Meridian Energy has moved into its new energy efficient building on Wellington’s Queens Wharf.
The innovative building, under long-term lease to Meridian, is New Zealand’s first purpose-built green office and incorporates a large public space to further enhance the facilities on the Wellington waterfront. The New Zealand Green Building Council has awarded the building a five-star rating under their new rating tool – a first for a purpose-built building in New Zealand.
Meridian’s Chief Executive Keith Turner says Meridian is ‘walking its talk’ with a real demonstration of its commitment to sustainable development.
“As the leader in the field of sustainable, clean, carboNZero certified electricity generation, it is appropriate for Meridian to make the best use of all our resources, including our accommodation,” says Dr Turner.
Along with all the environmental benefits of the new building, including sustainable construction methods that reduced waste, it also makes good business sense. It will use around 60 percent less energy and 70 percent less water than a standard office building and it adapts to environmental conditions, as well as to the people who use it.
“The building showcases the very best in New Zealand design and innovative thinking,” added Dr Turner.
“We have worked in partnership with the design team from the start of the project. I am delighted with the process, which shows how collective expertise can produce an outstanding result.”
New Zealand Green Buildings Council CEO, Jane Henley, congratulated the project team who worked on the Meridian building.
“This is a fine example of what we can do to be sustainable. This building is of a quality all new build projects should aspire to emulate – and shows the building industry at its best. The Meridian building on Queens Wharf sets a fine benchmark in sustainable building.”
Architect Marc Woodbury from the Studio of Pacific Architecture describes the building as a ‘total system’ that ‘lives and breathes’.
The building has smart operating systems that sense and react to wind, sun, temperature and internal carbon dioxide levels. It uses solar water to heat hot water and it recycles rainwater for flushing toilets.
From outside to inside fit-out, this building has been carefully planned. The information technology is also as energy efficient as possible and will support staff to collaborate in a sustainable way.
The Queens Wharf building is the first new building on the waterfront for some time. As a result, the design team was keen to ensure that it complemented the existing heritage environment, was a building the public could use and appreciate, as well as meeting the needs of Meridian’s employees.
The new Queens Wharf building is part of the newly-revitalised Kumutoto plaza, which will provide a public walkway to the existing waterfront area. While the building is largely leased to Meridian, the ground floor will include retail and dining space.
“Creating a place where people can work together in the best way, as well as being family friendly, was an important part of the design process,” says Dr Turner.
“I believe that this workspace will create an organisation culture that will stimulate innovation and leadership. I think it will be a great example to the other major corporates.
“We didn’t want a sterile corporate box, but a place that encourages people to interact and to work to their full potential – and we’re excited about our new home.”
Careful design has ensured the building will be good for people, with fresh air and comfortable temperatures, as well as a clever open-plan design to keep noise to a minimum.
Meridian is also refurbishing and re-using its existing furniture where possible, while care has been taken to ensure any new furniture is made from recycled materials or has a recycled component.
The construction of the new building was managed by Fletcher, which set up an efficient on-site waste management system during construction. This included sorting all waste for recycling, even lunch wrappers and bottles, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in waste to landfill.
“The new Queens Wharf building is a landmark for many reasons and we believe sets a new standard in design and construction for New Zealand commercial developers. It also meets Meridian’s high standards for social, environmental and financial performance,” concludes Dr Turner.
The building is owned by Dominion Funds Ltd and was developed to the specifications of its head tenant Meridian Energy.
It was designed by Wellington architectural practice, Studio of Pacific Architecture, ESD and services engineers Beca, and structural engineers Dunning Thornton.
The design has been guided by Meridian’s own advisors Warren and Mahoney, eCubed, Davis Langdon and Stephenson & Turner. Warren and Mahoney designed the interior fit-out.
Wellington Waterfront Ltd was also closely involved with the development to ensure a high standard of design across the waterfront area.
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For media enquiries contact:
Claire Shaw
Acting External Relations Advisor
Meridian
M 021 370 677
E claire.shaw@meridianenergy.co.nz