Cbus Property, adapting to a net zero future
As we move closer towards 2050 and a net zero future, the property market is beginning to favour low-carbon buildings. In response, Cbus Property* is adapting, and incorporating the latest in sustainable design, products and materials, and upgrading existing buildings, and adopting new innovations to decarbonise their buildings operations and materials where possible.
Incorporating a world-first solar skin technology
Poised to redefine Melbourne’s skyline, 435 Bourke Street was designed to meet the changing demands of the modern workforce. Crafted by highly acclaimed architecture firm Bates Smart, 435 Bourke Street will also feature an innovative “solar skin” façade. The solar skin system is made up of translucent, vertical glass photovoltaic panels which not only protect the interior from the direct heat of the sun, but it will also help generate up to 20 per cent of the base building’s electricity needs on-site.
Rising 48 levels high, 435 Bourke Street will offer around 62,000 square metres of premium office space, complemented by 1,300 square metres of retail space, 116 car parks, and a lush sky garden. The building’s design integrates landscaped terraces and open-air spaces, creating a vertical village for more than 5,500 workers.
Leading the way in environmentally sustainable building practices
Targeting a 6 star Green Star Buildings rating, a NABERS Energy 5.5 star rating (with aspirations to achieve 6 stars), and Platinum WELL certification, 435 Bourke Street also features low carbon concrete and low carbon reinforcement steel. The construction site is the first in Victoria to use hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO100) renewable diesel to power the tower cranes, which is expected to provide a 90 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to regular diesel fuel.
In addition, 435 Bourke Street is modelled to achieve a 45 per cent reduction in embodied carbon when compared to a benchmark building. Embodied carbon includes emissions from the manufacturing, construction, renovation, and demolition of buildings.
An artist's impression of 435 Bourke Street.
All-electric cooking
Cbus Property continues to champion electric cooking as part of its commitment to decarbonise buildings. In FY23, they joined the Global Cooksafe Coalition as a foundation partner and are looking to achieve fossil-fuel-free cooking in new buildings by 2030 and in existing buildings by 2040.
Cbus Property is also collaborating with award-winning restaurateur, Chris Lucas, to design two new signature dining experiences with all-electric cooking at 435 Bourke Street. The new restaurants will use some of the most advanced hospitality technology available, such as electric woks, demonstrating how our industry can participate and lead as we transition to a more environmentally sustainable world.
*Cbus Property Pty Ltd is a wholly owned entity of United Super Pty Ltd and is responsible for the development and management of a portfolio of Cbus Super’s property investments.