Melbourne Convention Center - Assignment Example

MELBOURNE CONVENTION CENTER (Student Name) (Course No.) (Lecturer) (University) (Date) Table of Contents Summary 2 Introduction 3 The GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia) Rating System 4 Details regarding MCEC 6 MCEC Commitment to sustainability 7 Lighting Feature 9 Energy feature 12 In-house environment characteristics 14 Efficient ventilation standards 14 Sustainable Building Materials 15 Food and Beverage 18 Location of MCEC 19 Conclusion 21 References 22 Summary Melbourne Conventional Centre exemplifies a typical green building of the modern times. The GBCA rating system categorizes this construction as a six-star piece in regards to environmental friendliness. This paper discusses the various attributes underlying this rating system and the significance towards environmental friendliness. Introduction Green building refers to a given construction or building which is friendly to the environment. The attributes of such a building stem from its design, construction, maintenance, performance and even renovations. Such buildings are sometimes referred to as Green Constructions or Sustainable constructions. The modern environment is frequently exposed to disturbance, pollution and deterioration, especially with the kind of structures and tasks, performed within such buildings. The other aspect advocated for by the modern society relates to coming up of buildings which are resource efficient. Such kind of constructions usually requires tolerable amount of resources in construction, maintenance, and renovation (Yudelson 2009). Also, green buildings embody the capacity to offer their intended services to clients with minimum disruption of 0the surrounding community and environment. Recent studies reveal that the greatest demand of the society is the kind of facilities, people and even constructions which demonstrate their friendliness and acceptance towards environmental preservation and conservation (Kibert 2008). Therefore, Green Buildings came up to satisfy this kind of need by integrating designs, materials and operational standards which demonstrate environmental friendliness. Melbourne Conventional and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) exemplify a typical modern green building. The design, construction and manner of operations within this building reveal the attributes of a resource efficiency and environmental friendliness. This paper intends to evaluate several attributes and characteristics which qualify Melbourne Conventional Centre as a green building. To achieve the comprehensive study, this article seeks to determine the GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia) approach used to rate MCEC and qualify it as a green building. Further, this study intends to determine the various initiatives under ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) which applies directly to ESD. The GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia) Rating System The emergence of various construction patterns, models and architectural designs in the modern world led to frequent environmental and community disruptions. In fact, most construction agencies paid less emphasis on the impacts of their construction initiatives to the surrounding environment. This explains the reason which led to the emergence of Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). GBCA stands for a non-profit making body charged with the mandate of promoting and ensuring sustainability within the construction field. This body came into operation in 2012 with the primary objective of promoting sustainability, environmental friendliness and community preservation in the construction sector. One of the means through which GBCA manages to perform its tasks corresponds to the development of a green star rating system. This system enables the organization to evaluate the constructions, rate and classify buildings within Australia. One feature which further propel the body into its successful operations relates to its ability to embrace and integrate the various stakeholder who plays critical in building construction(Goldblatt2012). Some of the stakeholders under this body include the professional firms, local authorities, developers, and suppliers of construction materials and resources. Presently, this body undertakes to rate the construction of industries, public offices as well as residential buildings. The rating system used by GBCA embodies the following attributes specific to MCEC; 1. Lighting 2. Energy 3. In-house environment characteristics 4. Sustainable building materials use 5. Waste disposals 6. Food and Beverage 7. Location of the facility The GBCA rating system categories the buildings and various construction designs in various scales or scores. Each score represents a particular level of recognition regarding ‘green’ aspect. A score of 45-59 rates a design under a Best Practice category. Such constructions are usually referred to as ‘Four Star’ constructions under the greening specifications. A ‘Five Star’ rating integrates those facilities which score about 60-74. Lastly, the ‘Six Star’ constructions and designs correspond to those with a 75+ score; MCEC stands out within the Six Star Category. This implies that it falls within World Leadership Category which accommodates constructions that are in full compliance with green building attributes The rating underscored within GBCA system takes into consideration a draft of an attribute which acts as benchmarking attributes. Usually, such attributes differ depending on a particular case under consideration. Melbourne Convention Centre fits within the top category giving it accreditation as among the world leading constructions. The ability of the center to fit into six-star categories has placed the construction within the leading position. In fact, it’s categorized as one of the award-winning food made in-house constructions within Australia and the world which satisfy sustainability requirements (Goldblatt 2012). Details regarding MCEC MCEC ranks as one of the leading global green buildings within the food production industry. The facility located in Australia boasts a great range of spaces, modern technology and ability to demonstrate friendliness to the environment within which it is situated. This is a multi-functional plenary which hosts a range of activities besides offering the exhibition services. Melbourne Exhibition Centre officially started operation in the year 1996 