BE - Building Efficiency 2022-2023 by A.G. Coombs

THE FUTURE Atlassian Building Sydney Cultural icon Powerhouse Parramatta ELECTRIFICATION 101 Collins St Melbourne

innovation

2022-2023

WELCOME

Chairman’s Message I am very pleased to commend this year’s edition of Building Efficiency to you. This publication shares the remarkable work of our Group of Companies, and our teams.

Moving from the COVID-19 pandemic period A.G. Coombs continues to grow and lead the building services industry, developing our people, embracing innovation and new technologies, and delivering the quality standards and outcomes that have driven our Group’s success over the past 77-years.

We bring these buildings to life!

Our contribution to the built environment is greater than the sum of its parts. A.G. Coombs is committed to enhancing the spaces that provide value to our clients and our communities – hospitals, learning institutions, commercial buildings, defence facilities, data centres, museums, sporting facilities and large-scale community and cultural facilities. We bring to these buildings advanced, reliable and valued building services solutions, providing optimum whole of life outcomes.

The A.G. Coombs Group Board fully supports this commitment to values with a clear-sighted strategic vision for the future, a firm focus on sound governance, prosperity and success over the long term.

We have long been a value’s-driven organisation, and strongly maintain our commitment to quality, efficiency, safety, sustainability, bringing out the best in our people, and our industry.

We strongly promote diversity and reconciliation.

We are very proud of what we have achieved in the last 12 months and excited by our plans for the future.

Thank you for your support and we look forward to a positive future together.

Clive Weeks AO Chairman A.G. Coombs Group

2

Building Efficiency

Managing Director's Message We are in times of significant change.

Technology is rapidly enabling things not previously possible, and a changing climate is demanding a sustainable future. These are key drivers for us to improve and enhance the great work we do in the built environment.

This year’s edition of Building Efficiency in a new format highlights the tremendous breadth of advanced building services solutions delivered by the A.G. Coombs Group.

It provides a clear testament to our teamwork and talented people who are our greatest strength and clear point of difference.

Through the pandemic A.G. Coombs Group companies worked closely with our clients, service providers and suppliers to deliver our services safely and effectively. This year we have seen the progress of many largescale projects of note. These include major rail infrastructure – the Victoria Cross and Martin Place underground stations in Sydney and the Town Hall underground station in Melbourne.

The new Victorian Heart Hospital in Clayton, Queens Wharf precinct redevelopment in Brisbane, and the new Sydney Football Stadium.

Along with data centre developments, defence facility upgrades, large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and many smaller scale but no less important projects. These facilities feature the latest in building services technologies and will serve their owners, occupants and the community well into the future.

Our specialist building services maintenance and technical facility management teams support important infrastructure throughout Australia.

Ensuring acute-care hospitals, data centres, banking facilities, Government building portfolios, and the national broadcaster together with major commercial building portfolios, iconic cultural institutions, multiple universities and retail shopping centre portfolios operate safely, efficiently and sustainably.

It is clear that our whole-of-life approach to building services sets us apart. Our expert Advisory team combining technical expertise and experience with leading edge technology has provided highly valued advice and services for better project delivery, and step change improvements in facility and asset performance, safety and sustainability.

We are also playing a leading role in the digital transformation of building services design, off-site manufacture and installation and construction.

Our significant contribution to the BIM MEPAUS initiative, the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre and our innovative Virtual Buildings Information System® puts us at the forefront of a digitally enabled, more efficient and safer industry.

2022-2023

Our operations must be sustainable and our corporate Net Zero 2030 commitment is a significant part of that. Assisting our clients reduce environmental impact and improve the resilience of their businesses in a changing climate is also a prime focus.

We are immensely proud of our commitment to strength and high performance through Diversity and Inclusion together with supportive Reconciliation - promoting awareness, understanding and positive change in our industry as well as the community.

In rapidly changing times we look to our strong values and organisational culture to provide confidence and guidance. These are the cornerstones of our success.

We are excited by the opportunities that lay ahead of us as we continue to grow our people and enhance our capabilities. The A.G. Coombs Group, with its highly valued relationships, leading expertise and strong reputation for innovative and trusted delivery, looks forward to producing outcomes of the highest standard for our valued clients.

Russell Telford Managing Director A.G. Coombs Group

3

06 Next Station Sydney’s multi-billion dollar transport infrastructure project.

12 High Security Modular construction enables major Queensland infrastructure project.

16 Premium Protection Proactive fire and life safety systems maintenance protects safety premium Melbourne precinct.

what’s 02.

06.

08.

4

Welcome Chairman's Address and Managing Director's Message Next Station Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Building on Health Frankston Hospital Redevelopment

10.

Holding Court Court Services Victoria

18.

Deploy the Decoy Nulka Manufacturing Facility

12.

High Security Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct

20.

Fresh Thinking The Annex, 12 Creek Street

22.

Prefab-ulous 235 Pyrmont Street

16.

Premium Protection Fire Services maintenance

Building Efficiency

26 Cultural Icon The new cultural icon for Sydneys west.

34 Out of Gas? Net zero emissions targets driving building electrification.

40 The Future The ambitious new sustainable headquarters for global software company Atlassian.

inside: 24.

Connection National Reconciliation Week

38.

Right on Q The Q Building NSW

26.

Cultural Icon Powerhouse Parramatta

40.

The Future Atlassian Building Sydney

34.

Out of Gas? De-gasification at 101 Collins St

44.

In the News

2022-2023

5

TRANSPORT

At the 2022 Lendlease Australian Supplier Awards A.G. Coombs was recognised with the Safety Award for the innovative solution developed for the design, manufacture, supply and installation of over track exhaust modules.

Next Station After playing a key role in the construction of the Sydney Metro Martin Place integrated station development, A.G. Coombs is now working to deliver another part of the city’s multi-billion dollar transport infrastructure project.

One of five new stations being built as part of the Sydney Metro infrastructure project, the new Victoria Cross station will connect the existing Metro North West Line running from Chatswood to the new Sydney Metro City & Southwest Line.

6

Drawing on the Group’s experience on the soon-to-be-completed Sydney Metro Martin Place, A.G. Coombs joined the Lendlease Consortium’s bid team for the Victoria Cross project in 2018.

Located 31 metres beneath Miller Street in the heart of the North Sydney CBD, the station’s concourse and platforms will be accessible to commuters via a number of streetlevel pedestrian plaza entry points.

Subsequently engaged under a construct-only contract, A.G. Coombs has been on site since early-2021 delivering the mechanical services solutions to the underground station, as well as completing OSD-enabling works.

Lendlease is delivering the new Victoria Cross integrated station development for the NSW Government, including the underground metro station, over-station development (OSD) and enhancements to pedestrian connections, retail and public spaces.

“Our involvement on the Metro Martin Place project has given our team a first-hand understanding of the challenges and requirements associated with the construction of Sydney Metro underground stations,” says Shane Durkin, Engineering Services Manager for A.G. Coombs Projects.

Building Efficiency

Metro facts By 2030, Sydney will boast a network of four metro lines, 46 stations and 113km of new metro rail. This will allow for a metro train every two minutes in each direction under the city, with a target capacity of 40,000 commuters per hour.

Shane says this includes the company’s construction experience of the over track exhaust (OTE) system – part of the station’s critical safety infrastructure – and the robust method of installation required.

