Micro-turbine: co-generation
A gas-fired micro-turbine located in the roof plant room is used to generate electricity, reducing reliance on the public electricity grid. The process produces waste heat, the water-cooling of the turbine produces steam, which is used to help the building’s air-conditioning plant.
The co-generation plant has much lower CO2 emissions than coal-fired electrical generation and provides 60kVA of electricity, meeting up to 30 per cent of the building’s needs.
The waste heat is also used for heating hot water for the building and also for cooling via an absorption chiller.
Solar power: photovoltaic cells
CH2 includes 23 solar panels, which are equivalent to about 26 square metres of photovoltaic cells. These are located on the roof and generate close to 3.5kW of electricity from the sun’s energy. The amount of energy generated is approximately equivalent to that required to power the movement of the Western timber shutters.
Lifts
The lifts in CH2 generate power in the braking mode.
Solar hot water
About 60 per cent of the building's domestic hot water supply is provided by 48 square metres of solar hot water panels on the roof. This is supplemented by a gas boiler.
Carbon neutral
The City of Melbourne is certified carbon neutral for its operations. All emissions associated with running CH2 are offset.