The Cairns Convention Centre is Australia's first environmentally designed major public building and has won many awards for its energy and resource conservation features.

Rain Water Storage - 50% Saving

Cairns Convention Centre's double layer pleated plate roof is designed to capture the seasonal tropical downpours, and channel rainwater directly into storage tanks.

This feature provides half of the Centre's grounds and garden watering needs, reducing its call on treated town water.

Flow Restrictors - 25% Water Saving

The Centre's water usage is modified further by the installation of water flow restrictors on all outlets. The expected water saving is between 25% and 30% of total water needs.

Solar Hot Water - 30% Energy Saving

Solar hot water heaters provide between 30% and 35% of the Centre's hot water needs, producing a significant saving on electricity usage and costs.

Shading Devices - 5% Energy Saving

Controlled shading devices are installed along the eastern side of the structure. By following the angle of the sun during the day, these motorised shades reduce the level of air conditioning needed to keep the building cool. The shading devices save approximately 5% of the energy required to air condition this section of the building.

Air Conditioning

R134a Refrigeration Machines have been installed throughout the Convention Centre's air conditioning system. This model machine does not use chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as its refrigeration agent. This ensures that no damage would be caused to the ozone layer if a refrigerant leak were to occur.

For more information on the Centre's environmental features please contact us or visit the website of the Centre's Architects Cox Rayner at www.cox.com.au.