as one of the greatest exhibition centers. Ione fundamental feature which defines this facility relates to the vast floor space which is about 30,000 square meters. Studies reveal that this building ranks as the largest in exhibition space within the southern hemisphere. Therefore, it is a preferable destination for annual exhibitions that accommodate world developers and business people (Kibert 2008). Photo of the MCEC PLENARY The architectural design used to come up with the structure resembles a long shed which is split with operable walls. Space, therefore, allows for finer splitting into smaller spaces of about 30,000 square meters, 360 meters long and 84 meters wide. Besides the ability to offer an exhibition space, the facility has a basement space that acts as a parking space. It can hold about 1000 cars at the same time. One attractive feature of the building relates to the ability to offer a wide spectral view from the entrance sections. In fact, visitors entering the building can have a 450 meters vision of the southern vista and mezzanine balconies (Ching& Shapiro 2014). The design used to come up with the building took into consideration the various business activities potential to the region. The first floor offers a space for meeting and function rooms which also separates the space for the concourse. The double-height hall features prominently on the first floor making the exhibition activities easy and admirable. The initial planners of this building vision a mega structure greater than the Sydney Exhibition Building. This explains the noble and greater approach used for design purposes separate from many neighboring facilities (Kubba 2012). MCEC Commitment to sustainability One of the fundamental principles adopted in the design, construction and use of the facility regards the sustainability attribute. This attribute integrates various aspects intended to conserve the resources as well as taking into consideration the surrounding environment within which MCEC is situated. Environmental friendliness ranks as one of the priorities which the designers embodied within their plan. The greatest advocacy witnessed in the modern society regarding environmental protection, and sustainable resource use necessitated the architectures to regard the kind of model and materials used in MCEC. Denton Corker Marshall is the architectural firm credited for the design of MCEC. This firm ranks as one of the greatest designers of Australian top constructions which have own global accolades. Resource sustainability was one of the greatest categories among the design and construction plans for this facility. A closer evaluation of the architectural design reveals that the developers took into consideration the resource aspect. The first floor of the building is usually spacious with very few portions and pillars. This allows the visitors to have a greater feel of the entire space, greater ability to view the products on the display and also to avoid wastage of resources otherwise used in coming up with walls and pillars. This manner of design allowed for greater ventilation capacity as well as recognizing the need to minimize the wastages of resources (Yudelson 2009). Arrangement of the MCEC Hall Besides the architectural design, MCEC remains in great consideration of the sustainability requirement regarding the use and performance of activities within the building. The various business owners and users of this facility are under the obligation to ensure maximum resource conservation, environmental consideration and minimum wastage as possible. Therefore, the management of MCEC came up with sustainability standards to act as a framework within which all tenants and operators need to follow. Also, the management remains a key player in ensuring that the facility remains as one of the global giants under the 6 –star categories (Goldblatt 2012). The general construction cost of the facility was A$129 million. A comparison of this value with buildings or constructions of the same nature such as Sydney Exhibition Building indicates sufficiency and resources efficiency. Therefore, the management body (Melbourne Conventional Trust) continues to work to promote the requirement of the various tenants regarding resources and further allocations. The manner of waste disposal considered under the management plan of MCEC proves quite efficiently of its ability to remain an s a green building. One feature which separates a green construction from others relates to the manner of disposals integrated within the design and performance standards. Constructions such as MCEC demonstrate arguably great desire to remain friendly to the environment and surrounding community. Therefore, a proper disposal mechanism has been adopted by the management as a means of ensuring environmental sustainability. Lighting Feature The general design which has been used to set up the facility requires abundant lighting requirement to satisfy the greater demand of those using the facility. A greater demand arises out of the management’s requirement to maintain MCEC as a green building. Therefore, the fundamental feature of the management regarding the lighting system used in the facility rests on the premise of neutrality and environmental conservation. The building has been fitted with large windows on every side. This kind of design enables easy penetration of natural light into the building to promote the easy performance of tasks by the tenants and the business people (Kibert 2008). The architectural design used regarding the significance of the natural light as a means of reducing reliance on artificial lighting methods which otherwise pollute the environment. Therefore, the construction came up with an 18-meter tall glass façade. The façade allows for efficient penetration of natural light into all offices (Kubba2012). The ability of the building to depend extensively on the natural light especially in the daytime has consequently limited the use of artificial systems in lighting. The achievement of a ‘green building’ attribute depends on the level at which a facility reduce the use of artificial lighting systems and instead promote the natural system. MCEC stands out as one of the users of natural light quite extensively. One fundamental feature embodied within the architectural design of MCEC relates to the efficient position of the facility about the reception of natural light. The building is strategically located, and this gives it a greater view of the