A significant amount of prefabrication is being used for the construction of the OTE system, as well as the project’s risers.

“Through this experience, our team has been able to assist Lendlease on their journey at Metro Victoria Cross.”

A.G. Coombs also identified a number of opportunities as part of its value management of the mechanical services design.

These initiatives included the rationalisation of the central chilled water plant, and the rearrangement

of the two 1500kW chillers and corresponding cooling towers for improved operational efficiency, as well as the dual chilled water loops to achieve system redundancy.

The use of a cloud-based project management system has also been an invaluable tool given the project’s intensive quality assurance (QA) documentation requirements.

The design and pipe riser layout of the cavern smoke exhaust system was also simplified under a full constructability review.

Construction of the mechanical services has been ongoing since August 2021. A.G. Coombs expects that a workforce in the order of 80 personnel will have contributed to the Victoria Cross project by completion – expected in 2023.

In its role as lead services coordinator on the Metro Victoria Cross project, A.G. Coombs is utilising a number of technologies including building information modelling (BIM) and the Revizto+ cloud-based coordination platform.

“BIM has been particularly useful on this project,” says Shane. “It was used extensively during our constructability reviews to help identify design and layout issues early in the project.”

2022-2023

“A.G. Coombs is a key member of our Metro Victoria Cross project team, and is bringing its expertise in constructability and coordination of services for the overall benefit of the project,” says Michael Niedzwiecki at Lendlease.

7

8

BE Magazine

HEALTH CARE ‘Artist Impression’ Image: Supplied by the Victorian Health Building Authority

8

Building Efficiency

Leveraging the Group’s decades of experience on major hospital projects, A.G. Coombs is delivering the $1.1 billion redevelopment and expansion of the Frankston Hospital with builder Lendlease.

Advisory in support Through the course of the Exemplar Health consortium’s bid for the Frankston Hospital redevelopment, A.G. Coombs Advisory was engaged to support both Lendlease and Honeywell in a consulting role.

‘Artist Impression’ The $1.1 billion redevelopment of Frankston Hospital will deliver a new 12-storey clinical services tower and main entrance, 130 more beds, new spaces for mental health and oncology services and 15 new operating theatres.

Building on Health The Frankston Hospital redevelopment will be conducted under a public-private partnership (PPP) with the Exemplar Health consortium responsible for designing, constructing, financing and maintaining the hospital for 25 years.

Following early involvement with Lendlease in 2021, A.G. Coombs was awarded the mechanical services design and construct (D&C) contract in early-2022.

It continues a relationship that has successfully delivered many major projects around the country, including the new Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and the new Bendigo Hospital.

“PPPs can be challenging without the right people in place,” says Mark Mitchell, Executive General Manager for A.G. Coombs Projects.

“Our project teams have remained consistent across a number of successful healthcare projects.

As Lendlease’s partner of choice,

we are leveraging this shared experience, the lessons learned and our strong track record to benefit the Frankston Hospital redevelopment.”

Working with a preliminary mechanical services design by consultant Waterman, and to a prescriptive brief from the State Government of Victoria, A.G. Coombs is progressing the detailed design to documentation before work is expected to commence on site in 2023.

Central to the design will be an allelectric, high efficiency mechanical services plant in the new hospital.

As well as navigating current supply chain and procurement challenges that contribute to pricing complexity, A.G. Coombs is required to meet the social and local procurement obligations set out by the project framework.

The existing facility will remain fully operational for the duration of the project, requiring careful planning and coordination on the ground with hospital staff.

Close engagement with other project partners, including facility manager Honeywell, will contribute to an effective transition to operate through commissioning.

“The Frankston Hospital redevelopment will transform the delivery of healthcare to the communities of Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” says David O'Shaughnessy, Project Director at Lendlease.

“A.G. Coombs is making a valuable contribution to the project, bringing the high level of expertise, surety of outcome and management of risk that we have come to expect from our years of working together.”

A.G. Coombs will also take the Building Information Modelling (BIM) and services coordination lead.

2022-2023

9

Holding Court A leading provider of technical facilities management services, Integrated Technical Management (ITM) is well accustomed to providing innovative engineering solutions and life cycle services to critical facilities like those operated by Court Services Victoria.

With direct access to the A.G. Coombs Group’s 70-plus years of in-house technical expertise and specialist resources, ITM has been delivering solutions focused on meeting the needs of clients and their facilities for well over a decade.

“ITM is one of the seven businesses of the A.G. Coombs Group, and specialises in the areas of Technical Facilities Management, Technical Project Management and Strategic Advice,” says Paul Gilmore, Executive Manager Group Business Development at A.G. Coombs Group.

Adopting a whole-of-life approach to asset management and maintenance underpins ITM’s preference for holistic, asset maintenance. And by deploying technically experienced on-site personnel – and the latest technology – ITM is able to map and maintain customer assets at optimal levels, thereby delivering long-term value to their facilities.

“The business prides itself on our highly experienced personnel, and their ability to integrate seamlessly into client operational structures in the planning and delivery of bespoke solutions based on the portfolio, facility requirements and objectives.”

In a context of increasing economic and environmental performance pressures, coupled with risk mitigation and improved asset performance, many organisations are seeking an approach that goes beyond day-to-day task-based maintenance.

Court Services Victoria manages a diverse asset base of 53 facilities that range from major purposebuilt court buildings concentrated in the CBD and metropolitan Melbourne, to single-room court facilities dispersed throughout regional Victoria.

The Supreme Court of Victoria building is part of the Court Services Victoria portfolio. The National Heritage listed building was constructed between 1874 and 1884.

10

Building Efficiency

Court Services Victoria Court Services Victoria (CSV) is a body corporate established by the Court Services Victoria Act 2014 to provide the administrative services and facilities necessary for Victoria’s courts and tribunals to operate independently of the direction of the executive branch of government.

This includes the five Victorian courts and VCAT. CSV facilities are located across the entire state – from those in metropolitan Melbourne to the Mildura Law Courts in Victoria’s far north-west.

In late-2020, a public tender was released by CSV for the provision of facility maintenance and associated works across its state-wide facilities portfolio.

As a specialist in providing “hard” facilities management services to complex or operationally challenging facilities, including Government property portfolios, ITM responded with a detailed tender proposal.

This included an independentlyreviewed Local Industry Development Plan (LIDP) detailing ITM’s social procurement framework and commitment to the engagement of local subcontractors, suppliers, apprentices and local Indigenous and Koori community members.

Additionally, procurement details for each service element were provided to demonstrate ITM’s commitment to locally sourced materials.

Following an extensive tender evaluation and negotiation process, ITM was awarded the contract in October 2021.

It requires ITM to deliver a tailored maintenance model across CSV properties in the areas of mechanical services, fire services and essential safety maintenance (ESM) for electrical services. ITM is also responsible for the rectification of faults, minor and major remedial works and minor capital works.

To fulfil these requirements, ITM is leveraging the A.G. Coombs Group’s well-established supply chain of local partners across the state.

Well versed A total of 53 CSV properties of varying age and typology are maintained under the Facility Maintenance and Associated Works contract – from heritage-listed buildings with aging equipment requiring careful maintenance to brand new facilities.

An intuitive, dynamic life cycle modelling and forecasting tool has also been offered by ITM that allows CSV to run “what if” scenarios on all assets managed under the contract.

