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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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