UniMed Building achieves BASE rating for sustainability
Christchurch’s UniMed Building on Gloucester Street has achieved a rating under BASE, the local rating scheme for
sustainable design and construction.
The four storey building owned by the Union Medical Benefits Society (UniMed), combines office and retail over 2,685
square metres.
BASE (Building A Sustainable Environment) is a simple, introductory-level green building assessment for the Christchurch
rebuild, developed by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) in conjunction with Christchurch City Council.
Vanessa McGrath, Manager of Rating Tools, NZGBC said BASE was developed to achieve buildings that are 20% more efficient
than Building Code. “This means better energy and water use, with a healthier indoor environment. Buildings that can
demonstrate sustainability are more attractive to tenants and hold their value over the long term. We congratulate
UniMed for its vision in contributing to a city fit for the future.”
The UniMed Building features extra insulation and high-performance glazing to ensure better energy efficiency, along
with heat recovery ventilation to reduce energy use even further. All building services have been through an extensive
commissioning and quality monitoring – and sub-meters will help keep tabs on energy performance to ensure the building
continues to run efficiently.
It has been designed to provide a healthy indoor environment with extensive views and natural light. It also features
low-flow water fittings, areas for recycling, and facilities to encourage walking or cycling.
UniMed Chief Executive Dermot Martin said the company was clear from the outset it wanted a building that would be
resilient and sustainable. “As well as creating a great place for our staff and customers, we wanted to invest in a
building that is fit for the future.
The light and views make for a pleasant working environment, and the focus on operational efficiency means that it will
use less energy and water over the long term. Opting for a more sustainable building means far greater long-term value
for us, and for Christchurch.”
The building was designed by architects Wilson and Hill. The engineer and BASE co-ordinator was Scott Waller of Powell
Fenwick.
ENDS