Clean Energy Centre - Open for Business

Stage one of the New Zealand Clean Energy Centre is near full occupancy as companies interested in sustainable energies embrace the opportunity to co-exist in a business cluster in this landmark Taupo building.

“The tenant companies in the NZCEC all have an interest in clean energy solutions and as tenants they obviously benefit from having qualified prospects arriving in the centre on a daily basis” says Rob McEwen, Chief Executive Officer of the NZCEC.

Rob also says there is great value in collaborative business environments, in which like-minded tenants share business infrastructure, information, resources and opportunities.

The NZCEC was established to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies by industry and businesses in New Zealand. With a purpose so intrinsically entwined with the principles of sustainability, the Antanas Procuta Architects team lead by Geoff Lentz and Marie Fleming designed the centre to embody green architecture and energy efficiency. Experienced local building contractors Ross Construction, and engineers Aurecon helped bring the design and vision to fruition.

The Clean Energy Centre grasps the immediate and long-term importance of low- impact energy sources for New Zealand’s industries. The architecture has been designed to landmark the Centre in Taupo, to demonstrate a commitment to low-environmental impact in the construction and life of a building, and to provide a stimulating workplace for collaboration and innovation.

Timber was chosen as the primary building material for its renewable and low-emission qualities, with laminated timber beams, portals, and columns reducing the structural steel required. Cement content in the concrete was reduced to minimise C02 output by using fly ash from the Huntly coal boiler. Straw bales are used for insulation on the south and east walls, while window shading reduces summer overheating and encourages winter exposure to solar gain. A planted internal balustrade is designed to filter chemicals from the air and introduce moisture in summer.

The NZCEC also functions as an exhibition and events centre, and has already hosted a music concert as part of its grand opening, and the Clean Energy Expo in October. The Centre is seeking tenants for Stage 2 of the project, before proceeding with it’s construction.

To find out more about this project visit www.nzcleanenergycentre.co.nz

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