25 Franklin Street — From Ageing Asset to High-Performance Building
people provide 24/7 engineering support
saving pa by upskilling employees to self-deliver specific tasks
anticipated saving to client by increasing self-delivery of reactive work
m² covered in terminals 1-5 and the train station
// case study
In this case study
// Services
Project Snapshot
Located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, 25 Franklin Street is a sub-6,500 m2 commercial office building typical of its era — constructed in the early 1970s, retrofitted in the ‘90s, and due for a major plant and controls upgrade. With rising energy costs, ageing equipment, and growing tenant expectations, the building owner partnered with Conservia to modernise its core systems and reposition the asset for long-term value.
Result: The building now holds a certified 5.5 Star NABERS Base Building Energy Rating.
// Challenge
Project Snapshot
Located in the heart of the Adelaide CBD, 25 Franklin Street is a sub-6,500 m2 commercial office building typical of its era — constructed in the early 1970s, retrofitted in the ‘90s, and due for a major plant and controls upgrade. With rising energy costs, ageing equipment, and growing tenant expectations, the building owner partnered with Conservia to modernise its core systems and reposition the asset for long-term value.
Result: The building now holds a certified 5.5 Star NABERS Base Building Energy Rating.
// Services
Challenges
- Aged central plant reliant on phased-out refrigerants (R22)
- Inflexible HVAC operation and minimal automation
- Inefficient mechanical systems contributing to rising operational costs
- Legacy BMS with limited control and data visibility
- Declining indoor comfort and increasing tenant risk
// Services
Our Approach
Conservia delivered a fully integrated HVAC and building controls upgrade, replacing obsolete infrastructure with modern, high-efficiency systems and advanced automation. The works included:
- High-efficiency chilled water plant with oil-free compressor technology
- Upgraded pumping systems with variable speed control
- Enhanced ventilation strategies and dual-duct system modifications to restore comfort
- Complete replacement of the building management system (BMS), with smart control strategies and remote access
- Deployment of a tenant energy management system with automated billing and monitoring
- Installation of rooftop solar PV to offset common area consumption and reduce grid reliance
// Solutions
Key Outcomes
- 5.5 Star NABERS Base Building Energy Rating, supporting long-term compliance and market competitiveness
- Improved indoor air quality and climate control, helping boost tenant satisfaction and retention
- Significantly lower operational and maintenance costs, reducing landlord exposure and risk
- Future-ready infrastructure, designed to support further enhancements such as boiler upgrades and lift energy recovery
- Improved leasing appeal, including eligibility for government and sustainability-conscious tenants
- Uplift in asset value through increased net operating income and higher potential rental yields
// Challenge
Strategic Value
For a compact commercial building in a competitive CBD market, this project proves that a carefully scoped and professionally delivered upgrade can unlock meaningful operational, environmental, and financial benefits — even in assets under 6,500 m2. With no compromise to tenant comfort, the owner is now positioned to attract higher-value tenants, extend lease terms, and realise a stronger cap rate.
Conservia brings together engineering expertise, controls integration, and performance accountability — delivering real outcomes, not just upgrades. If you’re looking to future-proof your building, reduce outgoings, and lift value, let’s talk.
