Dairy giant Fonterra has consolidated its New Zealand workforce and implemented activity-based working systems as part of a relocation to a new purpose-built building near Auckland’s waterfront.

The $100 million seven-storey 16,000m² Fonterra Centre, with an adjacent four-level basement car park, is one of five in the precinct owned by Goodman Property Trust. Fletcher Building began construction in November 2013, and on 29 February 2016 Fonterra’s staff started moving in. The company’s environmentally conscious and sustainable approach to business was a priority in the design of the new building, and spilled over to new work practices. A global ID card, IP-based telephony and follow-me printing were introduced to improve the efficiency of a mobile international workforce.

Economech Services Project Manager Wayne Hastie said efficiency, reliability and customer support were crucial in the decision to award the fan supply to Fantech. “There was quite extensive work required to package the large smoke exhaust fans, balancing acoustics and coordination with the structure and architecture. Fantech assisted us throughout the selection process providing us with a workable cost-effective solution.” Environmentally Sustainable Design principles were implemented throughout the building. A combination of AC and EC fans were specified to help achieve the 5-Star New Zealand Green Building Council rating for base build. “EC fans are definitely the way of the future; however, they are not appropriate, or available for all products, so there is still a need for quality AC fans”, Wayne said.

Economech Design Engineer Michael Gilmore said air conditioning control zones were less than 75m2 and outdoor air supply was 1.5L/s/m2 to promote a quality office environment. A chiller plant optimisation control strategy maximised cooling output with minimal energy input.

“Occupancy and CO2 sensors were used extensively in conjunction with EC fans and fan coil units”, Michael said. “Fan speeds dropped when CO2 was within acceptable limits and the entire system, including lights, was turned off when not required to minimise electrical input whilst maintaining occupant comfort.”

Michael said the reclaimed site presented challenges for architects with the base rock buried deep below a shallow water table. “Ceiling heights were restricted in the basement structure which meant traditional ducting systems were not feasible for ventilating the car parks. Fantech’s EC JetVent fans which thrust air forward using impulse technology were installed to move air around the car park and prevent the build-up of pollutants.”

Other environmental initiatives found in the building include a highly engineered building façade to optimise natural light, occupant comfort and minimise energy use; external 'green walls' spanning the full height of the building and grey-water harvesting.