BE - Building Efficiency 2013-2014 by A.G. Coombs

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BUILDING EFFICIENCY 2013 EDITION

A Year of Strength, Leadership and Innovation A Bigger, Better, Box Hill Hospital Tuning in to Greater Energy Efficiency Harvey Norman Rates R22 Refrigerant Phase Out Advice Barangaroo South: The Beginnings Constructing a New Australian Landmark Maintaining for the Future at Historical University Data Centre Delivery Across the Strait Sustainability in the Sporting Precinct Delivering Critical Services to Australian Red Cross Blood Service Fire Protection Maintenance Takes Flight at Melbourne Airport

FEATURED STORIES

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

CLIVE WEEKS Chairman

Welcome to this year’s edition of A.G. Coombs’ publication, Building Efficiency.

A YEAR OF STRENGTH, LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION

The 2012-2013 year has been particularly significant for the A.G. Coombs Group, with long term strategic initiatives progressed, including the further strengthening of our technical expertise, multi-service capability and geographic presence.

What has also been pleasing is that the substantial growth experienced over recent times has been accompanied with an ongoing commitment to the A.G. Coombs values based culture.

The A.G. Coombs Group Building Efficiency magazine is testament to just some of our many achievements this year, and I recommend this publication to you.

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Also supporting growth is strong governance, with a Board comprising Executives and Non Executives with a wealth of diverse experience and a strong focus on the long term success and prosperity of the A.G. Coombs Group.

RUSSELL TELFORD Managing Director

2012-2013 has been another very challenging year for our industry, particularly in regard to the tight economic backdrop and the changing industry sector landscape post the collapse of major competitor, the Hastie Group in 2012.

Despite the challenging environment, the A.G. Coombs Group has gone from strength to strength as we continue to implement our long term strategic plans while leveraging our unique capabilities to create a clear point of difference and strong industry leadership position.

The A.G. Coombs Group point of difference continues to be our unique breadth and depth of specialist capabilities across building services that encapsulates a ‘Whole of Life’ approach.

Underpinning this leading capability are our talented people, strong core values and organisational culture that ensures the A.G. Coombs Group will continue to deliver both innovative and performance based outcomes of the highest standard.

It is not surprising that this edition of Building Efficiency again highlights our

leading capabilities in delivering both innovative and sustainable building services solutions.

Industry leadership and innovation continues to be demonstrated across almost everything we deliver, ranging from collaborative PPP arrangements, performance warranted outcome agreements, Building Energy Optimisation Programs, Building Information Modelling (BIM) and integrated prefabrication strategies that provide significant cost savings and program reduction.

During 2012-2013 the A.G. Coombs Group implemented the third phase of our Building Information Modelling (BIM) initiative, which provides us with world leading capabilities in BIM, services prefabrication and installation methodologies.

BIM is significantly changing the way we design, construct and install building services in Australia. The digitisation of mechanical and other building services facilitates a range of new and improved design, fabrication and installation capabilities. These result in system design performance improvements and capabilities including virtual construction and 4D modelling to remove system clashes, develop optimal build plans and improve on-site installation processes and safety.

What has also been extremely pleasing is the strong pipeline of work that was created over recent years in NSW and QLD in line with the A.G. Coombs expansion plans on the Eastern

Seaboard being delivered. During the year we have been receiving excellent feedback from our clients in these states who have been impressed by the leveraging of the Group’s resources and capabilities over a number of years whilst we have developed strong regional teams in Sydney and Brisbane to support our activities.

Continued investment in the development of our people, their safety and wellbeing, and providing an environment that supports the teamwork required to deliver at the highest level, are essential attributes of our integrated business model.

We continued our leadership position in safety by maintaining our certification of SafetyMAP at Advanced level as well as national certification to Australian Standard AS4801:2001. This was further demonstration of our ongoing commitment and industry leadership in being incident and injury free wherever we have a presence across every part of our operation.

A.G. Coombs’ Environmental Management System also maintains independent certification to the AS/NZS ISO14001 Environmental Management Systems standard.

As we enter into 2013-2014, the business is extremely well positioned with a strong pipeline of work, strengthened in-house capabilities and well developed business infrastructure to continue to deliver outcomes of the highest standard for our valued clients.

CONTENTS 02 A Bigger, Better, Box Hill Hospital 04 Tuning in to Greater Energy Efficiency 05 Harvey Norman Rates R22 Refrigerant Phase Out Advice 06

Barangaroo South: The Beginnings

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Constructing a New Australian Landmark

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Maintaining for the Future at Historical University

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Data Centre Delivery Across the Strait

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Sustainability in the Sporting Precinct

12 Delivering Critical Services to Australian Red Cross Blood Service 13 Fire Protection Maintenance Takes Flight at Melbourne Airport

Established in 1956, Box Hill Hospital is a major acute care and teaching hospital in Melbourne’s east.

One of seven hospitals in the Eastern Health network, which provides healthcare services across the Eastern metropolitan area, it is undergoing a major redevelopment.

A BIGGER, BETTER, BOX HILL HOSPITAL

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The idea of a local hospital to serve the Box Hill area was first proposed around 1937, and a site in Nelson Road was acquired in 1945. Construction commenced in early 1949, however, because of funding issues, the hospital did not open until April 1956, as the ‘Box Hill and District Hospital.’

