Building 620 Electrification & Asset Renewal

We spearheaded the electrification and asset renewal of Building 620, a prominent 13-level commercial office building, to advance the University of Auckland’s sustainability and decarbonisation objectives. The project centered on the replacement of three decommissioned gas boilers that previously served over 9,000 square metres of heating systems. Our mechanical team engineered the transition to high-performance electric boilers while ensuring the continued functionality of the building's existing high-temperature VAV systems. To support this significant shift in power demand, we designed and implemented a major upgrade to the electrical infrastructure, including the replacement of the main switchboard. Two new mechanical switchboards were also integrated to enhance system reliability and capacity across the 13 floors.

We utilised Building Information Modelling (BIM) to coordinate these complex retrofits, successfully reducing design clashes and streamlining the installation within an operational environment. Our engineers performed detailed load evaluations to ensure the transition occurred with minimal disruption to the building's daily occupants. The new plant was fully interfaced with the existing Building Management System to allow for precise tuning and real-time energy monitoring. By avoiding the need for expensive structural modifications, we delivered a cost-effective solution that preserves the building's flexibility for future developments. This project demonstrates our expertise in managing large-scale, high-rise retrofits where technical precision is required to replace fossil-fuel infrastructure.

The successful electrification of Building 620 serves as a benchmark for the decarbonisation of dense urban institutional assets. Our multidisciplinary approach ensured that the university achieved a more resilient and sustainable thermal network without compromising on climate control performance.

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