80 Queen St building celebrates green trifecta

The Deloitte Centre at 80 Queen Street, Auckland, is the first building in New Zealand to achieve a 5 Green Star certification trifecta, according to the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC).

The building, which occupies a whole city block, has added a 5 Green Star – Office Interior rating (achieved by BNZ) to its 5 Green Star – Office Design and Built ratings (achieved by developer Brookfield Multiplex).

The 21-level, 23,000 sqm premium-grade office tower which is tenanted by BNZ and Deloitte, was developed and built, and is being managed by Brookfield Multiplex.

Teamwork was key to the Green Star success of this project. Brookfield Multiplex and BNZ united to ensure a flawless transition from initial building design through to base-build and fit-out phases.

BNZ CEO Andrew Thorburn believes sustainability is a fundamental principle for any business.

“We are past the point where sustainability is a 'nice add-on’, it needs to be embedded in the business. 80 Queen St is a great example of how it can deliver benefits for staff, the environment, and in the long term, the bottom line.”

The triple-green building status strengthens BNZ's sustainability promise. Last month the bank became the first New Zealand bank to achieve 100 per cent carbon neutrality and is New Zealand's largest accredited Fair Trade workplace.

Tim Pope, Managing Director of Brookfield Multiplex Construction (NZ) Limited, paid homage to BNZ for the vision and bravery that they showed in the development of the project.

“It’s been fantastic to work with the BNZ to create such an incredible building that so completely embraces all aspects of green building design,” says Tim Pope.

“This was a significant project in every sense of the word, with historical and heritage aspects to take into account as well as its strategic location in the heart of the Auckland CBD,” says Tim Pope.

“The result is a building that is attractive to both tenants and workers for the level of comfort and amenity it brings, along with the knowledge that it demonstrates current best practice in sustainable design.

“Brookfield Multiplex is proud to have been able to bring all its international experience and capability to the creation of this building and to know that it will serve Aucklanders for many future generations,” he says.

Alex Cutler, NZGBC Chief Executive, says BNZ and Brookfield Multiplex have demonstrated the value of taking a partnership approach to green building, and the importance of taking a long-term view.

One of the major obstacles to developers building green has been their tendency to hold a short-term view – build it, sell it and move onto the next development. However, developers have much to gain from going green, such as savings on capital cost, improved marketability and a better sale price.

For tenants there are large financial, social and environmental benefits to be had from green building. Overseas studies have shown an increase in productivity of up to 25%, a 15% reduction in absenteeism, and as much as a 60% reduction in water and energy use.

“80 Queen Street showcases BNZ’s and Brookfield Multiplex’s leadership in the sustainability space,” says Ms Cutler. “Together they have set the standard for all new commercial buildings to aspire to.”

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