Since its relocation in March 2023, MCA Melbourne Office has grabbed a large attention from many internal and external stakeholders for its design and layout which are well suited to the recent work trends and requirements.
The New Workplace project required over three years of preparation to suit the specific needs, with significant focus on making the workplace as 'sustainable' as possible. With the help of workplace consultants, we have applied the following features to our new office.
Office Building (101 Collins)
101 Collins receives 4-5 stars in NABERS rating (Energy 4.5 star (with 5% GreenPower), Water 5 star, Waste 4.5 star, Indoor Environment 4 star).
Some of the initiatives to achive this rating include;
Ø The temperature for air conditioning unit is centrally controlled by the building management for all floors at 20-22.5 degrees.
Ø Monthly waste management reports on each tenant issued by building management, which includes how we are tracking with waste disposal and how much contamination was produced by our organisation.
Furniture reuse/ furniture
Ø Existing furniture in the old office has been audited one by one, and reused in the new office in order to reduce wastage and landfill.
Ø For furniture that could not be reused, we arranged for it to be purchased by a furniture reseller in exchange for credit for new chairs for the new workplace.
Ø Where possible, newly installed furniture has been specified to be Australian made and designed.
Material sustainability
Materials have been procured with sustainability at front of mind, all materials are nontoxic, where possible materials with recycled content/ environmental credentials have been specified, some of which include;
Ø Back of house carpet is certified cradle to cradle, a certification that assess environmental and social responsibility across material health, material reuse, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness and is made up of 38% recycled content.
Ø Front of house carpet is made from natural goat hair fibres, is Global Green Tag certified, Well and Leed L4 certified.- Acoustic wall coverings specified throughout are made using recycled materials, predominately post-consumer PET plastic, making a direct contribution towards achieving a circular economy.
Ø All upholstery has been specified with sustainability in mind, where possible natural/ partially recycled fabrics have been specified.
Ø Joinery materials have been selected with sustainability in mind has been designed to minimise wastage of materials.
Biophilia
Ø All workstations and work points are placed adjacent to natural light.
Ø Real planting is proposed throughout the new space, providing for quality of atmosphere and air.
Lighting and thermal comfort
Ø Lighting has been designed for comfort; with lighting controls for scene setting/ custom adjustment. Motion sensors mean lights will turn off when rooms aren’t in use.
Ø Thermal comfort will be achieved throughout with well-designed mechanical systems.
Ø All lightings are set to be turned off after 5:30pm each night if not used.
Water efficient fittings
Ø Zip water fittings have been specified throughout with energy conserving technology.
Ø Energy efficient products and whitegoods used throughout.
Mitsui Melbourne will also investigate further actions to make the new workplace more kind to environment and society. They may include;
Ø Electricity & Paper usage - monitor monthly electricity/paper usage and reduce the amount wherever possible.
Ø Replace kitchen/office items to Fairtrade certified brands (MCA Melbourne currently use Fairtrade coffee, tea and sugar).
Ø Switch individually wrapped snack back to bulk wrapping to reduce the amount of packaging.
Ø Enhance awareness of internal stakeholders through digital signage in the office and workshops.