“ITM’s approach to maintenance planning is asset-centric, and based on open collaboration with the client,” says Paul.

“We schedule maintenance at an asset level, and capture maintenance and repair costs at this same level so that we, along with CSV, can clearly see the costs associated with maintaining and repairing an asset.”

“This provides ITM the ability to model and forecast the life cycle of that asset and plan proactive repairs, or capital replacement, with the client accordingly.”

“ITM has extensive experience in the technical management of a diverse range of facilities” says Paul.

“A number of contracts ITM holds include heritage-listed properties, so we are well aware of our obligations and the sensitivities associated with maintaining services within such buildings.”

ITM personnel are also cognisant of the limited windows of opportunity during which maintenance and repair works can be undertaken without disrupting court processes and procedures.

To this end, a dedicated client portal has been established to provide CSV personnel with full access to the status of service and maintenance.

2022-2023

11

High Security Such is the scale of a new high security correctional facility currently under construction in Queensland that A.G. Coombs expects to have a peak workforce of 100 on the project – many of them local.

Located near Gatton, about 100km south-west of Brisbane, the Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct first opened in 2012 with a 300bed correctional facility that has accommodated female prisoners since 2018.

External site infrastructure was designed and constructed at the time to support a second facility.

The new 1500 bed, men’s high security Southern Queensland Correctional Precinct Stage Two project (SQCP-S2), delivered by Managing Contractor John Holland for the Queensland Government, will boost community safety and regional employment opportunities, and will be a modern, purpose-built facility with a focus on rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.

Major construction works for the $861 million correctional facility are expected to be completed by the end of 2023 and commissioned in the first half of 2024, weather permitting.

It is currently the second largest infrastructure project in Queensland – surpassed only by Brisbane’s Cross River Rail.

In the loop After responding to an open tender Expression of Interest (EOI), and subsequently being short-listed, A.G. Coombs was awarded the mechanical services contract for the project by John Holland in early-2022.

12

This is the third recent major project on which A.G. Coombs will work with John Holland – the others being the Victorian Heart Hospital and the Sydney Football Stadium.

Drawing on the Group’s extensive experience on those major infrastructure projects, it immediately began work on documenting the mature design by consulting engineer WSP. This work identified several opportunities to add value management to a design that incorporates a large essential energy plant and a combined services loop – including chilled water – that runs for over 1km around the precinct.

This approach to construction addresses several challenges including the site’s regional location, access to materials, and the strict security overlay placed on all building services installed in the facility.

Additionally, prefabrication will allow for parallel construction to take place, thereby reducing the hours of onsite construction required and associated health and safety risks for the benefit of the overall construction programme.

Local focus Construction of the mechanical services commenced on site in mid-2022.

As lead services coordinator, A.G. Coombs is leading the building information modelling (BIM) design on the project and will coordinate services through the use of integrated BIM collaboration platform, Revizto.

At the peak of construction in early-2023, Danny McGregor expects a workforce of over 100 A.G. Coombs personnel will have contributed to the project, including trades and project and site management teams.

“This continues our strategy in Queensland to incorporate prefabricated plant and equipment from our integrated prefabrication factory,” says Danny McGregor, A.G. Coombs Queensland Manager.

Drawing on the Group’s established network of subcontractors in the region, A.G. Coombs is employing many of its construction team from Gatton, Ipswich and surrounds, fulfilling the company’s commitment to employ locally.

The finished, prefabricated components will be transported by road to Gatton.

Building Efficiency

MODULAR

Secondary chilled water pump modules.

Pump modules include control valves and pre-wired Variable Speed Drives.

4 Large diameter headers and pipe, insulated, clad and pressure tested in factory.

3

Modular primary pump modules include a primary condenser and a primary chilled water pump and weigh over 10 tonnes each in operation.

5 2 6

1

Pumps mounted on seismic springs and securely fastened for transport from prefabrication factory to site.

7

Four high efficiency centrifugal water-cooled chillers, using HFO-1233zd refrigerant to provide 1700kW of cooling each.

Over 13km of chilled water pipework in the Gatton project including an underground ring main.

2022-2023

13

2022 2023

14

Premium Protection Walker Fire Protection has recently commenced delivery of fire service maintenance at one of Australia’s largest and most prestigious mixed-use developments.

Developed by Walker Corporation – Australia’s largest private, diversified property development company – Collins Square occupies an entire block at the western end of Melbourne’s CBD. Comprising five premium commercial office towers and the refurbished Southern Goods Shed with a combined NLA of 250,000m², the precinct is home to a number of blue-chip tenants as well as over 40 retailers.

Managed by Walker Corporation’s facility management team (Collins Square Management), the five towers have been awarded a minimum NABERS Energy 5 star rating reflecting their energy efficient design and operation.

In early-2022, Walker Fire Protection was invited to tender for the precinct’s fire service maintenance contract.

Working collaboratively with the on site facility management team, all Walker Fire Protection technicians are employed in-house to ensure a consistent, high level of service befitting the precinct’s premium status.

“We have recruited some of the industry’s best technicians and contract managers over the past six months as we strive to be the number one fire services contractor in the country,” says Andrew McGregor, General Manager for Walker Fire Protection.

Engaged to provide preventative, corrective and reactive service and maintenance of the precinct’s fire services, the scope of works includes maintenance, inspection and testing of all smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, fire doors, hydrants, hose reels and the precinct’s emergency warning and mixed communication system.

A member of the A.G. Coombs Group, Walker Fire Protection was subsequently awarded the contract with technicians commencing on site mid-year.

Walker Fire Protection will also take a proactive approach to asset management through asset lifecycle analysis.

16

Building Efficiency

F

“Along with our investment in people, Walker Fire has invested heavily in the latest technology to ensure we remain market leaders in innovation,” says Andrew.

This innovation includes measures to prevent major water damage such as proactive pipe thickness testing. While not currently required under Australian Standards, Walker Fire Protection offers this testing as part of annual inspections and finds it particularly beneficial in older buildings.

sprinkler head replacement to be completed without risk of water damage to client premises.

“In the short time Walker Fire Protection has joined us at Collins Square, their commitment to in-house delivery of service and innovation has been evident,” says Stewart Calder, Operations Manager for Walker Corporation.

“We are excited to have them on board.”

Vacuum technology, which removes water from the fire sprinkler system, is also being deployed to allow

FIRE SAFETY 2022-2023

17

Deploy the Decoy Building on the Group’s expertise in the defence sector, A.G. Coombs has taken a key role in the delivery of the new $23.9 million Nulka assembly and maintenance facility at the Defence Establishment Orchard Hills in Western Sydney.

18

Building Efficiency

An Australian indigenous word meaning “be quick”, Nulka has since become one of Australia’s largest and most successful defence exports.

Considered the most sophisticated soft-kill defence system against anti-ship missiles, thousands of Nulka decoys have been manufactured and fitted to more than 150 Australian, United States and Canadian warships.

Image: © COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE

Nulka – “be quick” Prior to the 1980s, active off-board decoy systems to protect warships from a new generation of missiles were a test concept championed

by Defence scientists yet to convince most of the world’s skeptical military of their viability.

Initiated in Australia by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), successful trials of the variable-thrust, solidpropellant rocket-motor technology had shown that such a decoy could hover in controlled flight.

