Sustainability Report
Embodied carbon
Operational Emissions / Energy
The operational performance of the project was influenced by a series of passive and active design decisions that reduce energy demand while maintaining a comfortable healthcare environment. The compact 80 m² floor plan was carefully organised to maximise efficiency, minimising unnecessary circulation and ensuring that every space serves a defined function.
Natural daylight was prioritised as the building has large windows in most rooms and this reduced reliance on artificial lighting during operating hours. High-efficiency LED lighting was specified throughout the facility, lowering electricity consumption while providing appropriate illumination for clinical tasks.
Mechanical cooling was optimised through the use of three energy-efficient split-unit air-conditioning systems sized appropriately for the facility's modest footprint, avoiding the energy penalties associated with oversized equipment.
The most significant reduction in operational emissions comes from the building's energy source. The diagnostic centre is powered by a 10 kVA solar photovoltaic and battery system, eliminating the need for a diesel generator and substantially reducing dependence on grid electricity. By generating renewable electricity on-site, the project significantly lowers its annual operational carbon emissions compared with a conventionally powered healthcare facility.
Together, these strategies demonstrate how careful planning, efficient building services, and renewable energy integration can improve the environmental performance of a compact healthcare interior while maintaining a high-quality patient experience.
Service and maintenance emissions
Service and maintenance emissions are expected to be low due to the project's compact footprint, durable material palette, and energy-efficient building systems. LED lighting, routine maintenance of high-efficiency split-unit air-conditioning units, and the use of a solar photovoltaic and battery system minimise ongoing operational and maintenance-related emissions over the building's lifecycle.
Afterlife
The project demonstrates adaptive reuse by transforming an existing commercial space within I-Fitness Gym into a fully functioning diagnostic centre, extending the useful life of the building without major structural intervention. The compact floor plan was designed with efficient, modular spaces that can be reconfigured over time to accommodate evolving healthcare needs or alternative wellness-related uses. The non-structural interior partitions and flexible planning allow the space to be adapted with minimal material waste, supporting its long-term usability.
The project incorporates reusable and demountable interior elements, including furniture, lighting, and selected joinery. These components can be removed and replaced independently, allowing materials to be reused or recycled at the end of their service life and reducing waste during future adaptations.
Key products in low carbon design
