Management and accountability

Ecologically sustainable development

Old Parliament House plans and conducts its operations in accordance with the principles of ecologically sustainable development set out in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The agency’s outcome, program and projects contribute
to ecologically sustainable development both by
conserving and maintaining unique heritage assets
for future generations and by promoting awareness of
the economic, environmental, social and equity considerations that have shaped decision-making
and development in Australia.

The heritage management framework, including the Heritage Management Plan and the Heritage Actions Committee, ensures that the principles of ecologically sustainable development are considered when decisions are made that may affect the heritage values and environment of the building and its surroundings.

The agency is continuing to follow the Operational Environmental Management Plan that was introduced in 2011–12. This provides a framework and recommendations through which the agency improves its environmental management.

All building operations are effectively managed to achieve optimal energy performance. As it manages and occupies a heritage-listed building, the agency aims to achieve as closely as possible the energy-intensity targets set out in the Australian Government’s Energy Efficiency in Government Operations policy. All major refurbishments undertaken during 2013–14 met the minimum energy performance standard set out in the policy.

Table 8 lists measures carried out in 2013–14 to minimise the impact of the agency’s activities on the environment.

Table 8 Environmental measures, 2013–14

Category

Measures

Energy efficiency

To maximise energy efficiency, the following principles were applied:

  • where practical, purchasing equipment that has an Energy Star standard of 4 stars or better
  • using energy management options that enable office equipment to power down when not in use
  • not allowing energy-intensive or unapproved electrical items for personal use.

Other energy-saving measures included:

  • switching off all non-essential lights at appropriate times
  • using curtains or blinds at appropriate times to maximise the effectiveness and efficiency of air-conditioning and heating systems
  • installing new light-emitting diode (LED) exhibition lighting
  • installing a new heating system, which has reduced gas consumption by 1,717 gigajoules (a reduction of 13.9 per cent)
  • commencing installation of a new building management system, which will reduce both electricity and gas consumption once complete in late 2014.

Water conservation

A number of water-saving measures were undertaken:

  • conducting regular inspections and repairs on all heritage taps and cisterns
  • installing 11 new irrigation controllers with remote access
  • replacing leaking irrigation valves
  • scoping water conservation measures in all new works where possible, having regard to heritage responsibilities.

Paper use

Paper use was minimised by the use of print management software, clearing all print queues daily and having double-sided printing as the default setting.

Waste

Recycling facilities were used to minimise the amount of waste going to landfill.
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