But it wasn’t until the sinking of British destroyer HMS Sheffield by a sea-skimming anti-ship missile in 1982 during the Falklands War that the concept was fully embraced by military leaders. This led to a collaborative engineering partnership being formed between Australia and the US to further develop the technology that would come to be known as Nulka.

The technologies behind the success of Nulka include advanced flight vehicle guidance and control techniques, and sophisticated radio frequency electronics.

Fully autonomous after launch, the decoy can fly a pre-programmed flight path to entice anti-ship missiles away from the ship, with its unique all-weather design allowing it to hover with a high degree of precision no matter the conditions.

Orchard Hills Assembly and production of the Nulka active missile decoy has remained under the auspice of BAE Systems Australia since a licence agreement was signed between the Department of Defence and AWA Defence Industries (now BAE Systems Australia) in 1994.

A recent multi-million dollar contract with the Australian Government has continued this arrangement – ensuring the company continues to produce the system locally, strengthening Australia’s sovereign technical expertise and the skills base that supports it.

The agreement has also led to the development of a dedicated Nulka assembly and maintenance facility at the Defence Establishment Orchards Hills (DEOH) in western Sydney.

decoy variant for which additional production and maintenance capacity is required.

A.G. Coombs has been engaged

by NCAP under a construct-only contract to deliver a mature mechanical services design by engineering consultant, AECOM. The traditional build includes the installation and commissioning of an air-cooled system to serve a number of spaces within the assembly and maintenance buildings.

A.G. Coombs is also leading the building information modelling (BIM) and coordination process on the project, with all services installed and commissioned to strict Defence standards.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.

History repeats It is serendipitous that A.G. Coombs would become involved in a project supporting the continued production of Nulka given its own Bryon Price, Strategic Development Director for the Group, cut his engineering “teeth” on the emerging technology in the early-1980s.

Working at the time, as a graduate engineer under the Defence Science and Technology Organisation’s (DSTO) lead scientists and engineers on Project Winnin – the early design and experimental work that would be the precursor to Nulka.

He says, “It’s great to look back knowing I had some small part to play in what has become an Australian success story.”

This facility will replace an aging existing, facility at Mulwala on the New South Wales/Victorian border.

Currently under construction by indigenous construction company National Aboriginal Construction Partners (NACP), the new facility at Orchard Hills will support the acquisition of an enhanced Nulka

2022-2023

19

Fresh thinking Set among Brisbane’s heritage-listed fig trees, The Annex at 12 Creek Street promotes a connection between the indoors and out with a mechanical services solution delivered to compliment the building’s breathable facade.

20

Constructed by Broad Construction for Dexus, and designed by architect BVN, The Annex at 12 Creek Street is a new 12-level, 7,200m² A-Grade commercial office tower located within the city’s highly sought-after Golden Triangle.

Featuring a services design by consultant NDY that meets the Brisbane City Council’s “Buildings that Breathe” design guide, The Annex has achieved 5 star Green Star Design and As-Built ratings, as well as a 5 star NABERS Energy rating aligning with Dexus’ sustainability approach.

Following a competitive open tender process, A.G. Coombs was engaged

by Broad Construction in mid-2018 – during the project’s design phase – under a design and construct (D&C) contract as specialist mechanical services contractor.

Upon its appointment, A.G. Coombs liaised directly with NDY on the performance requirements of the D&C design. These discussions focused on the protection of the

Building Efficiency

Image: BVN The façade of the building’s first six levels incorporates outdoor spaces which take in the fig trees. These spaces are breathable, linking the indoor area to the outdoor environment.

base building’s ratings, and flexibility of the interior space to ensure tenants were afforded suitable options for their fitout given the relatively small floor plates.

While an energy efficient, low temperature VAV mixed mode system was the cornerstone of the energy efficient HVAC design, the A.G. Coombs project team recognised opportunities to engineer value into the project.

“One of the alternatives we presented during the design phase was an air-cooled chiller solution, which resolved a number of spatial issues with the small plantroom footprint,” says Sean Mewing, Project Manager for A.G. Coombs in Queensland.

Instead of requiring a double height plantroom space, another level of commercial office space was able to be accommodated – thereby increasing the building’s NLA by over 600m².

The final mechanical services plant serving The Annex comprises four central, low temperature VAV chilled water air handling units (AHUs) located in the rooftop plantroom – one matched to each external façade, and a dedicated internal unit.

These are served chilled water by two 512kWr high-efficiency air-cooled chillers, each with its own dedicated chilled water pump.

Ground floor retail tenancies are served by stand-alone, air-cooled DX packaged systems that allow these spaces to operate independently of the base building mechanical services plant.

“This arrangement allows the retail areas to operate for extended periods without the need to operate the central cooling plant, while simplifying exclusion of the retail areas from the NABERS base building energy rating,” says Sean.

2022-2023

Following practical completion in March 2020, A.G. Coombs Advisory led the Green Star commissioning and tuning of the systems in its role as Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA).

Working with the building management system (BMS) provider, Advisory was able to smooth out the chiller staging. By modifying a number of parameters on the chillers and the BMS, stable chilled water temperatures were able to be delivered.

Displaying the breadth of the Group’s capability, ongoing mechanical services maintenance is now being undertaken at 12 Creek Street’s The Annex

by A.G. Coombs Service.

21

Prefab-ulous The clever use of prefabricated services modules as part of a major mechanical services upgrade to a commercial building in Sydney has the property well on its way to achieving ‘A’ Grade status.

Originally built in 1906, the former woolstore at 235 Pyrmont Street has become a much-sought after commercial address.

Featuring an internal design that melds the building’s heritage features with modern office amenities, the eightstorey building has been maintained

by A.G. Coombs for a number of years.

With the existing base building open-circuit condenser water cooling plant approaching end-of-life, A.G. Coombs was successful in tendering for a design and construct (D&C) principal contractor role direct to owner Kador Group to revitalise the mechanical services.

The $4.5 million project included new chiller and boiler plant on the roof, and progressive works to be staged over a number of years to phase out the existing condenser water system to the new chilled water system.

“The client’s end goal was to have the mechanical services meet the compliance requirements of the Property Council of Australia’s ‘A’ Grade level,” says Gary Economos, General Manager for A.G. Coombs NSW.

Central to A.G. Coombs’ tender were a number of value engineering initiatives that would reduce project cost and improve energy efficiency, including the offsite prefabrication of a drop-in rooftop plantroom constructed under COVID-safe conditions.

This approach required a number of modern construction technologies to be adopted, including building information modelling (BIM) and 3D point cloud scan that digitised the project environment.

The digitised construction model was also used to determine set outs for pipe supports, equipment plinths, new wall locations, new floor waste and skid plinths. These parameters were then set out on site using a Trimble laser to an accuracy of 2mm, significantly reducing the amount of time-consuming work required on site and limiting the noise disruption to neighbours.

The design of the modular plantroom was completed concurrently to the Development Application (DA) process, with offsite prefabrication commencing well ahead of the scheduled site start date.

Within days of the DA being approved, the three 6m x 3m plantroom modules were craned into place on the building’s rooftop.

22

Building Efficiency

The application of digital tools and prefabrication also enabled A.G. Coombs to complete the installation of two chillers, three cooling towers and ancillary plant – as well as 80% of the pipework – within just a few days.

“This strategy de-risked the project in a number of ways, particularly given the uncertainty of the program with respect to the timing of Council approval, and avoided the delays that would have resulted from the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions,” says Gary.