Hospital facility. These include design checking and coordination responsibilities, and the fabrication, installation, commissioning and maintenance of building systems and technologies including HVAC, medical gases, pneumatic tube transport system, the Building Management and Controls System and a new

thereby substantially improves workplace health and safety, accuracy and productivity.

Eastern Health’s vision is a technologically advanced healthcare facility in Box Hill.

Andrew Miller, Project Manager Services at Baulderstone, is pleased with A.G. Coombs’ ability to help turn this vision into a reality.

“A.G. Coombs’ detailed expertise in specialist complex medical equipment and systems, along with experience in installing tri-generation plant and optimising energy performance, is being applied on the project.

This is all critical in helping to build a bigger, better hospital at Box Hill.”

Andrew Miller – Project Manager Services, Baulderstone

The hospital has since grown significantly and, today, admits more than 48,000 patients each year; a number that is set to increase again through the Box Hill Redevelopment Project.

The Victorian Government has committed $447.5 million dollars to the project that sees a major new building constructed adjacent to the existing hospital complex. Generating around 1,300 construction jobs, the redevelopment will deliver expanded operating theatre facilities, diagnostic services, outpatient clinics and staff facilities.

The new facility will expand the hospital to over 32,000 square metres and increase the number of beds by 220 to 621.

Managing Contractor, Baulderstone, appointed A.G. Coombs in 2012 to provide mechanical and mixed hospital services to the new Box Hill

tri-generation plant, with the redevelopment targeting the equivalent of a green four-star environmental rating when complete.

For this project, five large multi-service risers have been assembled in A.G. Coombs’ off-site integrated prefabrication facility. These risers are shipped to site in semi trailer sized sections and installed from above. Integrated prefabrication offers a range of benefits including significant improvements in on-site installation time and safety, and enhanced access provisions for safe and easy future maintenance.

Use of laser survey units to accurately and quickly lay out services has provided many benefits. This significantly reduces the extent of on-site drilling and working at heights and

“Our end mission is to construct a new facility that will help provide positive health experiences for the people and communities in the east of Melbourne,” he said. “A.G. Coombs’ extensive experience in major healthcare facilities enables them to fully appreciate the needs and requirements of the new Box Hill Hospital and the importance of the building being handed over completely operational and defect-free.

Their detailed expertise in specialist complex medical equipment and systems, along with experience in installing tri-generation plant and optimising energy performance, is being applied on the project. This is all critical in helping to build a bigger, better hospital at Box Hill.”

PREFABRICATION The installation of Australia’s largest prefabricated multi services riser was completed in record time

by A.G. Coombs in Melbourne this year.

Measuring over 18 metres wide, three metres deep and 10 storeys high, the complex assembly was installed over a 4-day period. Full on-site construction of this riser would have normally extended to several months.

The riser was manufactured in eighteen 3-storey high interlinking sections each approximately the size of a semi trailer and weighing up to

3.5 tonnes. Incorporating air-conditioning and complex exhaust ductwork, including specialist exhaust systems, natural gas and other building services, the risers were designed by A.G. Coombs using 3D CAD and BIM software to benefit from advanced prefabrication methodologies.

A.G. Coombs prefabricates multi services risers and runs, plant assemblies and other building services system components to improve system design, coordination, performance and maintenance access as well as significantly reduce site installation complexity and time.

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TUNING IN TO GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY Governments and building owners around Australia continue to set high sustainability standards for their office spaces. Two major buildings in Melbourne have exceeded expectations.

At the top end of Melbourne’s CBD, two major Government tenanted buildings owned by ISPT have achieved their targeted NABERS Energy ratings with the help of property manager Knight Frank and appointed mechanical maintenance and building tuning services provider, A.G. Coombs.

Casselden, 2 Lonsdale Street and The Urban Workshop, 50 Lonsdale Street are large Property Council of Australia ‘Grade A’ fully occupied commercial buildings that demand optimal conditions for tenant and visitor comfort.

Completed in 2006 and at 34 levels, The Urban Workshop was the first Melbourne CBD building

mechanical maintenance regime, significantly contributed to the current 4.5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

and Knight Frank team to see the realisation of a 4 Star NABERS Energy rating, a substantial achievement for a building of this age and design.

The Program identified energy saving initiatives through detailed system monitoring and analysis. Initial improvements saw air flows and temperature control stabilised throughout the building, improving tenant conditions and some reduction in energy consumption. Mechanical maintenance was refocused to ensure that plant and systems that affected energy efficiency received special attention, to not only reduce energy usage, but also to prevent events that could waste energy.

A.G. Coombs Service Contract Manager, Ken O’Brien says A.G. Coombs is very pleased to be associated with ISPT and Knight Frank at these two landmark buildings and is particularly proud of the improvements in energy efficiency that have been achieved by the team.

These works provided a stable basis for further tuning. Rewriting of control code for chiller and boiler plant, and the air distribution systems worked to eliminate heating/cooling overlaps and further optimise thermal energy and air flows. In conjunction with other embedded energy efficiency strategies, including automated seasonal programming and ongoing energy focused maintenance, The Urban Workshop has

“When seeking energy efficiency initiatives, A.G. Coombs doesn’t just consider building tuning requirements; we look to the design of the systems, their historical and current operation, the tenant’s requirements and the operational and maintenance aspects. From this, we develop a whole of building approach in conjunction with the building owner, the property manager and the tenants that is then built in for the long run. This integrated program often sees the achievement of better than expected green credentials whilst extending the asset life of systems and importantly providing improved conditions for the building’s occupants.”

