500 Bourke Street, Melbourne

500 Bourke Street’s sustainable transformation stands as a testament to how innovative heating technology can breathe new life into existing buildings, turning them into beacons of environmental responsibility.

500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, is a landmark office tower that has served as a central business hub for over 40 years. Originally fully occupied by NAB before its relocation in 2021, the building underwent a significant transformation led by ISPT, with a strong focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

500 Bourke building
500 Bourke entry

The retrofit aimed to retain the existing structure while transforming the interior to align with modern sustainability goals. ISPT’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Steven Peters, emphasized the importance of reusing the existing building framework to minimize upfront emissions and achieve a net-zero carbon footprint.

Client:
ISPT
Project Location:
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Project Type:
Commercial Building Retrofit
Project Completion:
2024
Objective:
Achieve a sustainable, all-electric, net-zero carbon building with enhanced tenant amenities.
Project Scope

The project at 500 Bourke Street involved a comprehensive retrofit to transition the building to an all-electric system powered by renewable energy sources. The heating, cooling, and water heating systems were key components of this transformation.

Automatic Heating supplied and commissioned several advanced Revere™ CO2 heat pumps along with associated equipment to meet the building's hot water and heating needs while aligning with ISPT's sustainability objectives.

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Equipment Supplied

Revere CHP-80Y2 CO2 Hot Water Heat Pumps:

  • Designed for high-capacity hot water production, ideal for large commercial buildings.
  • Acoustic rating of 62 dB(A), ensuring quiet operation within urban environments.
  • High Average COP of 4.2, supporting the building’s energy efficiency targets.

Revere CHP-40GWW CO2 Water to Water Heat Pumps:

  • Utilizes R744 refrigerant, known for its low global warming potential.
  • High Average Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 4.8, ensuring efficient operation.
  • Integrated circulating pump and advanced controls for optimized performance.

Thermex 316L Stainless Steel Insulated Storage Tanks:

  • Stainless steel construction for durability and resistance to corrosion.
  • High-efficiency insulation for optimal thermal retention.
  • Watermark certified, ensuring compliance with Australian standards.

Additional Components:

  • Custom skid frames for easy installation and maintenance.
  • Secondary return line pumps, expansion tanks, and other accessories for a complete hot water solution.
  • Cascade Controller for efficient heat pump management, enabling lead/lag control and integration with the building’s BMS.
Challenges

The primary challenge was retrofitting the existing building’s infrastructure to accommodate the new, all-electric systems without compromising the building’s operational efficiency or tenant comfort.

Additionally, the project demanded strict adherence to ISPT’s ESG goals, requiring the selection of equipment with strong environmental credentials, such as the use of natural refrigerants like R744 (CO2) in the heat pumps, known for their minimal impact on global warming.

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Solutions

Automatic Heating provided a tailored solution that involved the supply, installation, and commissioning of advanced Revere™ CO2 heat pumps, designed to meet the high efficiency and environmental standards required for the project.

The equipment was selected not only for its operational efficiency but also for its alignment with the project’s sustainability goals. The use of custom skid frames and a carefully designed piping and insulation system ensured that the installation was seamless and future-proof.

Key Outcomes
  • Sustainability: The retrofit has transformed 500 Bourke Street into one of Melbourne’s first net-zero carbon buildings. The transition to an all-electric system powered by renewables, coupled with the use of natural refrigerants like R744, has significantly reduced the building's carbon footprint.
  • Efficiency: The installed Revere™ CO2 heat pumps, with their high COP ratings, have contributed to the building achieving a 6-star Green Star rating, the highest possible under the Green Building Council of Australia’s system.
  • Tenant Satisfaction: The upgraded end-of-trip facilities, powered by the high-capacity Revere™ heat pumps, provide reliable and energy-efficient hot water, enhancing the building’s appeal to sustainability-focused tenants.
  • NABERS Rating: The successful implementation of the heat pump system is expected to support the building in achieving a high NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) accreditation, further validating its sustainability credentials.
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Conclusion

The retrofit of 500 Bourke Street showcases how existing structures can be successfully transformed into modern, sustainable buildings. By strategically implementing advanced heating technology, such as Revere CO2 high-temperature heat pumps, Automatic Heating played a pivotal role in helping ISPT achieve its vision of a net-zero carbon building.

This project not only meets the demands of modern tenants but also aligns with the highest environmental standards. It sets a new benchmark for future commercial building retrofits, proving that sustainability and functionality can work seamlessly together.

Project Images
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
500 Bourke Street, Melbourne
Revere CO2 Heat Pump Advantages

Flexible
The same system can be simultaneously used for Space Heating & Domestic Hot Water.

Suits Australian conditions
Accommodates ambient operating temperatures from -5°C to 43°C (Special unit available for -15°C or -20°C).

Eco friendly
The Revere® CO2 Heat Pump uses natural CO₂ refrigerant. This refrigerant has a global warming potential (GWP) of about 1/1700 that of R410 and zero ozone-depleting potential (ODP).

Heats up to 90°C
Due to its innovative design, the Revere® CO2 Heat Pump can produce hot water up to 90°C at low and high ambient temperatures (-20°C to 43°C).

Key Products

Details
REVERE CO₂ Air to Water Heat Pump
Details
Thermex Duplex 2205 Stainless Steel Hot Water Tanks