Since the completion of the rooftop works in mid-2020, A.G. Coombs has continued working with Kador Group and project manager TSA Management to progressively refurbish the mechanical services across the building.

“As principal contractor, A.G. Coombs presented a clever, turn-key solution that overcame a number of challenges and will contribute to Kador Group achieving our ambitions for the property,” says Richard Poore, Manager of Development and Projects at Kador Group.

UPGRADE 2022-2023

23

24

Building Efficiency

More than One Story, by Michelle Kerrin

Connection In support of National Reconciliation Week 2022, and in a collaboration with Indigenous artist Michelle Kerrin A.G. Coombs have featured Michelle’s artwork in our vehicle livery as a visual acknowledgment of our connection to Australia’s indigenous culture and their community.

National Reconciliation Week is a focused time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements.

A.G. Coombs continues to embrace our indigenous community and their cultures through our actions and community engagement and through our Reconciliation Action Plan is working towards a reconciled Australia.

The Artist: Michelle Kerrin A proud Arrernte and Luritja woman from the Northern Territory Michelle’s artwork not only speaks to her personal experiences but intertwines with her work and passion working with young mob in community.

Alongside her role as an artist, Michelle currently works with the Michael Long Centre, a space for Aboriginal youth leadership.

2022-2023

The Artwork: More than One Story About connection and growth, the artwork speaks to the lands and communities coming together, where the people come to meet, trade and grow with one another. This connection is key to the success of its peoples, the ground you walk on and the spirits that have come before you. These pathways have always been here, they are rooted in the ground. It’s now time for the next mob to travel on them. They are sacred.

The story of A.G Coombs is reflected in this piece. It tells the stories of all the spirits and souls that live, breath and work in these spaces. Everyone far and wide, but all connected. It’s for the people, by the people. The pathways have always been there but are always growing.

25

flagship 26

Cultural Icon Long recognised for its collection that spans history, technology, science and design, the Powerhouse is set to take its place alongside some of the world’s great cultural institutions with the addition of a flagship museum at Parramatta.

Building Efficiency

Image: Moreau Kusunoki and Genton Located on the city’s riverbank, Powerhouse Parramatta first major NSW cultural institution to be established in Western Sydney.

2022-2023

27

One of Australia’s oldest and most important cultural institutions, the Powerhouse has occupied the converted electric tram power station in Ultimo (from which it gets its current name) since 1988.

Following a decision by the New South Wales Government to build an new flagship to complement the heritage-listed Ultimo site, work has commenced on what will be the first major NSW cultural institution to be established in Western Sydney.

Located on the city’s riverbank, Powerhouse Parramatta is the largest investment in cultural infrastructure by the NSW Government since the Sydney Opera House. It is also one of the most architecturally complex projects under construction in the country.

Lendlease is building the Moreau Kusunoki and Genton designed museum, which will feature 18,000m² of exhibition and public space.

Exhibition Space 1 is of monumental scale and will be the largest columnfree exhibition space in Australia.

The column-free design is achieved via three different types of steel lattice forming an intricate exoskeleton with transparent glazed façade.

Following a competitive tender process, A.G. Coombs was awarded the mechanical services design and construct (D&C) contract by Lendlease in late-2021.

28

As well as collaborating with the project team and local architect Genton, A.G. Coombs has lent on the expertise of the Group to valueengineer a mechanical services design that will achieve the strict indoor environment parameters required for the seven exhibition spaces while allowing services to be exposed.

This work included the removal of trench heaters on the glazed façade, the fire engineering of ductwork associated with the smoke exhaust and the reconfiguration of air handling units (AHUs) to reduce the amount of plant and equipment required.

“Given the building’s range and size of spaces – from exhibition spaces requiring close temperature control to others with a wide allowance suitable for natural ventilation – the museum will feature a constant volume, mixed mode HVAC design,” says Paul Archer, Engineering Leader NSW/ACT for A.G. Coombs Projects.

The all-electric thermal energy plant on the rooftop will feature new 4-pipe chiller technology that can operate in air cooled mode or provide heat recovery to deliver energy efficient simultaneous heating and cooling.

The museums studio apartments – part of the Lang Walker Family Academy that will support high school students to stay on site and engage with education programs

Building Efficiency

– are conditioned via individual fan coil units (FCU). As part of its role as services lead on this highly complex project, A.G. Coombs has employed cloud-based online building information modelling (BIM) as well as Revizto+ for clash detection and coordination.

These technologies will enable offsite prefabrication as part of the mechanical services construction methodology, including prefabricated risers, pump skids, fan coil modules and AHUs. A.G. Coombs will also pre-join as much metal ductwork as possible offsite to ensure a high quality finish.

Construction of Powerhouse Parramatta commenced in 2022, with A.G. Coombs expecting to be on site in early-2023.

“A.G. Coombs has already proven to be a committed and valuable partner to Lendlease during the design phase of Powerhouse Parramatta,” says Angus Morten Senior Project Manager for Lendlease.

“We look forward to their team contributing further to the construction of this culturally significant project.”

The new Moreau Kusunoki and Genton designed museum will feature 18,000m² of exhibition and public space. Exhibition Space 1 is of monumental scale and will be the largest column-free exhibition space in Australia

2022-2023

29

30

Building Efficiency

Maintaining museums

Since 2017, A.G. Coombs has provided preventative mechanical services maintenance at the Powerhouse and adjacent Harwood building in Ultimo, as well as the Sydney Observatory – also part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

This experience helped inform the design of the mechanical services systems that will serve the seven exhibition spaces at Powerhouse Parramatta, and ensure the museum’s world-class collection can be enjoyed for decades to come.

Image: Moreau Kusunoki and Genton The building will feature all-electric thermal energy plant on the rooftop including new 4-pipe chiller technology that can operate in air cooled mode or provide heat recovery to deliver energy efficient simultaneous heating and cooling.

2022-2023

31

ELECTRIFICA Out of Gas? Natural gas has always had a place in the Australian commercial building market where gas water heaters have provided cheap and efficient domestic and heating hot water to support HVAC systems and amenities – until now.

34

Building Efficiency

ATION While the rapid rise in the cost of natural gas is being felt at both a commercial and consumer level, there is another reason for the growing demand of de-gasification in Australia’s commercial property market.

That driver is the industry-wide adoption of net zero emissions targets – specifically as they relate to Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (operational) emissions.

Responsible for nearly 25% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, our existing building stock provides some of the lowest-cost abatement opportunities in the economy.

Consequently, building owners and managers have identified the removal of Scope 1 emissions associated with natural gas as the next logical step in their net zero journey.

This is the case at 101 Collins Street in Melbourne, where A.G. Coombs Advisory recently led an award-winning gas hot water plant conversion.

The project converted domestic hot water (DHW) generation from the original calorifiers connected to the building’s natural gas-fired heating hot water (HHW) plant, to a system featuring highly efficient commercial heat pumps, smart thermal storage calorifier tanks and solar PV collectors

2022-2023

to provide off grid DC electrical energy production as the primary form of heat generation.

Separating the systems will also enable the gas-fired HHW plant to be able to be shut down during summer periods, further reducing gas consumption, pumping energy, plant operating costs and associated plant maintenance.