“A.G. Coombs doesn’t just consider building tuning requirements; we look to the design of the systems, their historical and current operation, the tenant’s requirements and the operational and maintenance aspects. From this, we develop a whole of building approach in conjunction with the building owner, the property manager and the tenants that is then built in for the long run.

This integrated program often sees the achievement of better than expected green credentials whilst extending the asset life of systems and importantly providing improved conditions for the building’s occupants.”

Ken O’Brien – Contract Manager, A.G. Coombs Service

to implement an A.G. Coombs Building Energy Optimisation Program (BEOP), to help reach its sustainability targets. Operating below its as-designed 4 Star NABERS Energy rating, the Program utilised the Building Management and Control System to optimise the energy consuming systems in the building and, combined with an energy efficiency focused 04

been successfully set up for ongoing efficient operation and even further improvement.

Following the success at The Urban Workshop, A.G. Coombs’ BEOP was rolled out next door at Casselden. This 39 level building was constructed in 1992 and the building optimisation program has significantly assisted the ISPT

STAYING SAFE Ongoing dedication of the A.G. Coombs Group to best practice Workplace Health and Safety has been reaffirmed by independent reaccreditation of its safety management system to Australian Standard AS4801:2001 and SafetyMAP Advanced. A.G. Coombs’ leadership and commitment to safe working practices has also been recognised by several awards.

These include the Safety Performance award on the Lend Lease Queensland Oral Health Centre Project, and long serving A.G. Coombs Site Foreman, Daryll Evens, being presented with the annual “Individual Commitment to Safety” award by Jones Lang LaSalle Project Development Services/ANZ for special initiative in following safety protocols and procedures on a range of projects.

HARVEY NORMAN RATES R22 REFRIGERANT PHASE OUT ADVICE Synthetic refrigerants including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have long been identified for their ozone depletion potential and global warming potential. In 1996, the internationally agreed Montreal Protocol established a schedule for the phase out of CFCs and HCFCs, including the most prevalent HCFC widely used in air conditioning systems – Refrigerant R22.

R22 refrigerant is widely used in small and packaged air conditioning equipment installed prior to 2010.

All new equipment supplied to the Australian commercial market is now non-HCFC based, with all major international manufacturers ceasing production of R22 based equipment.

Import limits for R22 refrigerant have reduced significantly and will effectively cease in 2016.

Building owners whose facilities have R22 plant are now facing serious issues including the diminishing availability and significantly increased price of R22 refrigerant, and increasing difficulties in accessing parts and support for existing equipment. A range of options exists, including enhanced maintenance to prolong operation on R22, equipment conversion to enable the use of alternative refrigerants, and equipment replacement.

In response to the phase out, property owner Harvey Norman sought advice on how to best deal with the very large number of R22 air conditioning units within its national portfolio, which incorporates retail outlets for the Harvey Norman, Domayne and Joyce Mayne brands in Australia.

A.G. Coombs Advisory was engaged to prepare a detailed business case on the commercial and technical aspects for an air conditioning upgrade program for the portfolio to address the R22 phase out.

A.G. Coombs’ advice accounted for the differing geographical locations and climates, varying building types, and owned and leased buildings. Detailed site inspections and evaluations underpinned the report, which included qualitative analysis of asset condition,

will arise from the R22 phase out, and in providing a solution that best meets the needs of Harvey Norman’s portfolio. The proposed plan promises a step change improvement to the energy efficiency of our properties and a reduction in breakdown repair and maintenance costs that should result in lower operating costs and lower attributed carbon emissions.

We are very pleased with A.G. Coombs’ ability to deliver strategic technical advice that supports our property ownership.”

“The business case development report has been critical in highlighting the risks and potential costs that will arise from the R22 phase out, and in providing a solution that best meets the needs of Harvey Norman’s portfolio . . . We are very pleased with A.G. Coombs’ ability to deliver strategic technical advice that supports our property ownership.”

Matt Antaw – National Facilities Manager, Harvey Norman

current operational and maintenance regimen, assessment of practical technical options and implementation, and equipment supply issues. Business cased recommendations were provided for the portfolio’s buildings together with an innovative implementation process to deliver the identified benefits to Harvey Norman. Significant savings in energy costs and maintenance costs were quantified.

Matt Antaw, National Facilities Manager for Harvey Norman said “The business case development report has been critical in highlighting the risks and potential costs that

HOW TO HANDLE THE PHASE OUT Cost and availability issues for R22 refrigerant and replacement parts are a looming issue for building owners. Improved maintenance will reduce the risk and extent of any leakage and unexpected failure, providing time for transitioning away from R22 equipment.

Refrigerant management plans are recommended for sites with large R22 installations, such as data centres or commercial buildings with large central plant systems. These plans should help to identify replacement and conversion options, and assist with managing exposure to unplanned equipment downtime. Significant improvements in energy efficiency can be an added benefit from plant replacement, and reductions in operating energy costs of between 15-45% can be realised.

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BARANGAROO SOUTH: THE BEGINNINGS It’s the largest commercial development in Australia and one of the largest single construction projects in Sydney’s history. Generating thousands of jobs over seven years, it’s the new living, cultural, dining and retail space in New South Wales. And it’s a leader in sustainability. It is Sydney’s new major urban precinct, Barangaroo South.

