walking the talk

For a government agency intent on teachingthe public to use resources efficiently and reduce environmental impact, it's important to practice what you preach. Sustainability Victoria is doing just that. Its new office is targeted for a 6-star Green Star rating and a 5-star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating (ABGR).

Sustainability Victoria's in-house project manager for the fit-out, Paul Pitrone, says that since buildings consume 32% of the world's resources, it is vital to build green and reduce this environmental cost.

As a government agency, the project had to meet government office accommodation guidelines, which are designed to help project teams achieve environmentally, socially and economically sustainable workplaces. This leads to ongoing operational cost savings, workplace satisfaction and productivity gains.

Working within this framework, Sustainability Victoria set an environmental management plan in place prior to construction. This, combined with extensive staff consultation, set the direction the project would take.

"Previously, we were spread over three tenancies, where spaces were closed in and managers had their own offices," says Pitrone. "Our research told us that the staff wanted a flexible work space with a youthful feel, that would encourage good team interaction."

The result not only encourages a new, more open style of management, but allows the organisation to showcase environmentally sustainable design.

"We've shown that it's possible to get the best environmental outcome on a commercial budget," says Pitrone. "We want to strengthen government leadership in this area by showing the way and demonstrating best practice."

"From a design perspective, we found that people respond to a vibrant workplace that encourages flexibility. So we have created an organic, flowing space that reflects our culture," he says.

The reception area sets the tone, with funky, contemporary furniture. Vines grow up metal trellises in the corridor, while bands of bright green around the space give a visual reminder of what this organisation is all about. A sliding wall at one end of the reception area can be pulled right back, turning the reception area and staff room into one large function room.

In the main office, workstations are near the windows, so there is plenty of natural light to work by. Laptops with wireless connectivity have replaced desktop computers.

While none of the staff have their own offices, there are eight quiet rooms that can be booked when staff need a place to work without distraction. A boardroom provides space for larger meetings.

Perhaps the most novel aspect of the fit-out is the think tank. With curved walls constructed of recycled cardboard, it is a flexible space that can be used for a number of purposes.

"It takes you outside of your normal square," says Pitrone. "It's a place where people can get away from their desks, play music, chat, throw ideas around or have a coffee break."

Staff well-being is further promoted by the provision of showers, locker rooms and bicycle parking spaces, making it much easier for employees to cycle to work or exercise during the day.

All the materials specified for the fit-out were as environmentally friendly as possible right down to the paints, carpets and adhesives used. All of these are designed to release fewer pollutants into the air.

"The difference is noticeable. This is a new fit-out, yet there is no smell of paint or toxins," says Pitrone.

Naturally, the minimisation of the amount of waste that goes to landfills both from its own office and the state is one of the organisation's key objectives. During the construction process, 80% of the materials that would otherwise have been sent to landfill were reused or recycled.

Story by: Trendsideas