International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC)
Project
HVAC System Optimisation
Key Challenges
- Effective stakeholder collaboration was initially a challenge, requiring strategic engagement.
- Modifications to the existing Building Management System (BMS) were essential.
- Over 400 manual overrides needed to be removed from the BMS to restore proper system functionality.
Outcomes
21.2% reduction in energy consumption
376 hours of equipment runtime reduction
304.3 tonnes CO₂ savings
+5.3% Lifecycle Improvement
The Client
Downer is the leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand. They are responsible for all Facilities Management at the International Convention Centre Sydney as consortium partners for a 25 year term.
As Australia’s first fully integrated harbourside convention, exhibition, and entertainment venue, ICC Sydney spans 250,000 sqm in Darling Harbour. The facility consists of three award-winning buildings: a convention centre, an expansive exhibition space, and the ICC Theatre.
AE Smith has been an integral part of ICC Sydney’s operations for the past 3–4 years, working in close collaboration with Downer to enhance building performance through innovative and sustainable solutions.
What we achieved with our customer
AE Smith’s proactive approach to building optimisation led to the engagement of the AES Insights team to review the HVAC system’s operation.
The primary objective was to identify energy-saving opportunities and implement sustainable strategies without requiring additional engineering or hardware modifications.
Through a comprehensive review and collaboration with site teams, an itemised list of optimisation opportunities was developed. A critical challenge involved the removal of over 400 manual overrides within the BMS, which had been affecting system efficiency. AE Smith worked closely with Downer to implement a structured resolution plan, ensuring minimal operational disruption.
Key innovations included optimising system setpoints and implementing advanced control strategies, such as a master temperature setpoint control and a chilled water pump reset strategy.
These initiatives directly improved the energy efficiency of ICC Sydney’s central energy plant, leading to measurable reductions in energy consumption and equipment runtime