Set across 7.6 hectares, Barangaroo South will include apartments (for around 1,200 residents), cultural facilities, shops, restaurants, a hotel and ‘International Towers Sydney,’ three world class commercial office towers built to accommodate 23,000 office workers.

fine tuning and maintenance of the tower’s mechanical systems.

Designed by acclaimed architects Lord Richard Rogers and Ivan Harbour of Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, the three commercial office towers will provide over 280,000 square metres of flexible modern workplaces, leading edge technology infrastructure and a zero carbon footprint. They will sit upon a large shared basement that will house a central energy plant.

BIM is significantly changing the way we design, construct and install building services in Australia. The digitisation of mechanical and other building services facilitates a range of new and improved design, fabrication and installation capabilities. These result in system design performance improvements and capabilities including virtual construction and 4D modelling to remove system clashes, develop optimal build plans and improved on-site installation processes and safety.

A.G. Coombs was appointed by developer Lend Lease to deliver mechanical services to tower T2, which will comprise 42 storeys and have a total area of 99,656 square metres.

As lead services coordinator, A.G. Coombs is responsible for the coordinated detailed design, supply, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, warranty and subsequent

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In delivering these services, world leading Building Information Modelling (BIM) capabilities and innovative services prefabrication and installation techniques will be applied.

Significant components of the mechanical services will be fabricated off-site, including very large services risers and plant room elements. An efficient prefabrication approach requires a considerably different design, engineering, fabrication and site installation

methodology to that applied in a traditional on-site build. The result will be substantially reduced on-site construction time and a range of structural, safety and other benefits to a number of the project stakeholders.

Barangaroo South will be Australia’s first largescale carbon neutral community and one of the world’s leading sustainable developments.

It has been accepted by the Green Building Council of Australia as a pilot project for the newly released Green Star – Communities PILOT rating tool, and singled out by the Clinton Climate Institute as pioneering a new era in sustainability and setting new benchmarks for others to follow. The commercial towers are also targeting a 6 Star Green Star Design (As Built v3) rating along with a minimum 5 Star NABERS Energy rating.

Mechanical services will be responsible for a significant component of the building’s operational energy usage and environmental impact. Design solutions will address the demanding Climate Positive Barangaroo

precinct master plan to achieve the benchmarks of carbon neutral for operating energy, net water positive and zero waste. Energy efficient HVAC systems including state-of-the-art building management and control will be installed. Comprehensive building tuning and system optimisation will be undertaken to maximise the building’s energy efficiency.

Detailed metering and monitoring systems, services documentation (BIM) and operation and maintenance directions will be provided

is looking forward to working with A.G. Coombs in delivering this world-class precinct.

“Barangaroo South is the biggest urban regeneration project since the 2000 Olympics.

We are proud to be involved in this landmark development that will enhance living, working and lifestyle experiences on Sydney’s harbourside. We trust in A.G. Coombs to deliver first class mechanical services to T2 using their innovative, low-risk methodologies including BIM and integrated prefabrication.”

“Barangaroo South is the biggest urban regeneration project since the 2000 Olympics. We trust in A.G. Coombs to deliver first class mechanical services to the T2 tower using their innovative, low-risk methodologies including BIM and integrated prefabrication.”

Tom Waters – Construction Manager, Lend Lease

to underpin ongoing efficient operation.

Material, energy, water and waste will be reduced through improved design, prefabrication, fabrication, commissioning and maintenance methodologies.

Tom Waters, Construction Manager for T2 tower at Lend Lease, is excited to be a part of the Barangaroo South development and

BIM TRANSFORMING CONSTRUCTION Site excavation and piling works commenced at the end of 2011, with construction of the first tower getting underway in the first quarter of 2013. The three towers are scheduled for completion by the end of 2016.

Building Information Modelling, effectively the digitisation of the built environment, is transforming the way we conceive, design and construct buildings. Strongly engaged with the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association’s innovative BIM-MEP AUS initiative, A.G. Coombs has become recognised as a leader in its ability to leverage BIM to ensure smoother project delivery and better building outcomes.

The combination of detailed multi dimensional information models and new approaches to construction mean that design and installation processes are advancing rapidly, improving system performance, site productivity and safety. The functional design of buildings is also set to improve with the technology enabling much better access to the planning and design process for the building’s ultimate users and operators. After construction, the digital models offer facility managers access to powerful information capabilities that will help enhance workplace effectiveness and productivity, maintenance practices and regulatory compliance whilst reducing environmental impacts and operating costs.

Better outcomes all round from this new technology.

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CONSTRUCTING A NEW AUSTRALIAN LANDMARK The new Dr Chau Chak Wing Building at the University of Technology Sydney is the first building in Australia to be designed by one of the world’s most influential architects, Frank Gehry. The construction team is ensuring this distinctive facility, with its unique façade design, performs as well on the inside as it does the outside.

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) sought a new built environment that would foster and encourage openness and collaboration in teaching and research. The new building, to include teaching, learning, research and office accommodation space for over 2,000 students and 500 staff, will also feature extensive public spaces, student lounges, cafes and outdoor roof terraces, to enable collaboration and exchange of ideas without barriers.

Lend Lease is building the 16,030 square metre, 12 storey Dr Chau Chak Wing Building tower, named after the Australian-Chinese businessman and philanthropist who donated $20 million for its construction.

The tower’s design is based on that of a treehouse structure, with Gehry describing it as a “tree of knowledge” – an evolving, growing

“With the assistance of A.G. Coombs, we are creating a building that is not only striking but also highly functional.