natural sun. The position of the glass façade further adds the ability to tap into the natural source of light. In fact, the glass windows used in this purpose are usually strategic to the position better for receiving the natural light. Also, the management has ensured that most of the tenants and people within the facility embrace the modern technology towards a green approach through sufficiency in the use of lighting system(Ching& Shapiro 2014). One of the guiding principles set out relates to the minimize usage of artificial lighting system within the facility. Therefore, those who access spaces within this facility are usually under the obligation to abide by the green approach. This characteristic has further promoted the ability of MCEC to tap into much of sunlight than any other energy source. Also, the building relies much on the natural systems to provide lighting energy used wherever the daylight can’t be received and especially during the dark business hours. The solar energy has been promoted by the management. Presently, the facility is boasting of full adoption of solar energy as the greatest requirement for any player seeking to conserve the natural environment(Goldblatt2012). Usually, the artificial systems end up emitting substances to the environment which potentially pollute and impact negatively on the environmental conservation. The reliance on solar energy to light up the mega building demonstrates a great stride towards achieving a greening effect. Full view MCEC Glass walls The technology used in the construction of the gals face is just amazing. The spectrally-selective glass used in the construction of the façade wall potentially reduces heat gain. Further, this façade is made more efficient through by the shading device. The greatest objective of the shading device is to allow seepage of solar energy during the winter months and also to protect the general façade against the dangerous summer sun. Therefore, this kind of technology impacts positively in the maintenance of thermal comfort in the building (Yudelson 2009). Energy feature The kind of energy used by any facility acts as one of the greatest determinants of a green approach. The GBCA rates buildings and facilities depending on the kind of energy and substance emissions into the environment. One of the green approach standards adopted by MCEC relating to energy is the efficiency in use and reliance on natural sources of energy. The kind of energy used by a facility determines the kind of emissions released to the environment. Reliance on the natural energy sources regulate and also reduce the release of harmful substances into the environment. Also, the kind of facilities used and fitted to carry out the transmission of such energy determine to a great extent the kind of substances released into the environment (Ching& Shapiro 2014). MCEC has been voted as a great advocate and proponent of environmental protection through the kind of energy used to run the various activities within the building. The architectural constructing and design came up with a system which relies on the use of natural energy source an as green approach. Sunlight has remained as one of the potential and desired source of energy. Presently, the facility runs most of its activities using solar hot water system. This system requires the tapping of solar energy to heat up the water. Therefore, heating of the water which is used within the building uses the natural energy (sunlight) as a means of achieving a green effect. Nearly 35% of the general hot water requirement within the building relies on solar heat. Despite the reliance on solar power for heating the water, MCEC has been voted as one of the facilities which efficiency uses its energy. The pattern of energy use within the building demonstrates a great skill of conservation and protection of the interest of the environment. Further, the facility regulates quite keenly on the dominance of artificial energy which finds its way into the system(Kibert 2008). Therefore, the kind of emissions into the environment has potentially reduced to a greater percentage. The accommodation and adoption of natural energy sources into the building ranks a greater green initiative. View o MCEC Mezzanine pillars In-house environment characteristics The internal environment relates to the conditions within the building which define its response to green approach. The internal modeling stems from the design, construction and the kind of activities which are carried out in the building (Schmandt, et al. 1987). MCEC stands out as one of the strongest advocates of green approach through the internal construction system. Efficient ventilation standards The larger space and size occupied by the building requires proper ventilation standards. In many cases, the tenants and those who occupy the spaces of such a mega building require proper ventilation as one of the greatest aspects before considering working alongside within the structure. Fundamentally, a proper ventilation system is required for heath purposes. Therefore, GBCA rates structure depending on their ability to come up with proper ventilation systems which further protects the natural environment. In the modern constructions, the ventilation systems require the aid of energy to run up the general system requirements. For example, most of the structure adopts the use of electricity to run the cooling fans and turbines so as to suit the requirement of those who access such structures (Yudelson 2009). MCEC uses an innovative displacement ventilation system which is a kind of modern technology. This kind of ventilation system uses rate slab heating and cooling methods. In essence, the achievement of ventilation relies on the aspects of heating and cooling which further provide excellent quality air into the building. For example, the plenary hall, as well as the foyer, is fitted with this system due to their massive requirement of the ventilation system. The greater source of heating and cooling energy is the sunlight which satisfies the green approach. The other aspect of ventilation which comes out clearly in this building corresponds to the manner of architectural design of the windows, doors, and the entire building. The building is usually fitted with large windows which are well positioned to bring in the natural air into the building. The ability of air to freely come in and leave the building has ensured successful ventilation cycle. The users of this facility, therefore, feel