Sustainable Design

Cosgroves Specialist ESD Group

Cosgrove Major have a team of engineers who specialiities include the consideration and inclusion of sustainable design elements into projects. To assist this process we have developed a matrix of opportunities to be reviewed for each new project.

Green Star Accredited

Cosgroves has a number of staff who have trained as accredited professionals of the New Zealand Green Star Rating System, or are accredited professionals for the Australian Green Star Assessment Method.

Computer Modelling

Computer modelling allows us to undertake analysis and calculations to ensure we are providng the optimum solution. Our modelling capabilities include:

• Thermal performance and insultation modelling
• Building orientation and solar shading features
• Daylight harvesting
• Energy efficient lighting
• Energy modelling
• Modelling internal space temperatures
• CFD modelling completed with a partner consultant to model airflows, air quality, and internal temperatures.

Experience

We are experienced in the design of energy efficient, sustainably designed buildings and can provide detailed advice on the form and fabric to optimise thermal performance of the building envelope.

We designed the headquarters building for Selwyn District Council, which incorporates many green engineering features which minimise waste and energy consumption whilst maximising the use of sustainable materials. Systems include high efficiency solar collectors for domestic hot water generation, rainwater harvesting, mixed mode ventilation incorporating passive vents, and under floor heating through a high efficiency heat pump connected to the Council water reticulation.

We are the electrical designers for the fit out of the IAG Building in Show Place Christchurch. The base electrical lighting layout has proved to be revolutionary in both design and running costs. Much of the building is controlled by either proximitiy sensors or daylight sensors, these have reduced the electricity costs of the lighting immensely and increased the amount of natural daylight that is utilised.

CFD modelling was also successfully applied to an alternative car park ventilation design using impulse ventilation that was the first installation of its type in Australasia. The CFD modelling proved adequate air quality would be achieved thus allowing the installation cost of the ventilation system to be halved.

Technical Library

Cosgroves has an extensive library technical guides and application manuals demonstrating proven ESD design methods from the UK, Europe and USA; regions that are leading the world in sustainable design.