Through careful planning, coordination and staging, the new system was able to be cut-over on a weekend so as to avoid any impact on tenant and occupant amenity.

During the initial period following commissioning, the new plant was found to have reduced energy consumption by 81% compared to the previous plant, and reduced associated greenhouse gas emissions.

A second stage of works is now underway as the management at 101 Collins continues on its de-gasification journey.

BE spoke with Jamie Park, Senior Engineer with A.G. Coombs Advisory, about the opportunities and challenges de-gasification presents to the Australian commercial building market. >

35

Interview

Jamie Park, Senior Engineer with A.G. Coombs Advisory.

36

BE: How significant is the drive towards de-gasification?

Jamie Park: When you look at the existing building stock in Melbourne for example, the retrofit market is huge but we are only just scratching the surface.

It’s the bigger, national portfolio building owners who are setting targets of net-zero and carbon neutral and they’ve been the first to recognise the opportunities de-gasification brings.

BE: What opportunities exist in typical commercial office buildings for de-gasification?

Jamie Park: For domestic hot water, it is straight forward with technology like heat pumps, thermal storage tanks and solar PV collectors well understood, but the bigger opportunity – particularly in southern states with colder climates – is the conversion of heating hot water and

Building Efficiency

comfort heating into some form of electric-powered heating system.

That, in itself, represents a massive opportunity and already forwardlooking building owners are completing feasibility studies around it.

BE: What technologies will allow the de-gasification of heating hot water to be viable?

Jamie Park: It has to be heat pumps – but it is the delivery of the water temperature that remains challenging.

When you are connecting to existing systems that traditionally operate on 80˚C water, and heat pumps commonly operate at 50-55˚C, there’s a gap that needs to be addressed.

Do you replace all the heating coils in the building with lower water temperature designs that will be larger to achieve the same capacity, or do you explore expensive heat pump technology that promises 80˚C water?

Sustainability is key “Having recently celebrated its 30th year, 101 Collins Street continues to be an iconic corporate landmark in Melbourne,” says John Kiff, Senior Engineering and Sustainability Manager at 101 Collins Street Management.

“A.G. Coombs Advisory recognises that sustainability is one of our key values, and their valuable contribution to the building’s domestic hot water conversion represents a first step in satisfying our de-gasification objectives.”

BE: Beyond the water temperature, what are the other considerations?

Jamie Park: The obvious one is that heat pumps need to be outside.

Basement plantrooms usually won’t be suitable, so it requires investigation as to whether a rooftop plant is feasible on the building.

While converting domestic hot water to heat pumps is usually not an issue due to the relatively small capacities required, achieving 3.5MW of heating hot water capacity for a building such as 101 Collins Street might result in up to 10 tonnes of heat pump equipment – twice the weight of the existing gas-fired boilers – and they need to be outside.

BE: How does the electricity supply also feed into these considerations?

Jamie Park: When you are de-gasifying plant, you are effectively

electrifying it. So the question needs to be asked as to whether there is enough local electricity supply to cater for the change, and is the building’s electrical infrastructure capable of supporting the conversion.

BE: Has the introduction of predicted emissions factor changes to NABERS Energy tools impacted plans by property owners to de-gasify quicker than they otherwise would have?

Jamie Park: Last year, NABERS updated their Energy tools to use the latest National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Emissions Factors to calculate ratings, ensuring the tool accurately takes into account the decarbonisation of the grid. The NGA Emissions Factors are used to reflect the emissions linked to different fuel sources used in a building, including gas.

2022-2023

As part of that update, prediction tools were released to allow building owners to see the impact on their ratings in 2025 and 2030.

Consequently we’re finding property owners and managers are planning capex works with an eye on these targets – de-gasification included, particularly those that rely on large gas consuming equipment such as gas boilers and cogeneration systems to currently drive their NABERS energy ratings up.

A.G. Coombs Advisory’s work on the 101 Collins gas hot water plant conversion was recognised at the Energy Efficiency Council’s 2022 National Energy Efficiency Awards with the Integrated Clean Energy Award.

This award recognises projects that have demonstrated excellence in integrating high levels of energy productivity and renewable energy at the site, portfolio, precinct or community level.

37

Right on Q The new 6 star Green Star rated, mass timber constructed Q Building reflects the University of Newcastle’s aspiration to display innovation within the built form, so as to inspire innovation in building use.

Designed by EJE Architecture and built by Hansen Yuncken, the Q Building represents the first stage of the University’s new Honeysuckle City Campus.

Accommodating the School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences (HCISS) and Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) hub, the building sets a new sustainability benchmark for the Newcastle region and regional NSW more broadly.

Sustainability features include a mass timber glulam (glued laminated timber) structure, solar PV array, 100% renewable electricity supply and innovative electrochromic glazing on the building façade that maintains transparency while reducing peak thermal load.

This innovative façade solution by sustainability consultant WSP allowed for the mechanical services systems to be designed to a lower peak load, delivering energy efficiency savings year round.

A.G. Coombs Advisory was appointed as the watching brief consultant on the project, as well as the independent commissioning agent (ICA) from the beginning of the project’s detailed design phase.

“While the involvement of an ICA within the project from design through to post-construction was a direct Green Star credit requirement, our involvement through the design, commissioning and tuning phases provided continuity that might otherwise have been lost,” says Andrew Bagnall, Leader – Technical Advice (NSW/ACT) at A.G. Coombs Advisory.

38

Energy Model With no comparable benchmarking data available to gauge the performance of the building systems through commissioning and tuning, A.G. Coombs Advisory identified the need for an as-built energy model to be produced.

Responsible for the review of all engineering services commissioning within the building including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, fire and vertical transportation, the Advisory team was also – somewhat unusually – charged with reviewing the commissioning of the electrochromic façade.

The model proved to be a very valuable tool as the tuning period wore on, providing a granular breakdown of energy consumption projections by end-use system to match the sub-metering breakdown of the Q Building.

“Although, in theory, the electrochromic technology circumvented any issues with NCC Section J compliance – and was modelled to enable the building to meet its challenging sustainability targets – the solution had never been tested at scale in the southern hemisphere in this manner.”

By obtaining updated monthly energy modelling projections that matched the metering structure from WSP on practical completion, the ICA team was able to benchmark the performance of each building system down to individual plant items from the first month of the tuning period.

The relationship between the operation of the façade and the building’s mechanical services was critical in ensuring that both thermal comfort conditions and energy efficiency targets were achieved.

Should the glazing have failed to perform as expected, there was a risk that the mechanical services systems would be undersized and consequently lead to poor thermal comfort and high energy use.

Additionally, the glazing performance impacts the daylight harvesting system, so a careful balance was sought between all three systems to optimise the performance of the building.

Any concerns about the performance of the electrochromic façade and it’s interaction with the mechanical services systems have been allayed since construction of the Q Building reached practical completion in 2021.

Building Efficiency

“The building genuinely does respond very differently to ambient conditions and solar loads compared with conventional shading and static glazing solutions,” says Andrew.

“In this regard, it has been a very interesting building to work with.”

The Q Building opened to students ahead of Semester 1 classes commencing in late-February 2022.

“Thanks to the contribution of project partners like A.G. Coombs Advisory, the Q Building not only demonstrates the University’s commitment to sustainability but represents a significant step towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2025,” says Damian Burke, NeW Futures Capital Projects Director at the University of Newcastle.

