NAB Data Centre

To assist with its Data Centre-related carbon emissions targets, NAB selected A.G. Coombs as Head Contractor, responsible for all construction, building works, plant and mechanical installation and electrical services relating to the installation of a new tri-generation system – the very first project of its kind in Australia.

During the project, A.G. Coombs managed significant risks driven by the size of capital investment and the requirement to install and commission the system within a live, operational Data Centre environment.

We are happy with the way such a high-risk project has been smoothly delivered. The seamless installation process - in which A.G. Coombs played a major role - has ensured maximum operational efficiency from day one, helping NAB to stay on track with its carbon reduction targets.

Nicola Murphy, Senior Manager, Environmental Sustainability, NAB

Project Overview

Project Name: NAB Data Centre - Trigeneration Plant installation

Location: VIC

Client: National Australia Bank (NAB)

Project Value: $3.4 million

Year Completed: 2010

Project Type

Tri-generation Plant Installation

Outcomes

Completion of the groundbreaking project on budget and without putting the bank at risk.
Delivery of a cost effective solution that has led to lower operational costs and potential positive financial return for NAB.
Successful installation of the 2000kW tri-generation system at NAB’s facility, which, at the time, was on track to reduce the Data Centre’s carbon emissions by approximately 20,000 tonnes of CO₂ per annum.
Significant reductions in the facility’s projected operational carbon footprint, owing to the use of natural gas instead of coal and the system efficiencies from heat recovery.
Lowered risk of system failure and consequential business interruption through the tri-generation system, which is adding to the built-in redundancy of the electrical supply and mechanical systems.
Effective management of risks by A.G. Coombs, from direct expertise and methodologies developed through the successful delivery of many complex projects in live Data Centre environments.
Close communication maintained between A.G. Coombs and system designer, Umow Lai, and Facility Managers, UGL Services, which was pivotal to success.

Latest News & Publications

November 11, 2026 in News

Remembrance Day 2026

Today is Remembrance Day, a day of national commemoration. On this day at 11 am, Australians pause in silence for a minute to remember the...

November 8, 2026 in News

Championing Better Ventilation on World Ventil8 Day

Effective ventilation plays a critical role in creating healthy, resilient and high-performing buildings. World Ventil8 Day on 8 November 2026 brings ...

November 6, 2026 in News

Engineered to electrify – 720 Bourke Street Melbourne

Developed by leading national integrated property investor and developer, Cbus Property, 720 Bourke Street is a landmark 16-level, premium-grade offic...

November 5, 2026 in News

2026 CIBSE ANZ Young Engineers Awards

A.G. Coombs continued its longstanding support of the CIBSE ANZ Young Engineers Awards in 2026, joining the building services industry in Sydney to re...

See all news & publications