International Towers Barangaroo

International Towers, in Sydney’s Barangaroo precinct near the Harbour Bridge, is home to some of Australia’s biggest companies. Lendlease, the managers of the three tall commercial towers, has placed a very high priority on sustainability, and the towers have achieved an impressive array of green certifications.  

To further reduce the carbon footprint of the towers, Lendlease Investment Management commissioned design engineers NDY to investigate and propose technical solutions to change the towers’ heating system from gas boilers to an electrical heating system.  

With WT’s specialist knowledge in mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) cost estimation, we were brought on board to provide accurate capital cost estimates for the proposed technical solutions at the three towers and two smaller commercial buildings. 

We understood the significant challenges of the electrification project, which included finding the physical space to house the new electrical systems as well as the difficulties of installing new systems and removing existing systems without unduly impacting any of the tenants.  

We walked the site with Lendlease Investment Management and NDY to explore where and how physical constraints could affect costs. Our deep understanding of MEP systems and requirements enabled us to provide positive inputs into the problem-solving process and to ensure that all items were included in the cost estimate, whether or not they were shown on the design documentation. 

Our cost estimate provided the accurate data that Lendlease Investment Management needed to develop the business case and seek funding to progress the project. 

With fully electric heating, the futureproofed buildings will be able to meet the growing sustainability expectations of tenants in an increasingly decarbonised world.