And as one team, we are helping UTS to achieve its goal of creating an environment to inspire creative thinking and facilitate collaboration and communication, for years to come.”

Luke James – Project Engineer, Lend Lease

organism that fosters collaboration and the cross-pollination of ideas. Gehry is known for his iconic structures including Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, the Beekman Tower in New York City and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

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Lend Lease appointed A.G. Coombs to deliver mechanical and HVAC services to this world-class, cutting edge building.

The new systems will feature energy efficient air cooled chilled water and condensing gas boiler plant. Integrating air distribution and other services into the new facility’s irregular shape in order to meet the needs of its multi-purpose spaces is a key challenge. Each of the larger lower floors is divided into six floor segments and the building façade folds in between these elements bringing natural daylight deep into the centre of the floors.

A.G. Coombs’ value engineering services have contributed to improving the building’s overall environmental performance and helped with reducing costs. Energy modelling and rationalisation of air conditioning zones to support the unique building orientation, and a move to air cooled chillers from water cooled plant is expected to reduce the facility’s environmental impact. The smart air conditioning systems, which will switch off when offices are empty for an extended period of time, will further contribute to the new facility’s low carbon emissions.

The building, which will house the UTS Business School, is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Educational Building Design Rating.

Luke James, Lend Lease’s Project Engineer for the Dr Chau Chak Wing Building, is excited to see the building develop into a major new Sydney landmark.

“Lend Lease is proud to be working on such a distinctive facility; one that will create history within the building industry,” he said. “With the assistance of A.G. Coombs, we are creating a building that is not only striking but also highly

functional. We are helping UTS to achieve its goal of creating an environment to inspire creative thinking and facilitate collaboration and communication, for years to come.”

Installation works commenced in September 2013, with final occupancy scheduled for August 2014.

RECOGNISING TRAINING ACHIEVEMENTS A.G. Coombs apprentices have received recognition for their effort and dedication to training.

Final year drafting trainee, Nicholas Trevorah, was presented with the prestigious 2012 Allan Coombs Training Award, named after the Company’s founder, Mr Allan George Coombs AM. This recognition follows on from a number of industry awards.

First year refrigeration apprentice, Ryan O’Connor, received the First Year Outstanding Student of the Year Award at the 2013 Joint Trade Awards, presented by the Box Hill Institute of TAFE. A.G. Coombs’ award winning apprentice training program had 55 participants in 2013 in the fields of mechanical plumbing, drafting, electro technology, refrigeration and sprinkler fitting.

MAINTAINING FOR THE FUTURE AT HISTORICAL UNIVERSITY The University of Ballarat is Australia’s only regional, multi-sector university and is the third oldest site of higher learning in the country. With a proud history of 143 years of education and close links to local industry and technology, effective maintenance is critical to this University’s everyday operations and growth.

The University of Ballarat, soon to be named Federation University Australia, comprises six campuses across Ballarat, Horsham, Stawell and Ararat.

Compliance with safety rules, commonwealth, state and local legislation, industry standards and their own standards and procedures is critical to the University.

History has played a big part in the development of this educational establishment. Its SMB Campus (formerly known as School of Mines Ballarat) dates back to 1870. The Camp Street Campus, also in Ballarat, goes back further to 1852 when it was home to the goldfields police camp, with a library, post office and court house built in following decades. Today, new and historic buildings have been cleverly integrated at Camp Street to create a dynamic and vibrant arts and cultural environment and a central precinct for the University’s Visual and Performing Arts.

Delivering Essential Services Compliance to the University’s six campuses is made more complex by the tremendous variety of buildings and their usage. Heritage icons to new leading edge designs, the range and challenges associated with supporting the air conditioning, mechanical services and Building Management and Control Systems are many and varied. From commercial kitchen hoods and fume cupboards to closely controlled data rooms and laboratories, some with the special access issues often associated with modern plant and systems cleverly concealed in heritage protected buildings.

The Mt Helen Campus was opened to students in the 1970s and is home to the University’s Technology Park, with major employers such as IBM and the State Revenue Office among its tenants.

The scheduling of maintenance is structured around the University’s annual teaching, research and exam programs to cause minimal disruption for those who work, learn and live on the campuses. Lifecycle planning and the creation of comprehensive asset registers for each Campus has assisted with assuring compliance and contributed to optimal operational efficiency.

To support the University’s strong commitment to sustainability, detailed energy investigations, undertaken by A.G. Coombs Advisory, have identified energy saving improvements.

A.G. Coombs Service provides Essential Services Compliance maintenance to each of the University’s Campuses – a total of 60 buildings, including the Technology Park’s tenanted buildings and data rooms.

SPECIALIST AND LOCAL PARTNERS, NATIONAL SUCCESS Major regional healthcare and national broadband projects are recent examples of A.G. Coombs’ long history of working with specialist and local partners to deliver quality outcomes for clients throughout regional Australia.

Beginning with projects in Tasmania and country Victoria in the 1950s, A.G. Coombs today works closely with specialist and local contractors across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory; delivering mechanical, electrical and fire protection projects and maintenance for rural and regional facilities for major banks, healthcare networks and state government departments. Working with regional partners contributes to the growth and development of local communities whilst providing the benefits of large scale contracting capabilities and technologies in regional Australia.

Peter Semmens is A.G. Coombs’ Contract Manager at the University of Ballarat.

He spoke of the team’s ongoing ability to achieve compliance, maintain professionalism and deliver leading maintenance services across such a large, diverse multi-function facility, despite the numerous technical and heritage related challenges.

