The GPT Group (GPT) has received a 6 Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia for the fit out of its headquarters within the MLC Centre in Sydney.
GPT has created a 21st Century, carbon neutral workplace in the landmark, 33 year-old, Harry Seidler designed MLC Centre. This is the first time the rating has been awarded within a building that has not undergone a complete refurbishment.
The GPT Group's Head of Sustainability, Rosemary Kirkby said the Group's achievement provided a working model for corporations seeking to build strong, unified cultures in a premium environment without them having to leave the CBD.
"We have shown that you can break down the core of existing buildings to achieve the collaborative workplaces required for success in the 21st Century. We have also proved that to get the best return on a business' investment in its office accommodation, you also need to invest in building an open and collaborative culture and to provide the right technology to support mobility and accessibility for employees," Kirkby said.
GPT claims to now be using less paper and energy and have increased the fresh air intake by 25% with the addition of external louvres into the façade. All of the pre-existing equipment and fitout was either recycled or re-used and staff have bee moved from being spread across five floors to being consolidated across three floors.
GPT's Development Project Director, responsible for the work environment project, Robert Hitchcock said GPT was thrilled with its achievements.
"We have seamlessly integrated technology to enable employees to work collaboratively, creatively and wirelessly wherever they choose. People have a choice of where they work and are telling us that, on average, they are 15% more productive," he said.