EDUCATION

Representing world leading status for healthy, resilient, positive buildings and places Building Q is the first building in regional NSW to achieve a 6 Star Green Star ‘Design and As Built’ certified rating.

2022-2023

39

the future 40

High Ambitions

Building Efficiency

One of the world’s most ambitious construction projects has commenced in Sydney with ground being broken on the new sustainable headquarters of global software company Atlassian.

Image: Atlassian

2022-2023

41

Image: Atlassian The architectural design organises the interior into seven interconnected, four-level “habitats”. Each “habitat” is then divided into three distinct climate zones to reduce the demand on mechanical air conditioning and heating.

42

Building Efficiency

The sustainable, energy efficient design of Atlassian Central aims to: • Achieve a 50% reduction in embodied carbon in construction for facade, substructure and super structure compared to a conventional construction project.

• Consume 50% less operational energy compared to a conventional building.

• Be powered by 100% renewable energy from day one of operation.

• Target 5.5 star NABERS Energy Commitment Agreement and 6 star Green Star design rating.

• WELL Platinum Core rating.

• LEED Platinum rating.

Located within the NSW State Government-led Tech Central precinct and adjacent to Central Station, the 39-storey tower is expected to be the world’s tallest commercial hybrid timber building when completed.

Designed by SHoP Architects in partnership with local firm BVN, Atlassian Central’s mass-timber construction will be supported within a glass and steel exoskeleton that incorporates an electricity-generating façade system with shading capabilities to minimise solar heat gain.

Built – in a joint venture with Obayashi Corporation (BOJV) – have been appointed by developer Dexus to construct the building.

BOJV were engaged as part of an early contractor involvement (ECI) agreement in May 2020 to work with the Atlassian development team, architects and consultant team on the design. This early engagement saw A.G. Coombs assist BOJV to work through the early concept mechanical

services design by consultant LCI, before A.G. Coombs collaborated with LCI in documenting the design in 3D modelling.

centred on the validation of thermal comfort within the occupied spaces, and the development of a complex dehumidification strategy.

Having developed a strong understanding of the project through this process, A.G. Coombs was subsequently invited by BOJV to tender for the mechanical services design and construct (D&C), and awarded the project in 2022.

“Our early engagement certainly helped the team to develop a strong assessment of the conceptual mechanical services design,” says Ryujin. “Our work to date has been around ensuring these aspirations are achievable from a build perspective.”

“The unresolved design featured a number of environmental aspirations, so our team has worked to valueengineer the mechanical services solution to achieve these within the build price,” says Ryujin Lee, Senior Design Engineer with A.G. Coombs.

Limited spatial availability, and the requirement for services to be exposed as a consequence of the building’s mass timber construction, has also seen the A.G. Coombs team work collaboratively with the architects and structural engineers to identify suitable solutions.

The architectural design organises the interior into seven interconnected, four-level “habitats”. Each “habitat” is then divided into three distinct climate zones to reduce the demand on mechanical air conditioning and heating, and thereby reducing energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.

The three-level outdoor garden zone, closest to the operable façade, will be naturally ventilated and takes advantage of Sydney’s temperate climate.

The middle office zone will have access to natural ventilation from the outdoor zone as well as mechanical ventilation. The interior office zone closest to the building’s core will be mechanically conditioned, but has been designed with a higher-thanusual operating temperature band of 24˚C - 26˚C. Passive radiant (chilled) beams and ceiling fans are intended to provide occupant comfort at these higher temperatures.

The radiant beams are named so for their ability to provide both radiant cooling and heating. As such, they will also be used to provide perimeter heating, and have undergone comprehensive laboratory testing and benchmarking by A.G. Coombs using overseas examples.

Similarly, an innovative solution is required to ensure the rooftop mechanical services plant does not impact the shadow line created by the diagonal cut of the high level façade – one of the building’s unique architectural features.

Only on the top four “crown” floors will the mechanical services design reflect a traditional solution, with centralised plant serving multiple air handling units (AHUs).

Construction of Atlassian Central commenced in the second half of 2022, with completion expected by 2027.

“While the client rightly sets the sustainability vision for the project, builders and contractors play an active role in realising that vision,” says Jared Brookes, Services Manager at Built.

“Given the sustainability aspirations of the Atlassian Central project, BOJV has selected key partners whose expertise will positively influence the sustainability outcomes.

We look forward to the contribution A.G. Coombs will make to this world-leading project.”

The hybridity of systems serving Atlassian Central means much of A.G. Coombs’ work to date has

2022-2023

43

in the news

Project Excellence at 2022 ARBS Industry Awards A.G. Coombs with Aurecon were recognised at the 2022 ARBS Industry Awards for Project Excellence for the work at the landmark 25 King Street building in Brisbane.

The Award recognises standout Australian HVAC or Refrigeration projects that demonstrate innovation and a sustainable approach and can show strong environmental credentials.

Australia’s tallest engineered timber office building, 25 King has pushed boundaries in design, construction, indoor environment quality and sustainability.

The large-scale prefabricated nature of the engineered timber construction presented a wide range of challenges to the HVAC design and installation teams.

Solving these through innovation borne out of close collaboration between the teams provides a clear model for HVAC design and installation in the future application of this sustainable form of construction.

The project has achieved WELL Core and Shell v1 Certification at the Platinum level, Green Star 6-star Design and As Built v1.1 ratings, and NABERS 6 Star base building Energy, 4.5 Star Water ratings, 3.0 Star NABERS Waste Rating plus Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification.

A.G. Coombs Group Net Zero 2030 Commitment Climate change is the most critical challenge facing the world today.

Through their construction and operation, buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of annual global CO2 emissions. As the industry leader in building services the A.G. Coombs Group is committed to minimising its emissions impact.

The world must move from a ‘best endeavours’ carbon reduction process to a definitive

44

Building Efficiency

and transparently accounted for elimination approach.

A.G. Coombs Group has made a corporate commitment to a Net Zero goal: Scope 1 and Scope 2 operational emissions by 2030 and will work with our value chain, industry partners and customers to achieve Net Zero Scope 3 emissions by 2040.

Vale Warwick Stannus, A.G. Coombs Group Engineering Manager The management and staff of the A.G. Coombs Group of Companies are deeply saddened by the passing of Warwick Stannus.

Following a ten plus year association with A.G. Coombs through his role as a Design Engineer including his role as a Director of International Consultancy, Lincolne Scott, Warwick commenced with A.G. Coombs in 2003 in a newly created role of Group Engineering Manager.

Warwick was also trusted with developing the early growth of A.G. Coombs Advisory and was instrumental in the development of Independent Commissioning Agent services for many of Australia’s early leading Green Star projects. Responsible for technical standards and innovation he was a key driving force behind

A.G. Coombs pioneering work in large scale off-site prefabrication of building services. Passionate about professional development and the potential of young people, Warwick was responsible for the technical leadership and professional development of A.G. Coombs engineering and technical staff.

With a strong background in both consulting and contracting, Warwick was a primary instigator of the world leading BIM-MEPAUS initiative in 2010 that digitised the design and delivery of building services in Australia, and as long time Technical Director, he was pivotal in its ongoing development and influence.

Warwick is widely recognised for his work over many years in the development of innovative industry standards, practices and workflows, and a frequent contributor to industry journals and conferences, sharing ideas, and driving change and industry development.