“We have worked closely with the University’s Facilities Management team to effectively manage the challenges that come with the diversity of the University’s six campuses, including the varying equipment and differing requirements that each location presents.

The team has focused to ensure compliance with standards, rules and regulations across all maintenance services, while simultaneously offering sound technical advice and implementing initiatives to achieve operational and energy efficiency.”

Ballarat School of Mines Balance Room, c1907

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DATA CENTRE DELIVERY ACROSS THE STRAIT

Known as the “Island of Inspiration,” Tasmania is playing host to what is possibly the most innovative Data Centre development seen to date in Australia.

Aurora Energy’s Hobart-based Data Centre facility is expanding to provide the leading edge commercial hosting and communication services that underpin today’s online world. The retailer and distributor of electricity services and wholesaler of premium telecommunication services is combining its extensive fibre network with this new highly resilient and redundant Data Centre facility to provide integrated computing and communication services across key local industries including Health, Education, Telecommunications and Government.

construction time using virtual design and build methodologies to streamline the process and highlight potential site problems like services clashes, prior to construction.

Leading commercial data centres must be scalable and able to be readily extended to meet changing demand, operationally resilient, energy efficient and secure. A.G. Coombs’ design for Aurora focuses heavily on these attributes.

A.G. Coombs was appointed as head contractor to design and construct Stage II of the project, which will see Aurora’s internal Data Centre facility transformed into a next generation facility, fit for mission critical commercial computing services.

The project is set to triple Data Centre power, cooling and ICT rack capacity, allowing Aurora to expand its facility as its client base grows; aligning capital expenditure to revenue stream.

The design provides a high level of resilience that can accommodate potential plant failure and planned maintenance downtime for critical equipment throughout its lifecycle, without disruption to ongoing commercial operations.

The Data Centre upgrade was designed using 3D BIM Revit® software, the latest in Building Information Modelling (BIM) technology. BIM

The design also takes advantage of the cooler climate of Tasmania, incorporating indirect free cooling that enables a reduction in energy

“ Through the detailed design process, A.G. Coombs has successfully coordinated all of the service upgrades necessary for Stage II and Stage III expansion, prior to any construction commencing. Now that A.G. Coombs has the construction well underway, the new design is coming to life and it won’t be long before our clients start enjoying the benefits of this fantastic new facility.”

Dean Dixon – Business Development Manager, Aurora Energy

is helping to maximise floor space for revenuegenerating Information and Communications Technology (ICT) racks. It is also optimising

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consumption and ongoing operational costs associated with cooling. Aurora is targeting a PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) of 1.3

or less – an impressive target and consistent with world best practice. Other environmental benefits will come from an innovative hot and cold aisle containment solution, high efficiency Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems, sensor controlled lighting and a Proinert IG-55 gas system which has zero ozone depletion and zero global warming potential.

A.G. Coombs data centre experts and local specialist subcontractors are delivering the project, with A.G. Coombs’ Data Centre Commissioning Manager overseeing the works to ensure all elements of the solution are delivered and integrate correctly.

Remote management initiatives, including an independent Environmental Monitoring System, will enable ongoing real-time monitoring and management of the “lights-out” operation.

Dean Dixon, Aurora Energy’s Business Development Manager for the Data Centre expansion project, is very pleased with progress to date.

“Aurora’s Data Centre expansion is critical to our business plan. Expanding this facility together with our fibre infrastructure will position Aurora as a leader within Tasmania for infrastructure hosting and communication services. Through the detailed design process, A.G. Coombs has successfully coordinated all of the service upgrades necessary for Stage II and Stage III expansion, prior to any construction commencing. Now that A.G. Coombs has the construction well underway, the new design is coming to life and it won’t be long before our clients start enjoying the benefits of this fantastic new facility.”

SUSTAINABILITY IN THE SPORTING PRECINCT

Image: Peter Glenane Photography for Major Projects Victoria

The growing demand for sustainable buildings is bringing with it an increased number of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rated buildings in Australia, largely owing to the flexibility of the LEED rating system.

The new National Tennis Centre at Melbourne Park is one of these and now sports a LEED New Construction Design and Construction Gold Rating.

Melbourne Park is key to Melbourne’s major events calendar, generating an estimated $239 million a year and 1,440 jobs for the Victorian economy from a wide range of sporting and entertainment events. In 1988, it became the home of the Australian Tennis Open, and now showcases Melbourne and Victoria to an international audience of more than 300 million people.

a combination of 21 hard and clay, indoor and outdoor courts and player amenities.

Major Projects Victoria engaged A.G. Coombs Advisory to undertake the LEED Commissioning Authority (CxA) role on this project.

Independent reviews of consultant and subcontractor design were undertaken throughout the project to ensure that potential design issues did not become as-built issues.

“The LEED process has helped Major Projects Victoria to deliver a sustainable new tennis centre in Melbourne. The early engagement of A.G. Coombs Advisory brought professional advice and expert knowledge to the project, from planning through to implementation and training. At the National Tennis Centre, they have played a pivotal role in our achievement of a LEED New Construction Design and Construction Gold Rating.”

Lucy Carrigg – Project Manager, Major Projects Victoria

The Victorian Government is undertaking a $366 million upgrade of Melbourne Park (Stage 1), which is being managed by Major Projects Victoria in conjunction with Sport and Recreation Victoria and Melbourne and Olympic Parks. The new facilities cover three hectares and include Melbourne and Olympic Park’s brand new, state-of-the-art National Tennis Centre.