comfortable and supported health wise through the innovative ventilation system. The other feature of the building relates to scare or low usage of Volatile Organic Compounds. The use of these compounds further aids in advancing the air quality. Usually, VOC compounds are used as a means of improving the general smell and quality of houses. These compounds act as fresheners or air cleaners. However, there has a devastating effect on the environment. The release of VOC into the air pollutes the natural life available in the natural air. Further, these compounds erode people of the healthy life standards otherwise enjoyable through exposition to natural co0nditis or low reliance on these compounds. Essentially, MCEC has perfected the art and now ranks as one of the facilities with limited exposure and use of the VOCs (Goldblatt 2012). Sustainable Building Materials The sustainability of a building usually focuses on the resource efficiency and the kind of resources used in the constructions. Several modern structures use any available materials without much regard to the effect of such material use on the environment. Therefore, green buildings depend on the use of materials which have no negative impact on the environment or the community. MCEC exemplifies a green building which selectively chose on resource application during its construction stage. Further, this structure depends on sustainable resources for its maintenance and even the minor renovation activities. The greater outward and internal partitions have been done using glass materials. The glass materials have always been rated as environmentally friendly since they have no negative impacts on the natural environment. Besides, the building of various pullers, roof and the smooth floor uses the modern technology which has been rated as environmentally friendly. The other aspect of sustainability relates to the efficient in the consumption of such materials in the construction process(Kibert 2008). The amount of resources used in putting up the structures have been as efficient as possible., the construction process, as well as the maintenance of the facility, engage in much resource conservation as a means of reducing wastages. The environment, on the other hand, has been under conservation and protection through the efficient use of resources. A careful study of the construction and partitioning materials several a reduced reliance on the PVC. The PVCs are usually strong agents of environment pollution especially during their disposal or degeneration. Therefore, the facility encompasses much usage of HFFR (Halogen Free Fire Retardant) which has been rated as environmentally friendly substance. The HFR has been used much on the cables and insulations. In many offices within the building, the wool carpets have taken great dominance. The wall carpets have been considered as environmentally friendly since they are non-allergenic and also help in providing insulation qualities from heat underneath. Also, the wool material remains as a desirable material due to the reduced energy required for its production as compared to other floor carpets. Therefore, the decision by MCEC to adopt the usage of this kind of carpeting technique has remained as one of the strategies to achieve the green approaches (Ching& Shapiro 2014). Waste Disposal Waste disposal mechanism ranks as some of the most common avenues through which the environment is polluted. Poor disposal means impact negatively on the environment. Nearly all buildings and business units have particular disposal mechanism or standard. The activities which are carried out within such structure require a disposal model to get rid of the excessive wastes. The green buildings rank deepening on their ability to manage effectively the disposal of its wastes. Also, a proper disposal mechanism means that a particular structure is friendly and cares about the surrounding environment as opposed to structures with careless disposal mechanism. One of the strategies through which MCEC has sought to manage its waste disposals is through the institution of Waste Management Composting Facilities. This is an initiative intended to come up with modern and proper methodologies and means of managing the wastes from the building. The management of wastes requires the institution of better and more efficient standards which take care of the disposal mechanism. One of waste management proposals under this category relates to the use of waste separation bins(Yudelson 2009). These separation bins act as a disposal destination in each and every office within the building. Every occupant of this facility is bound by the regulations and the disposal standards to use the separation bins as a means of dumping the wastes out of the offices. The other waste management standard used within the waste management proposals regards the use of Event Collateral and Waste Restriction. The plenary hall plays a host too many events. In fact, the building has been used as the major center for several exhibition points and even organizations. The performance of such events requires the participants of the visitors to have a proper waste disposal regulation. The significance of this kind of restriction relates to having a proper management of waste so as to reduce careless pollution of the environment. The institutions of these restrictions have further promoted the tidiness of the building and to a greater extent, the conservation of the environment. The long-term objective of MCEC is to be able to come up with a recycling mechanism for most of the products which are disposed from the various offices within the building. The essence of coming up with a recycling mechanism is to reduce the amount of wastes released into the environment for purposes of conserving the environment. Further, recycling would potentially reduce the materials costs and amount required to come up with new materials or items in the building (Kibert 2008). Food and Beverage The center provides a greater experience which usually allows people to use the halls and spaces for events. One of the requirements in such events relates to the provision of food and even wine required by the event participants. Therefore, the facility has been able to host various businesses which can offer such food and wine as required for the event under one roof. The green approach used by MCEC in offering the food and wine is to make use of the fresh and season produce which is supplied by the local