Education

Building 614 O’Rorke Hall, University of Auckland

Project summary

Client: University of Auckland

Market Sector: Education

Completion: TBC

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

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Refurbishment of O'Rorke Hall, a student accommodation building, includes work being done to update and renovate the entry, reception, dining, games room, media room and music room.

2PiR Consulting played a pivotal role in the decarbonisation of Building 614 O’Rorke Hall, supporting the university’s ambitious goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2030. This complex project involved retrofitting a 12-storey operational student accommodation building while minimizing disruption to its occupants.

Key engineering services provided included mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic design, as well as site investigations, feasibility analyses, and construction oversight. The project involved replacing the gas-fired domestic hot water system with low-GWP CO2 heat pumps, upgrading electrical infrastructure, and installing energy-efficient motors for ventilation fans. Through meticulous planning and stakeholder collaboration, 2PiR Consulting Ltd ensured a smooth transition to sustainable systems.

This project delivered significant outcomes:

Carbon Reduction: Eliminated reliance on natural gas, dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Efficiency: Improved energy performance and reduced operational costs through sustainable technologies.
Future-Ready Design: Ensured the building is equipped to meet evolving energy standards.

By demonstrating a scalable and strategic approach to electrification, this project aligns with broader institutional sustainability initiatives. It highlights our expertise in delivering innovative engineering solutions for decarbonisation, offering a roadmap for future projects aiming to achieve carbon neutrality.