Agenda
Upgrading existing buildings: Practical Strategies
Thursday 17 September, 12.30 – 3.30pm
12.30pm Welcome and introduction – Why Existing Buildings Matter
Why are existing buildings central to achieving Australia’s sustainability and decarbonisation goals? With most of Australia’s future building stock already built, enhancing the performance of existing assets represents one of the greatest opportunities to reduce emissions, minimise operational impacts and extend asset life. This opening session explores the key market and industry drivers shaping investment in existing buildings and sets the context for how organisations are future-proofing assets through building uplift initiatives.
Speaker: Jess Roberts, Technical Advisor, Green Building Council of Australia
12.50pm Case Study
Speaker: TBC
1.20pm Using Performance Ratings to Inform Building Uplift
Through practical examples and industry insights, this session explores how building performance improvements can create value across existing commercial assets. Hear how different owner priorities, leasing arrangements, tenant occupancy and market expectations influence retrofit decisions, and how NABERS and Green Star are being used in practice to guide investment and building improvement strategies. Participants will gain practical insights into how performance ratings can support sustainability objectives, enhance asset competitiveness and inform building uplift strategies.
Speaker: Robyn Hyslop, Director Sustainability, Colliers
1.45pm Practical Strategies for optimising existing buildings
Explore practical strategies for improving the performance of existing buildings through targeted HVAC upgrades, outside air optimisation and enhancements to existing building systems. This session will examine how these interventions can reduce energy consumption, enhance indoor air quality and improve operational performance, while strengthening resilience to a changing climate.
Speaker: John Bourne, Leader – Sustainability, AG Coombs
2.10pm BREAK
2.20pm Case study TBC
Speaker: TBC
2.45pm Panel Discussion: Delivering Building Uplift in Practice
We’ll explore the realities of planning, prioritising and delivering upgrades in existing buildings. Drawing on the perspectives shared throughout the program, panellists will reflect on key lessons learned, emerging challenges and opportunities, and the practical considerations that influence successful outcomes across the built environment.
Panelists:
- Robyn Hyslop, Director Sustainability, Colliers
- John Bourne, Leader – Sustainability, AG Coombs
3.25pm Wrap up & session close