Energy Conservation
Sydney Olympic Park showcases a variety of energy-efficient building designs and technologies which include:
The entire site serves as a physical demonstration of how a commitment to energy conservation can continue to be realised in terms of its supply, management and use.
Environmental Outcomes
All new developments and activities (including events and asset management) within Sydney Olympic Park use the best available environmental design principles, technology and management practices to maximise the use of renewable energy sources, reduce energy consumption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The Sydney Olympic Park Authority has an ongoing commitment to energy conservation and the use of renewable energy in both the built infrastructure and operational management practices at Sydney Olympic Park. The Authority sources up to 25% of its energy requirements using "Green Power" (energy derived from renewable sources). The Authority will continue to encourage practices and innovations which contribute to greenhouse gas reduction and sustainable development.
The Design Guidelines in the Master Plan for Sydney Olympic Park (2002) provide extensive guidance in terms of maximising energy conservation through building design, construction and operation. All new developments at Sydney Olympic Park are required to achieve a minimum of 4.5* energy efficiency rating. In addition, the Master Plan has a strong emphasis on increasing access to the site through the use of public transport, bicycles and pedestrian pathways. These transport strategies will also assist in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Further information on energy efficient technologies can be found through the Sustainable Energy Development Authority, Our Environment - It's a Living Thing and the Australian Greenhouse Office.
Lighting
In the development of Sydney Olympic Park the location of external lighting and its potential lightspill is an important ecological and social consideration in relation to safety, accessibility and aesthetics.
Lighting can enable facilities to be used beyond daylight hours, making better use of open space, providing opportunities for public access that otherwise may not be possible, and enhancing the accessibility, safety and aesthetic features of Sydney Olympic Park.
However, lighting that is inappropriate in terms of location, timing, intensity and design can cause public nuisance, provide a false sense of security and diminish the quality of habitat and aesthetic values in the area.
Environmental Outcomes
Developments, events and operational activities at Sydney Olympic Park minimise the adverse impact of night lighting on the environment surrounding Sydney Olympic Park, especially residential areas and the Parklands, whilst contributing to public safety and amenity.
As Sydney Olympic Park continues to develop, the Master Plan and the Plan of Management for the Parklands will provide guidance in relation to the levels and types of lighting appropriate for both the Parklands and other public areas of Sydney Olympic Park.
The Authority recognises that existing lighting from major facilities and sporting venues, events, public artwork, roads/pathways and external car parks can add significantly to night lighting at Sydney Olympic Park.
The Authority considers it essential that lightspill arising from these sources and proposed additional residential and commercial developments does not impact unduly on the Parklands and surrounding residential areas.
Photo-Voltaic Lighting Towers
There are 19, 30 metre high photovoltaic (PV) towers on Olympic Boulevard. The towers provide lighting for Olympic Boulevard at night and their design includes sun protection, seating and water bubblers.
The Photo-Voltaic collectors were developed by UNSW and manufactured by BP Solar. Each tower has a generating capacity of 23 Kilowatt hours (kWh) per day, equivalent to the amount of energy used to power a small house. Power is fed into the main grid during the day and drawn from the grid at night.
When all towers are operating they can produce between 130-160,000 kWh of energy each year, equivalent to their estimated annual energy consumption.
The Sustainability Policy and Sustainability Strategy provides further information on the Authority's approach to best practice sustainability.
Print
Email