Stiebel Eltron supplies Australia’s first large scale passive house with sustainable hot water
The first large scale building in the southern hemisphere to achieve passive house certification was built this year at Monash University in the form of a new student residence. STIEBEL ELTRON – the future-oriented green energy company – made a significant contribution to this certification.
The main objectives of the construction project were comfort, health and extremely low energy consumption. To this end, the total area of 6000 m² with 150 individual rooms were designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly in various ways.
The cross-laminated timber construction by Multiplex reduces the carbon concentration by half compared to conventional concrete constructions. A dry creek bed connects the plant with the natural river paths of the campus and manages storm water flows. In addition, a harvesting tank allows to utilise rainwater.
An important aspect is that the whole construct is powered by renewable energy. This is where Stiebel Eltron came into play. The complex is fully electric, supplied with wind energy by the wind farm, Murra Warra, and draws solar energy from the 60 kWp rooftop solar panels. As part of the all-electric-strategy, Stiebel Eltron supplied and commissioned three WPL23E three phase air sourced hydronic heat pumps for hot water.
Heat pumps are a sustainable and cost-efficient solution for hot water with energy that is extracted from the air. Their natural energy production is accompanied by a vapour injection technology which guarantees high efficiency. A considerable benefit is that they can take advantage of the solar PV generated on site and use less grid energy. Taken together, STIEBEL ELTRON heat pumps help to save money, and, above all, protect the environment.
Australia’s largest passive house is not only "green", it is also three times more efficient than existing residential halls at Monash University. The progressive student accommodation has been certified by the Passive House Institute in Germany according to strict standards.
Andrew Whitney, Managing Director of Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd, concluded: “Stiebel Eltron is extremely proud to have been involved in the design, planning and supply of our award winning, highly efficient WPL heat pumps to the Monash University Student accommodation project. The Passive House certification achieved on the project is a testament to the forward thinking, progressive minds of all involved in the project, and we commend Monash and Multiplex for their commitment to the environment and for creating a showpiece for present and future students to enjoy and learn from during their time at the University.”