Lessons Learnt

Each case study attempts to identify a lesson learnt during the project. The aim of this is to help transfer knowledge among all stakeholders in the built environment, so collectively we can build up our expertise and become true leaders in sustainability.

1. Education of subcontractors

Training and auditing is needed to ensure sustainable design details are carried out properly throughout the construction phase. In this learning phase, contractors may not understand why different methods or materials are used, possibly resulting in an overall decrease in building performance. There is an inverse function of the level of education and training provided to the contractors on sustainable products and processes; the more the contractor is knowledgeable and committed to sustainability, the lesser the need for auditing systems.

2. User education

Once the building is operational, people with the knowledge of getting the most from the building are usually no longer on site. Staff and occupant education and participation is critical to realising the benefits of the building. Resources, such as displays about how things work, and reminder posters to switch off lights, as well as performance data feedback, are recommended.

Example: To get the staff on board, one company set up a social club and paid the equivalent dollar savings into the club fund once the targets were reached. This provided a personal incentive to begin awareness of individual contributions to the overall building performance.

3. Occupant comfort

Widening the temperature control zones (lower in winter, higher in summer) can also have a significant impact on ongoing running costs of the building. This is an area that will be subject to ongoing review by New Zealand Post personnel when the building is occupied to reduce the running costs of ongoing energy use.

4. Economy cycles on the air-conditioning

To reduce energy use, economy cycles on the air-conditioning is possibly the most important variable, as more fresh air is introduced when outdoor conditions allow, improving indoor air quality and reducing the cooling energy requirement. This typically has a payback of 1 to 2 years on most systems. This is good engineering practice to employ on most buildings in New Zealand’s climate.

5. No simple formula

Strategies and technologies need to be tailored depending on building use, location, size, budget and desired outcomes. There is no set formula, but rather principles need to be considered and applied to suit.

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