arron Wood from the City of Melbourne presents Michael Griffiths General Manager of Ross House Association with the New Signatory of the Year Award.


 

Western Australia

Psaros


NABERS Energy rating:

Emission savings:
115 tonnes (offset) through Carbon Neutral certification
Key initiatives:
Selection and move to a high performing building, sustainable fitout, green procurement and staff engagement.
Psaros are an incredibly engaged and proactive CitySwitch signatory and the first mid-tier property developer in Western Australia to operate a carbon neutral head office. The organisation achieved an accredited 5 star NABERS tenancy rating within the first six months of joining program thanks to a combination of energy efficient design, good controls and a staff behaviour change and awareness campaign. Their strong ‘top down’ approach to sustainability comes from a forward-thinking CEO and Managing Director and is supported by a passionate and dedicated National Head of Sustainability. Psaros are working actively to transform their industry and walking the talk within their own workspace too.

Psaros demonstrate that great things can be accomplished with a high level of commitment and determination. It is clear that sustainability is less of an initiative and more of an embedded policy within this organisation, and this is sending a clear signal to the competition.

WA CitySwitch judging panel

City of Perth Lord Mayor, Right Honorable Lisa-M Scaffidi presents Danny Psaros, CEO of Psaros with the CitySwitch Award.