500 Collins Street in Melbourne has become the first existing building in Australia to achieve WELL Certification at the Platinum level, positioning it as an industry leader in the advancement of health and wellbeing in older buildings.
The International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) WELL Building Standard is a performance-based certification system that marries best practices in design and construction with evidence-based scientific research.
It is the premier building standard focusing on enhancing people’s health and wellness through the built environment.
Owned by private property group Kamirice, 500 Collins Street was awarded the highest-level certification under the IWBI’s WELL Building Standard.
Rising 28 storeys above Collins Street, the building was first opened in 1972 and in 2002, Kamirice commenced extensive internal and external refurbishment works.
The building features approximately 26,000 square metres of office space over 26 levels, roughly 1,500 square metres of retail space and two basement car parking levels.
500 Collins Street earned the certification based on 10 categories of building performance – air, water, nourishment, light, movement, thermal comfort, sound, materials, mind and community.
Examples of ESD initiatives adopted in the refurbishment of 500 Collins include: Energy-efficient light fittings; chilled beam air conditioning technology that provides fresh air and uses 30 per cent less energy than conventional air conditioning systems; low VOC materials and finishes; solar panels for the supply of domestic hot water; waterless urinals; rainwater and condensate capture for landscape irrigation and cleaning and bicycle parking.
Materials used in the cleaning of 500 Collins have been rigorously tested to minimise adverse impact to both human health and the environment.
500 Collins has also implemented a recycling and waste management programme that aims to avoid, reuse or recycle waste generated by the building and its occupants.
Managing Director of Kamirice, Mark Ross, said 500 Collins Street sets a benchmark in how existing office buildings can be transformed to lead the way in workplace health and wellbeing, for both small and large tenants alike.
“It shows how an older existing building in which investment has been consistent and focused, and which has been upgraded over the years, was in a position to achieve WELL Platinum Certification. By putting tenant health and wellbeing first, we were able to invest where it really mattered,” Mr Ross said.
President and Chief Executive Officer of the IWBI, Rachel Hodgdon, said the milestone showed an unwavering commitment to creating an environment that always puts tenants first.
“We are excited to celebrate with Kamirice the milestone achievement of 500 Collins Street being awarded WELL Platinum Certification. By incorporating WELL strategies into the existing excellent design at 500 Collins Street, Kamirice demonstrated its commitment to people first places no matter the age of the building, and we congratulate them on this achievement,” Ms Hodgdon said.
End of trip facilities at 500 Collins Street. Image courtesy of Kamirice.