Opened one year ahead of schedule in January 2013, the facility has been declared the “world’s best tennis centre.” Located in the Eastern Precinct of Melbourne Park, it features

During the project’s construction phase, commissioning and training plans developed

by A.G. Coombs Advisory were implemented.

Involvement of the CxA during construction also included an independent review of the installed services, attendance at progress meetings and workshops, documentation of the final commissioning report and developing the Systems Manual for use by the operations team.

It was the quality and consistency of this documentation required for compliance by the LEED commissioning clauses, alongside

valuable input from Major Projects Victoria and services engineers WSP, which led to the accomplishment of required LEED criteria and the achievement of the LEED New Construction Design and Construction Gold Rating.

A major upgrade is also taking place in the Western Precinct of Melbourne Park at Margaret Court Arena. The redevelopment includes the installation of an operable roof and additional seating to increase crowd capacity to 7,500. A.G. Coombs Advisory is undertaking the CxA role and assisting with this project’s LEED targets, whilst A.G. Coombs Projects is delivering HVAC and mechanical services.

The redeveloped Arena is due for completion in 2015.

Lucy Carrigg, Project Manager at Major Projects Victoria is very pleased with A.G. Coombs’ high quality professional advice across the NTC project.

“The LEED process has helped Major Projects Victoria to deliver a sustainable new tennis centre in Melbourne. The early engagement of A.G. Coombs Advisory brought professional advice and expert knowledge to the project, from planning through to implementation and training. At the National Tennis Centre, they have played a pivotal role in our achievement of a LEED New Construction Design and Construction Gold Rating.”

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DELIVERING CRITICAL SERVICES TO AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICE 80 years ago, the Australian Red Cross recognised the life-saving potential of blood donors. Today, Blood Collection Centres are set up all over the country, sending daily donations to specialist manufacturing facilities where this life-changing blood is tested, processed and redistributed. In essence, these manufacturing facilities are as critical as the donations themselves.

Australia currently needs over 27,000 blood donations every week. Yet without a working manufacturing facility, the blood would be deemed worthless.

The facility is classed ‘N+1’ which means there is redundancy or back-up in the key elements of its mechanical, HVAC and other critical infrastructure services. A careful and systematic equipment based approach to preventative maintenance is required to assure the close control of temperature, humidity and makeup air quality essential to the processing centre and research areas. Working closely with the Building Management and Controls System (BMCS) and equipment providers, A.G. Coombs has achieved tight tolerances within the controlled environments with minimal fluctuations experienced. The BMCS is closely monitored for stability, faults and data inconsistencies. Remote high security access to this system also enables A.G. Coombs to provide 24 hour maintenance support for this critical facility that functions around the clock.

A.G. Coombs provides mechanical and HVAC maintenance services to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service’s critical manufacturing facility in

Lifecycle planning, including the maintenance of detailed asset registers and energy performance reporting supports the optimal

“A.G. Coombs is a trusted provider of mechanical maintenance services for our critical facilities. The team’s work at our Alexandria manufacturing site is impressive; they demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of forward-thinking, reliability and responsiveness, whilst also understanding the importance of their work to the end user – the blood recipients whose lives depend on the service.”

Aaron Tonkin – Manufacturing Services Manager, Red Cross Blood Service

Alexandria, New South Wales. The $73 million facility processes blood donated from 26 collection centres across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

Sophisticated testing is undertaken, where scientists check every sample for infectious diseases and run a reference laboratory, performing antibody identification and other procedures. Strict environmental control means there is no room for fault or error, with air conditioning and ventilation systems maintenance in clean areas carried out wearing masks and gowns.

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operational effectiveness of all plant and equipment and a focus on reducing energy consumption. Implemented energy initiatives and recommendations will result in an expected significant reduction in energy costs and reduced attributed carbon emissions. This aligns with the Red Cross’ commitment to sustainability along with its adherence to Good Manufacturing Practice under the Therapeutic Goods Administration standards, Australia’s regulatory agency for human blood and tissue, drugs and devices.

Aaron Tonkin, Manufacturing Services Manager for the Red Cross Blood Service, continues to be

impressed with the dedication, professionalism and leadership demonstrated by A.G. Coombs at this critical facility.

“The Blood Services’ manufacturing facilities play a critical role in the safe delivery of blood donor services,” he said. “The demand for blood and blood products is set to grow by 100% by 2031. Our need for reliable manufacturing centres increases with this demand, in our effort to maintain one of the best and safest blood systems in the world. A.G. Coombs is a trusted provider of mechanical maintenance services for our critical facilities. The team’s work at our Alexandria manufacturing site is impressive; they demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of forward-thinking, reliability and responsiveness, whilst also understanding the importance of their work to the end user – the blood recipients whose lives depend on the service.”

4 STARS FOR CHALLENGE Challenge Family Centre in Melbourne, which offers support services for children and their families who are living with cancer, has been officially certified with a 4 Star NABERS Energy Whole Building rating.

A.G. Coombs is a long-standing supporter of Challenge, and its Advisory business contributed the NABERS assessment to establish a baseline for the building’s energy performance.

The successful assessment follows A.G. Coombs’ involvement in the redevelopment of the Centre.

A complete upgrade of the air conditioning system was provided including new plant and equipment, and design, installation and commissioning services donated by A.G. Coombs personnel. This is now supported by ongoing maintenance by A.G. Coombs Service technicians.

