Results Summary
| Impact Area | Total CO2e / Year / occupant (kg CO2e) | % Saved Against Benchmark | eTool Medal |
| Embodied Carbon | 608 | 32 % |  |
| Operational Carbon | 687 | 78 % |  |
| Total Carbon | 1,295 | 68 % | |
Project features
Design life
The relatively high density of the building means the redevelopment potential is low; Sellenger has achieved a very long predicted design life. In the future, it is very unlikely that the buildings’ design life will be affected by the normal redevelopment pressure that leads to a building’s demolition due to the large number of strata units which make it extremely difficult for a single person to purchase all lots, a basic necessity for demolition. This ensures the construction materials are fully utilised. Occupancy is also quite high on a persons per m2 of floor space basis which is due to the economic use of space achieved by the Psaros design team.
Materials
Although the materials used in the Sellenger building are very carbon intensive, particularly concrete, the extended design life somewhat makes up for this. Further to this, the use of bamboo flooring reduces the embodied impacts of floor finishes in all living areas. The concrete poured in-situ construction method will reduce project build time and construction waste which positively effects the embodied impacts associated with assembly.
Operational Energy
eTool LCA’s modelling estimates that approximately 77% of the life cycle carbon associated with the building (before renewable generation) comes from its operational energy consumption. A number of innovative measures have been employed in the building to reduce the operational impacts. A centralised solar hot water system with gas boost has been installed to reduce the reliance on electric storage heaters that are currently widely used in apartment buildings.
The apartments have a high thermal efficiency, with a targeted NatHERS rating of 7 stars and an efficient floor plan. Where possible, solar passive design techniques have been used – most windows are shaded by louvres or balconies that allow the low lying sun to penetrate during winter months whilst maintaining shade in the warmer summer months. The central atrium also allows cross flow ventilation. The air source heat pumps are being specified to ensure efficient delivery of the required heating and cooling loads when needed (high COPs and EERs). Psaros have committed to supplying smart energy monitors in every apartment as a standard specification. This allows occupants to understand what appliances and devices are demanding the most energy, and adjust their behaviour accordingly. Typically such devices enable a 10% average saving in energy consumption. Psaros have specified high efficiency (3-4 star) washing machines, dryers and dishwashers which will be supplied with all apartments. The refrigerator cabinetry will also be designed to maximise ventilation and aid fridge efficiency as explained by Henrique in this blog post. All lighting for residences will be LED and common area lighting will be controlled with motion sensors to reduce lamp run time. Highly efficient elevators with reduced lighting, standby, and hoisting energy consumption, along with regenerative drive systems to significantly reduce lift energy use. The upper floor of the car park will be naturally ventilated, significantly reducing the auxiliary energy consumption.
Renewable Energy
Our assessment highlighted the potential advantages of Solar PV; so much so that Psaros have allocated enough space on the roof for every apartment to install either a 1.25, 1.75 or 2.5 kW solar system, depending on the number of bedrooms. The roof space also incorporates a solar thermal hot water system providing approximately 34% of the residents’ hot water requirements.
To find out more about the project, visit the Sellenger by Psaros website.
This assessment was conducted by Pat.
