A brand-new office tower in the Perth CBD and a warehouse under construction in Metone are just two examples of property companies looking at timber as a means to build sustainably.
As more tenants, in both the office and industrial market, increasingly have net-zero goals or emissions reporting requirements, many are looking at ways to lower their emissions impact.
Perth’s first timber hybrid office tower Westralia Square 2 (WS2), developed by GDI Property and currently leased at 90 per cent capacity, was officially opened last week by WA Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti.
GDI CEO and Managing Director Stephen Burns said the success of the timber hybrid build placed the issue of sustainability, particularly relating to embodied carbon and scope emissions, at the forefront of design thinking and provided a resounding solution.
“GDI Property took the decision to develop WS2 as a timber hybrid building, a novel approach for buildings in the Perth CBD, as it delivers significant project benefits as well as a step-change in the embodied carbon results which is becoming more important for governments, industry and the broader community,” Mr Burns said.
“As sustainability targets loom larger and emissions reporting requirements becomes a bigger feature for governments and businesses, there must be a growing focus on the emissions generated by their office spaces, not just operationally, but for embodied carbon.
“The timber hybrid construction meant we could use the existing engineering in place for the carpark underneath us and build higher and bigger than a standard concrete build. It also meant less mess, quicker build times and an embodied carbon saving of about 70 per cent compared to a concrete equivalent building.
“We believe the way we have delivered WS2 brings a step change approach to minimising embodied carbon in our built environment.”
Both Arup and Built, who were both partners in the creation of WS2, have chosen the tower their new Perth headquarters.
Arup’s WA leader, Lewis Macdonald, said establishing its WA headquarters at WS2 was a perfect fit for the global sustainable development consultancy.
“Our engineering solution of a timber hybrid structure enabled GDI to increase net lettable space on this site, which sits over a pre-existing underground carpark, while simultaneously delivering carbon savings. It really pushes back on myths around green premiums, and the idea that sustainable solutions don’t make economic sense,” Mr Macdonald said.
“For Arup’s offices, the timber structure unlocks additional sustainable outcomes. We were able to significantly cut down on waste in the creation of the void at the centre of the offices, removing the timber floor slabs in sections and reusing them in the design of the stairs and platforms, meaning less waste sent off site, and reducing the need for new materials in the process. And unlike concrete, the timber can continue to be reused and recirculated in the future. Each choice tells the story of how important we view shaping a better world through sustainable development.”
Other reused materials include salvaged task chairs, comms racks, joinery carcasses and timber for furniture. In line with the Living Building Challenges, new materials avoided a ‘Red List’ of ingredients, representing the worst-in-class materials, chemicals, and elements known to pose serious risks to human health and the greater ecosystem.
Jon Stone, Director, WA, Built said with an embodied carbon saving of about 70 per cent compared to a concrete equivalent building WS2 “sets a new standard for sustainable commercial developments and exemplifies the opportunities adaptive reuse and hybrid timber construction present in reducing embodied carbon”.
However, timber isn’t just for office towers.
Goodman has commenced construction on a groundbreaking mass timber unit development at Moorabbin Airport, Mentone, Victoria.
This pilot project marks Goodman’s first venture in Asia Pacific into mass timber construction as it trials innovative ways to reduce carbon emissions in its developments.
This project will be using 7,019 pieces (or 631 tonnes) of timber, with all waste product from the off-site timber manufacturing to be recycled. The timber is sourced from a reputable supplier which has undergone certification to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable forest management, and that it does not contribute to forest loss.
The property also has 400kW rooftop solar, eight EV charging stations and smart metering to monitor and manage energy consumption. These features align with Goodman’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the development’s aim to achieve a 5 star Green Star Buildings rating.
According to the company, mass timber construction is expected to reduce the property’s embodied carbon by approximately 24 per cent compared to conventional steel developments, while still maintaining its strength and structural integrity.
Jason Little, CEO Australia, Goodman Group said “this pilot project is a great example of ways we’re exploring innovation, sustainability, and flexibility”.
“In delivering essential infrastructure for the digital economy, one of our priorities is to trial products and construction methods that are low-carbon, resilient, and provide positive outcomes for our customers who are looking to achieve their own sustainability objectives.”
Construction is expected to be complete in November 2024 and will generate 175 construction jobs
Paul Ferguson, CEO, Moorabbin Airport said the mass timber units demonstrates its commitment to building the long-term value and resilience of Moorabbin Airport as well as a stable platform for further growth.