Building 114 Electrification

We provided specialist engineering services for the electrification of Building 114, a 1,700m2 multi-use facility at the University of Auckland. This project was a key initiative in supporting the university’s broader decarbonisation goals, specifically addressing the transition away from fossil fuels. A primary challenge involved delivering a sustainable retrofit within tight budget constraints for a building potentially slated for redevelopment within the next decade. Our mechanical design focused on replacing the legacy gas boiler with a combination of efficient electric panel heaters and a hybrid VRF system utilizing R32 refrigerant. To avoid the high capital costs of full-scale air conditioning, we conducted a rigorous thermal comfort and overheating assessment to guide our strategy. This led to the adoption of cost-effective cooling measures, including the strategic installation of ceiling fans to maintain occupant comfort. The electrical scope included a comprehensive upgrade of the building’s lighting to energy-efficient LEDs, significantly reducing the facility's power demand.

Our hydraulics team managed the transition of hot water services to ensure a seamless move to fully electric operation. We also provided building tuning services post-installation to optimise the performance of all new systems in real-world conditions. This project demonstrates our ability to balance institutional sustainability targets with practical financial limitations. By avoiding over-investment in a temporary asset while still eliminating natural gas reliance, we provided a scalable model for resource-constrained decarbonisation.

The result is a future-ready building that offers improved energy performance and a comfortable indoor environment for students and staff. This project highlights our expertise in delivering innovative, low-carbon solutions that align with long-term estate strategies.