In 2021, Warwick was awarded the Airconditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association’s (AMCA) Distinguished Service Award.

Young talent recognised at Industry Excellence Awards High quality staff are our major strength and the long-standing policy of attracting and developing only the best continues to reinforce a reputation that A.G. Coombs is “the place to work”. Our commitment to training and career development has been recognised this year through industry awards: Victorian Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association Industry Excellence Awards

New South Wales Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association Industry Excellence Awards

Charlie O’Connor Winner – Apprentice/Trainee of the Year

Nathan Waugh Winner – Future Leader Award

Nicholas Kropf Winner – Young Achiever of the Year

Pawel Nowicki Winner – Engineering and Technical Award

Emily McKernan Finalist – Engineering and Technical Award

Mark Hopping Finalist – Trades Award

202-2023

A.G. Coombs Group provides strong foundations for interesting and fulfilling careers though a structured and challenging Graduate Program and an Industry-leading Apprenticeship and Trainee Program.

45

A.G. Coombs Group

Acknowledgement to Country

Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville Head Office: 26 Cochranes Road (PO Box 1136) Moorabbin, VIC 3189 General Enquiry: 03 9248 2700

The A.G. Coombs Group acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community.

We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders past and present and emerging.

The A.G. Coombs Group is a privately owned Australian group of companies that provides A.G. Coombs Group an integrated range of technical A.G. Coombs Group Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, services Townsville for all systems in buildings, from design through Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville to installation, commissioning, maintenance and ongoing operation and management.

Head Office: Operating over Head Office:for 26 Cochranes Road (PO70 Boxyears, 1136) A.G. Coombs has a national capability with major operations 26 Cochranes (PO Box 1136) Moorabbin, VICRoad 3189 on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Sustainability: This publication is printed on Sovereign A2 Silk, an FSC certified paper manufactured with ISO 14001 EMS accreditation and elemental chlorine free pulps.

Moorabbin, VIC 3189 General Enquiry: 03 9248 2700 General Enquiry: 03 9248 2700

Melbourne 03 9248 2700 | Sydney 02 8020 6000 | Canberra 02 6217 5600 The A.G. Coombs Group is a privately owned Australian group of The A.G. Coombs Group is privately owned Australian of| agcoombs.com.au companies that3648 provides anaintegrated range of services Brisbane 07 0500 | Townsville 07technical 4431group 1000

companies thatinprovides anfrom integrated of technical services for all systems buildings, designrange through to installation, for all systems inmaintenance buildings, from through to installation, commissioning, anddesign ongoing operation and management. commissioning, maintenance and Coombs ongoing has operation and capability management.

Operating for over 70 years, A.G. a national with Operating for overon70Australia’s years, A.G. Coombs has a national capability with major operations eastern seaboard. major operations on Australia’s eastern seaboard.

Melbourne 03 9248 2700 | Sydney 02 8020 6000 Centre of Excellence approach, where teamwork A.G. Coombs Projects leverage a National Melbourne 036217 9248 2700 | Sydney07 023648 80200500 6000| agcoombs.com.au Canberra 02 5600 | Brisbane and project management skills set the company apart. This approach also provides high Canberra 02 6217 5600 | Brisbane 07 3648 0500 | agcoombs.com.au

A.G. Coombs Projects

end project management and site personnel to deliver successful projects A.G.engineering, Coombs Projects A.G. Coombs Projects throughout Australia.

A.G. Coombs Projects leverage a National Centre of Excellence A.G. Coombs Projects leverage National Centre of Excellence approach, where teamwork and aproject management skills set the approach, where teamwork and project management set the company apart. This approach also provides high end skills engineering, 03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/projects/ company apart.

This approach also provides high end engineering, project management and site personnel to deliver successful projects project management throughout Australia. and site personnel to deliver successful projects throughout Australia.

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

A.G. Coombs Service

A.G.Coombs Coombs Service is a specialist provider of air conditioning, mechanical services, building A.G. A.G. Coombs Service Service A.G. Coombs Service is a specialist provider of air conditioning, controls and bundled services maintenance.

Delivering 24/7 building support, the company is a A.G. Coombs Servicebuilding is a specialist provider of air conditioning, mechanical services, controls and bundled services mechanical services, building controls and bundled services preferred supplier to the Facilities Management and provides professionally managed, maintenance. Delivering 24/7 building support, the company Industry is maintenance.

Delivering 24/7 building support, the company is a preferred suppliertechnical to the Facilities Management Industry and reliability, lower costs and regulatory highly qualified staff to achieve improved a preferred supplier to the Facilitieshighly Management Industry provides professionally managed, qualified technicaland staff to compliance in commercial, retail and industrial provides professionally managed, highly qualified technical buildings. staff to achieve improved reliability, lower costs and regulatory compliance in achieve improved reliability, lower costs and regulatory compliance in commercial, retail and industrial buildings. commercial, retail and industrial buildings.

03 96764600 4600 | agcoombs.com.au/service/ 03 9676 | agcoombs.com.au/service/ 03 9676 4600 | agcoombs.com.au/service/

A.G. Coombs Advisory

A.G. Coombs Advisory A.G. Coombs A.G. Coombs AdvisoryAdvisory provides quality advice and consulting services

A.G. Coombs Advisory provides qualitymechanical, advice and electrical, consultinghydraulics services across numerous disciplines including across including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and firenumerous protectiondisciplines services and building technologies.

A.G. Coombs A.G. Coombs Advisory provides advice consulting services across numerous disciplines and fire protection services and buildingofquality technologies.

A.G.and Coombs Advisory is Australia’s leading provider Green Star Independent Advisory is Australia’s leading provider of Green Star Independent including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics and fire services and building technologies.

Commissioning Agent (ICA) services for projects requiring Green protection Star Commissioning Agent (ICA) services for projects requiring Green Star ‘As Built’ Certification.

A.G. Coombs Advisory is Australia’s leading provider of Green Star Independent Commissioning ‘As Built’ Certification.

03 9248(ICA) 2700services | agcoombs.com.au/advisory/ Agent for projects requiring Green Star ‘As Built’ Certification.

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

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

Walker Fire Protection Walker Fire Protection Walker Fire Protection

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

03 9279 7100 | agcoombs.com.au/walkerfire/ testing, maintenance and regulatory compliance support.

03 9279 7100 | agcoombs.com.au/walkerfire/

03 9279 7100 | agcoombs.com.au/walkerfire/

Integrated Technical Management

Integrated Technical Management Integrated Technical Integrated Technical ManagementManagement is a high quality provider of

Integrated TechnicalManagement Managementspecialising is a high quality providercomplex of Technical Facilities in technically Technical Facilities Management specialising in technically complex and critical facilities such as data and internet centres, major Integrated Technical Management is centres, a high major quality provider of Technical Facilities Management and critical facilities suchand as sophisticated data and internet commercial complexes industrial plants. specialising in technically complex and critical commercial complexes and sophisticated industrial plants. facilities such as data and internet centres, 03 9248 2700 | agcoombs.com.au/itm/ major commercial complexes and sophisticated industrial plants.

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

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

More than One Story

By Michelle Kerrin

Bringing Buildings to Life

BE - Building Efficiency | 2022-23 A.G. Coombs Group Melbourne | Sydney | Canberra | Brisbane | Townsville T W

03 9248 2700 www.agcoombs.com.au