Building consultant wins Energex award
A former high security bunker-style Westpac bank redevelopment, based in Wooloongabba, Queensland, has been recognised by Energy Minister John Mickel as a major winner in the Energex Sustainable Building Awards.
The award-winning redevelopment.
Wiley & Co was one of four winners in the Awards developed to recognise and reward leadership in sustainable design, construction and management of commercial properties, awarded the major winner in the Building Owner's / Tenant's Award category
Wiley & Co is a family-owned business that advises on, designs and constructs buildings and manufacturing processes for clients in Australia and around the world. The award-winning redevelopment is also its head office.
Managing director Rodney Wiley said using environmentally friendly techniques and materials, his company has redeveloped an existing building with limited openings, low interior light and a heat-attracting brown-brick exterior into a light, modern workplace with high-tech energy controls.
"This award recognises our commitment to sustainable development as well as our creative approach towards a challenging refurbishment.
"Advocating sustainability is one thing,” he said, “putting it into practice is another.
“When we undertook the bank redevelopment for our own head office, we wanted to showcase energy, water and waste efficiency in action. While it took some creative problem solving, we're pleased with the end result.
“This award validates our efforts," Mr Wiley said.
The four entrants were declared winners by a high-profile judging panel of environmental experts - EPA Sustainable Industries Division executive director Dr John Cole, Australian Conservation Foundation president Emeritus Professor Ian Lowe, Queensland University of Technology Professor John Bell, and property industry identity Robert Walker, executive director of the Property Council of Australia.
Chair of the judging panel Professor Lowe commended the redevelopment.
"An outstanding development, truly imaginative use of an existing building to demonstrate the principles of sustainability in action," he said.
24-Nov-2005