Environmental Sustainability

As a multifaceted precinct with major public events, complex infrastructure, cultural institutions and a range of commercial operations, Federation Square faces a unique set of environmental challenges. Through close collaboration with tenancies, partners and public stakeholders the precinct is on track to be carbon neutral for gas and electricity in 2013.

Since 2007 Federation Square has saved approximately 52 million litres of water, increased the amount of recycling by 33% and reduced energy consumption by nearly 1.4 million kilowatts. Over the last three years, that accounts to a reduction in Fed Square’s carbon footprint of almost 40% through new practices, efficiencies and the purchase of green energy.

Long before phrases like carbon footprint became front of mind Federation Square was laying the foundations for environmental sustainability. Beneath the Main Square for example, lies a concrete labyrinth; a 1.4km passive cooling system, designed to cool The Atrium, Deakin Edge and some public areas during summer and to supplement heating during winter. This system uses one tenth of the energy used by conventional air conditioning and drastically reduces carbon emissions.

Further design features include: double glazing on all external windows, a sleep mode for escalators, variable speed drives on A/C pumps and a hermetic seal in The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, which reduces air conditioning requirements by over 50%.

Fed Square Pty Ltd has a comprehensive environmental management plan that underpins daily operations. This plan focuses on the delivery of environmental sustainability measures across six categories: water, waste, energy, air, noise and landscaping.

As a result of this plan Federation Square has implemented a range of initiatives including:

• Installation of water tanks holding 160,000 litres
• Upgrade works to the Cooling Towers to improve water efficiency
• Installation of a rainwater filtration system in the Fed Square Car Park
• Installation of waterless urinals and AAA showerheads
• Implementation of commingle and paper recycling across the site
• Introduction of organic recycling across the site
• Installation of thermal energy meters to monitor air conditioning usage
• Installation of sensor lighting in key areas
• Purchase of Green Energy for all events in the Square, FSPL offices and the Fed Square Car Park
• Tenant education and awareness of water efficient devices

Federation Square takes a lead role in sustainable partnerships with the community and environmental groups. Partnerships include: City West Water, the Sustainable Living Festival, Earth Hour and Walk for Warming. Federation Square is a focal point for city-wide promotions such as shower exchanges, clothing swaps and sustainability forums.

Fed Square Pty Ltd are also taking part in the Greener Government Building program which is aimed at implementing improvements and efficiencies across the site to reduce water consumption and carbon emissions.