producers. Most of the food components and requirements are collected locally from the local suppliers. Also, the local winemakers have been instrumental in offering the wine required by the visitors who often attend events within the building. The ability making used of fresh products which can be retrieved locally has been deemed as a move to enhance the green approach by MCEC. This move is distinct from other service providers who major on artificial foods as opposed to fresh local food products. Therefore, the management seeks to underscore the green effect by reducing the number of artificial foods products and instead promoting the use of fresh local producers(Goldblatt 2012). Further, the making of the desirable diets and food used by the visitors have been credited to the local chefs within the building. In general, MCEC is a great advocate of local products which further reduce the burden of having external and artificial means in food production. The process of producing the food required in the events has keenly regarded the aspect of environmental friendliness and conservation. Scholars argue that the decision of the management to create the ability to come up with their food and sourcing for local wine is a move to reduce manufacturing services and also lower reliance on artificial foods. In essence, the management is interested in promoting the use of local products so as to reduce on the kind of disposal to the environment (Ching& Shapiro 2014). Location of MCEC The location as an attribute determines much on the ability of the facility to remain eco-friendly or others. MCEC is situated strategically on the banks of Yarra River. This position provides an iconic view and position which is efficient for providing serenity. For example, some of the events such as workshops desire an environment offered by this facility due to its serene position. The position along the banks of the river also provides a cooling effect to the facility. The kind of clean air available in this facility promotes it above many other facilities. The other attributed relating to location relates to its proximity to the airport and the city center. The building is usually 20-minute drive from the airport. This short distance, therefore, makes i6t an attractive destination for most of the visitors who come through the Melbourne Airport. Besides, the facility is located within walking distance to the city center. Aerial View of MCEC Location One of the significance which accrues out of the short proximity of the facility to the city center relates to the ability of the staff and license to quickly access the destination. Therefore, many people prefer to walk or use the public transport means to access MCEC(Yudelson 2009). The short distance to the city center provides a chance to many staff members to walk to work or even use the public means easily. May people are therefore saved from the burned of using their personal vehicles to drive towards to the destination. The ability of many people to walk or access this destination without having to drive their personal cars reduces the emissions otherwise directed to the environment. Whenever a larger population walk instead of driving into their cars, there is a greater percentage reduction of the potential emission of vehicle wastes into the air. I addition, the use of the public service means to reach this destination has potentially reduced the number of private vehicles on the road. Potentially, this has reduced the amount of environment pollution which usually arises whenever many vehicles are on the road at the same time (Ching& Shapiro 2014). Conclusion Green buildings or Green constructions continue to be one of the top requirements by the modern society. The rise in the pollution standards has awoken the plight of the community towards the need to curb and reduce the pollutions. Therefore, the construction and design of buildings have embraced the need to come up with structures which are environmentally friendly. Environmental friendliness, in this case, demonstrates the ability of the buildings to reduce pollution of the environment, embrace the sustainable use of resource and also to promote environmental sustainability. Therefore, this promoted the rise the Green Buildings as an initiative in several parts of the world (Kubba2012). In Australia, the emergence of green buildings have been on the increase in the past years, several construction firms have registered under the non-profit making body referred to as GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia). This body undertakes to promote the construction and design of buildings which are environmentally friendly. This body has remained as a relevant controller of office buildings, residential houses and retail buildings which spring up within the country. Through a rating system, the thus body has categorized the various buildings depending on their attributes intend towards environmental conservation and protection (Goldblatt2012). Melbourne Conventional and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) ranks as one of the buildings in Australia which rate prominently under the GBCA category. In fact, it ranks as a six-star facility. This paper underscored various attributes which make this building considered as an example of green building. Some of the green approach attributes discussed under this article include the sustainability of resource use, ventilation of the structure, waste disposal of the structure, location of the structure, production of food and beverage of the building, efficient use as well as the lighting system adopted by the management. This paper, therefore, rated this building a compliant of the green building requirements and standards. References Ching, F. D. K., & Shapiro, I. M. (2014). Green building illustrated. Goldblatt, S. (2012). The complete guide to greener meetings and events. Hoboken, N.J: J. Wiley. Kibert, C. J. (2008). Sustainable construction: Green building design and delivery. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley & Sons. Kubba, S. (2012). Handbook of green building design and construction: LEED, BREEAM, and Green Globes. Schmandt, J., Wilson, R. H., Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs.,& Houston Area Research Center. (1987). Promoting high-technology industry: Initiatives and policies for state governments. Boulder: Westview Press. Yudelson, J. (2009). Green building through integrated design. New York: McGraw-Hill. Read More