LGS continues to lead the way on its sustainable property portfolio

Last week Local Government Super launched a refurbishment of 76 Berry Street North Sydney with a gas-powered tri-generation system that simultaneously generates electricity, heating and cooling. The tri-generation plant will cut the building's emissions by 85% and it is expected to be independent of the grid within 12 months.

While new buildings can accommodate stricter environmental standards, the real issue is what to do with existing building stock and the project with the 25-year-old building caught the interest of the World Economic Forum and Maastricht University - both of which are continuing to talk to LGS about applying the lessons learned from this project internationally.

LGS has nine directly held properties, all of which have been upgraded over the last few years using Australian designed and manufactured SMAC air-conditioning and Envirolite e1 lighting.  Lean-burn engines were developed by Bennett Clayton at Deniliquin and Berry Street is the first time they have been used in a building. The system allows diesel engines to run on gas and biofuels.

The LGS property portfolio is more sustainable than the property portfolio of any other superannuation fund and real estate investment trust.

The Mayors of both North Sydney and Deniliquin spoke at the launch together with a representative of the World Economic Forum.

This is another significant environmental achievement by Local Government Super.