The 6 Star Green Star workplace at Adelaide’s Market Square is to be one of South Australia’s first all-electric office buildings, ousting fossil fuels in favour of renewables.
Going all-electric for the base commercial building in the $400-million precinct is a significant step towards a greener economy for the state, and complements Adelaide’s ambition to be a carbon neutral city.
The 15,000-square-metre commercial development will feature other unique earth-friendly initiatives like rooftop solar, rainwater capture for irrigation, use of locally sourced recovered materials, and waste minimisation.
Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the journey towards a green economy was not quick, but they were making real progress in Adelaide thanks to these kinds of commitments.
Verschoor said: “This will be a major asset to other industry leaders seeking a new workplace aligned with their values – we can all work together to build a better, greener future.”
The seven-level A-Grade offices at Market Square will achieve the 6 Star Green Star rating and all-electric status through several smart design choices.
ICD Property managing director Matt Khoo said the developer’s vision had always been to create a human-centric and sustainable workplace at Market Square.
He said: “There is no question this requires a bigger upfront investment, but for us it was non-negotiable.
“Renewable energies are the way of the future and as a developer we recognise the responsibility we have to influence tangible change in Australia’s landscape by future proofing all our projects with best-in-class sustainable practises.
“Which is something we are looking to implement across our entire portfolio.
“Market Square’s all-electric office base build is just one example of how we hope to push towards greener sustainability practises in the development industry.
“Aside from the obvious benefits to the community and environment, there are also flow on effects to tenants who will receive significant savings through lower ongoing operational costs – something that is becoming a bigger draw for today’s business leaders.”
Other sustainable measures for the project include solar panels, rainwater capture for irrigation, recovered and recycled locally sourced materials for building wherever possible, a targeted minimum 90 per cent diversion of waste from landfill, and maximising use of biophilic design elements like natural light, natural materials, and vegetation.
Graham Cottam, regional managing director at recently appointed project builder Multiplex, said Market Square was a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference.
Cottam said: “We have a simple purpose to construct a better future, and we are delighted to be working with ICD to align our interests and help maximise Market Square’s environment credentials.”
The offices at Market Square are part of the $400-million redevelopment of the Central Market Arcade into a new central lifestyle precinct, which will also include a hotel, residences, new retail, a childcare, an expanded Adelaide Central Market, and an elevated urban terrace.
