Sustainability
A key element of the architect's brief was that the outcome was to embrace sustainable features and minimise energy consumption.
Airconditioning
A major element of the design was an alternative solution for airconditioning for the Exhibition Building.
The Building will be naturally ventilated to reduce energy consumption, with an under-floor hydronic heating and cooling system.
These initiatives were tested using shading analyses, modelling for Building Code of Australia compliance and a Thermal Comfort Study carried out by Aurecon.
Rainwater
There will be significant re-use of rainwater with the installation of a 100,000-litre tank which will provide for flushing of toilets, irrigation, wash-down and the like. Two 150,000L stormwater harvesting tanks have been installed. The tanks will enable significant re-use of rainwater – 300,000 litres of water is equivalent to 103,448 toilet flushes. The water will be used for on-site irrigation of gardens and locomotive wash-downs as well as flushing toilets. Other water saving initiatives include installing water-efficient showerheads, low-flow restrictors on taps and installing a water-efficient washing machine in the volunteer laundry. Every drop counts.
Other initiatives
Other Environmentally Sustainable Development initiatives incorporated include:
- Use of daylight where this does not interfere with exhibition requirements
- Overall lighting set at the minimal level necessary to comply with general and fire safety guidelines, using low-energy lamps in floodlight luminaires
- Use of highly efficient water fixtures and fittings
- Selection of low VOC (volatile organic compounds) and recycled materials where possible
- 90% native tree selection to reduce water consumption
- Permeable external surfaces wherever possible
- Locally served landscape materials
- Use of natural detention basins rather than man-made underground tanks to satisfy Wollondilly Shire Council's on-site stormwater detention requirements.