November 14, 2025 in News
Sharing our expertise with the next generation of indus...
Paul Chasteauneuf’s Introduction to TACA and Stairwell Pressurisation Testing seminar at CIBSE VIC on 19 Nov 2025
311 Spencer Street Building Optimisation
Designed and constructed to a 4.5 Star NABERS energy rating 311 Spencer Street has been optimised post construction to achieve an impressive 5.5 Star NABERS energy rating.
During the new facility’s Defects Liability Period (DLP) the operation of the building’s energy systems were enhanced to achieve this impressive energy rating while delivering a reliable, comfortable and healthy environment for
its occupants.
This uplift in the NABERS Energy Rating equates to a decrease in the electricity consumption of over 19%, a reduction in gas consumption of over 38% and
a resultant annual reduction of 1,363 tonnes CO₂ greenhouse gas emissions.
The involvement of A.G. Coombs Advisory was central to this accomplishment.
– Source Cbus website
Role of A.G. Coombs
At the completion of the construction and commissioning phase during the subsequent DLP and initial Building Tuning phase, A.G. Coombs Advisory partnered with the Knight Frank 311 Spencer Street building management team to achieve a seamless transition to operation and optimise the new facility’s performance.
Approach & Methodology
- Initial review confirming that the Building Management and Control System (BMCS) had been configured as described in the as-built Functional Description (FD).
- Two phase review focusing on assessing the performance of the BMCS control strategies, including their stability, reliability, accuracy
and predictability. - Implementation of a rules-based analytics platform to continually monitor the building, verifying the tuning activities, identifying any performance issues and guiding the building tuning team’s efforts.
- Establishment of a post DLP Building Energy Optimisation Program® (BEOP) to ensure the ongoing performance of the facility and identify opportunities for further enhancing the building’s performance.
The key to the project’s success is in its collaborative approach, with
a well-defined objective embraced by all stakeholders. Cbus and Knight Frank drove this process, involving the Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA), building services sub-contractors, the specialist BMCS contractor, in conjunction with A.G. Coombs Advisory. Cbus’ focused commitment to innovation, operational performance management, operational analytics, energy efficiency and carbon emissions played a pivotal role in the project’s success.
Building Overview
The Victoria Police Centre is located at 311 Spencer Street in Melbourne, next to the 12 level City West Police Complex by Cbus Property. The site is positioned on the Northwest corner of the Hoddle City Grid and provides an important gateway opportunity between the Melbourne CBD and Dockland precinct.
The Victoria Police Centre comprises a purpose built 39 storey A-grade commercial office building providing approximately 65,500sqm of NLA and
a 4 level basement for 600 cars.
The development will accommodate the balance of Victoria Police operations and associated support services. A full turnkey fit out will also be delivered as part of the development in accordance with Victoria Police requirements including helipad and firing range.
The building features an efficient side core design providing large open typical floor plates of approximately 2,000sqm. It includes a high level of environmental credentials to target a 4.5 Star NABERS Energy and Water rating together with
a 5 Star Green Star Office Design rating.
Source: Cbus Property
The achievement of a 5.5 NABERS energy result at 311 Spencer Street is nothing short of exceptional! A One Star uplift in a single year post the 2-year DLP is phenomenal, especially considering the building was designed to a 4.5 Star NABERS energy model. The Cbus commitment to innovation, operational performance management (pre & post PC), analytics, and most importantly, teamwork, has driven this outcome.”
Peter Bartucca
Senior Manager Investment Operations
Cbus Property