The new system has reduced energy bills, incorporates modern technology and refrigerants, and should serve Challenge well for many years to come.

FIRE PROTECTION MAINTENANCE TAKES FLIGHT AT MELBOURNE AIRPORT 23 kilometres north of Melbourne City Centre lies the second busiest airport in Australia. Behind the scenes of this multi award-winning airport, a large and complex fire system is helping to protect the 28 million passengers and 350,000 tonnes of freight that currently pass through each year, together with the 14,300 employees and contractors based on-site.

Melbourne Airport was opened in 1970 to replace the nearby Essendon Airport. Owned and operated by Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne), it is the only international airport of the four airports serving the Melbourne metropolitan area.

“Walker Fire Protection’s ability to integrate with Melbourne Airport’s technology as well as deliver live maintenance reporting, planning and analysis via web-enabled technology will help to achieve the best operating efficiencies and maintain Melbourne Airport as a safe environment.”

Paul Raffa – Fire & Life Safety Co-ordinator, Melbourne Airport

Fire and life safety is an important focus at airports. A facility that never closes with very large transient and permanent populations, a multitude of specialist areas and processes including the high risks associated with volatile aviation fuel and operating jet engines, over a very large site, together with the necessary security arrangements; all demand best practice fire protection methodologies.

Walker Fire Protection has been appointed by Melbourne Airport to deliver fire protection maintenance services to airport terminals T2, T3, T4 and associated buildings.

Works are undertaken within the jurisdiction of the Airport Duty Manager and must be managed and carried out to cause little or no disruption to both airport personnel and the general public. Mobilising the contract required site specific establishment and training activities particularly associated with the airport’s special facilities and the wide range of fire detection and suppression systems.

Melbourne Airport also features the largest FireNET system in the southern hemisphere.

FireNET is a sophisticated and technically advanced fire alarm panel and control system that is suitable for specialist facilities. Walker Fire Protection’s in-house training facility was used to provide hands-on training for technical personnel in the use and programming of FireNET and the associated DigiFire™ graphics to assist the seamless commencement of the contract.

and Testing tasks, repairs and work order status. Walker Fire Protection’s National Customer Service Centre provides Melbourne Airport with around-the-clock support.

An equipment maintenance web portal will assist with lifecycle planning and with ensuring all fire protection and detection equipment remains compliant with regulations and operates correctly.

Melbourne Airport is not just committed to operating safely and securely, but also sustainably, and was the first Australian airport to be certified to Environmental Management Standard AS/NZS ISO14001:2004.

Walker Fire Protection’s site-specific Quality, Workplace Health & Safety and Environmental Management Plan for Melbourne Airport adheres to this standard and the team is already involved in the identification and implementation of water saving measures associated with fire system testing.

Paul Raffa, Fire & Life Safety Co-ordinator at Melbourne Airport said “With around 100,000 people on-site every day, the safety of our passengers, staff and visitors is something we take very seriously. Walker Fire Protection’s ability to integrate with Melbourne Airport’s technology as well as deliver live maintenance reporting, planning and analysis via webenabled technology will help to achieve the best operating efficiencies and maintain Melbourne Airport as a safe environment.”

The airport’s asset lifecycle and maintenance management system will be connected with Walker Fire Protection’s leading ICT systems for secure and live data transfer and updates of information around scheduled Inspection

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A.G. COOMBS GROUP

The A.G. Coombs Group is a privately owned Australian group of companies that provides an integrated range of technical services for all systems in buildings, from design through to installation, commissioning, maintenance and ongoing operation and management. Operating for over 65 years, A.G. Coombs has a national capability with major operations on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Melbourne 03 9248 2700 | Sydney 02 8020 6000 | Canberra 02 6217 5600 Brisbane 07 3854 2380 | agcoombs.com.au/profile/ A.G. COOMBS PROJECTS

A.G. Coombs Projects leverage a National Centre of Excellence approach, where teamwork and project management skills set the company apart. This approach also provides high-end engineering, project management and site personnel to deliver successful projects throughout Australia.

03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/projects/ A.G. COOMBS SERVICE

A.G. Coombs Service is a specialist provider of air conditioning, mechanical services, building controls and bundled services maintenance. Delivering 24/7 building support, the company is a preferred supplier to the Facilities Management Industry and provides professionally managed, highly qualified technical staff to achieve improved reliability, lower costs and regulatory compliance in commercial, retail and industrial buildings.

03 9676 4600 | agcoombs.com.au/service/ A.G. COOMBS ADVISORY

A.G. Coombs Advisory provides quality advice and consulting services across numerous disciplines including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and fire protection services. A.G. Coombs Advisory is Australia’s leading provider of Green Star Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) services for projects requiring Green Star ‘As Built’ Certification.

03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/advisory/ WALKER FIRE PROTECTION

Walker Fire Protection provides a range of fire protection and detection services, from high-end project engineering advice and consultancy through to concept and detailed design, installation of all types of fire detection and suppression systems, and ongoing inspection, testing, maintenance and regulatory compliance support.

03 9279 7100 | agcoombs.com.au/walkerfire/ INTEGRATED TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT

Integrated Technical Management is a high quality provider of Technical Facilities Management, specialising in technically complex and critical facilities such as data and internet centres, major commercial complexes and sophisticated industrial plants.

DISEGNO COO14094

03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/itm/