DENWR unites in sustainably driven office

Early engagement model assists in change management

With the consolidation of employees proving a significant cultural change, Schiavello Principal of People and Culture, Keti Malkoski, offered change management services to ensure DEWNR’s users and key stakeholders were fully engaged throughout the design and construction process.

Schiavello also partnered with MPH Architects to ensure the workplace design aligned with DEWNR’s cultural aspirations and Aurecon to enable sustainability goals were met. In addition, a specialist team managed construction works and held workshops to explain the unfamiliar construction processes taking place within the fast-tracked eight-month program.

6 Star Green Star, 5 Star NABERS, and furniture to match

Sustainability driven, the 10,000sqm fitout targets a 6 Star Green Star rating.
Base build works carried out by Schiavello include amenities, a foyer, lift upgrades and new end-of-trip facilities to encourage environmentally friendly commuting. Overall, the building targets a 5 Star NABERS rating for water and energy.

The workplace is spread across eight floors. Level 10 houses a reception, a series of interconnecting meeting rooms, and suites for the Minister and Chief Executive. The ground floor is home to the DEWNR customer service centre, while the remainder of the space includes work, meeting and breakout areas for staff. Green Industries SA (GISA) occupies a small portion of level four.

The materials used demonstrate that this workspace is one that equally looks and feels environmentally sustainable. Wall panels are made out of recycled Gyproc, while extensive natural and recycled materials such as timbers, were applied throughout. In addition, Schiavello’s building methodologies saw 95% of waste recycled during construction.

Highlighting Schiavello’s synergised capabilities, a vast range of Green Tag certified products were incorporated, adding to the environmental and wellness objectives. A showcase of Schiavello’s varying furniture settings, including such as OTM Tables, Toro Tables and Tom Stools, encourages staff engagement and informal interaction. MPH also worked with Schiavello to customise the Kayt furniture suite and the Krossi Workstation to suit various requirements. Vertical Gardens were also incorporated to improve air quality and provide screening and team delineation.

The Property Council of South Australia has praised the project as a benchmark in sustainable working. “We should strive to make our capital city a showcase for business sustainability, liveability, renewables and clean technology, and the trail now blazed by DEWNR could be just the green catalyst Adelaide needs,” says Daniel Gannon, SA Executive Director, Property Council of Australia.