5 Star Accreditation

The NABERS Energy rating for offices (previously known as the ABGR), was launched in 1998. NABERS Energy benchmarks a building's greenhouse impact on a scale of one to five; one star being the most polluting and five stars the least.

Under the previous ABGR scheme, 8 Brindabella Circuit was modeled to exceed the specifications of a 5 Star Rating. All new buildings subsequent in Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park and Fairbairn have been modeled to rate at an equivalent of 4.5 Star. To put this into perspective, it is suggested that in Australia, a 3 Star rating represents standard industry good practice.

In order to achieve these best practice results, several unique design features have been adopted in the construction of commercial office accommodation at Canberra Airport, resulting in significant reductions in energy use and green house emissions:

• Efficient use of glass and building orientation to maximise natural light and save on energy;
• Active and passive chilled beam technology (a first in Australia at the time);
• Maximum use of thermal mass in buildings;
• Energy efficient lighting and the use of digital ballasts to control lighting frequency;
• T5 lighting, reducing lighting load from 15 watt/m2 to 9 watts/m2;
• Perimeter light sensors;
• Ambient light detectors to set optimum lighting levels;
• Prominent stairways to minimise lift usage;
• External window shades and double-glazing for insulation;
• Insulation to roof and walls;
• Meters and monitoring;
• Computerised building management system; and
• Solar initiatives.