Melbourne Cricket Club – HVAC Motor Upgrade
Project
HVAC Motor Upgrade
Key Challenges
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Outdated AC motors running continuously at full load
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High energy consumption and increasing maintenance costs
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Need to improve operational reliability without disrupting building use
Outcomes
Achieved ~57% energy savings with EC motor upgrade
Reduced HVAC energy use by 39,750 kWh annually
Lowered carbon emissions by 31.4 tonnes CO2
The Client
Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) is one of Australia’s most iconic sporting organisations, operating the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) — a world-renowned venue hosting major sporting and entertainment events. With millions of visitors annually, MCC is committed to maintaining operational excellence, sustainability, and occupant comfort throughout its facilities.
This project formed part of MCC’s broader strategy to modernise facility infrastructure and meet stringent sustainability targets. Engaging AE Smith allowed MCC to significantly enhance HVAC performance while achieving meaningful energy and maintenance savings.
What we achieved with our customer
AE Smith completed the upgrade of 16 HVAC fan motors for MCC, replacing legacy AC motors with electronically commutated (EC) motors. This modernisation effort focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing ongoing maintenance requirements, and boosting operational reliability within a high-usage venue.
The motors previously operated at full capacity regardless of demand, leading to inefficient energy usage of approximately 70,000 kWh per year. AE Smith recommissioned the system to support variable speed operation, significantly reducing energy usage. The new EC motors adapt performance to actual demand, cutting consumption by nearly 60%.
Beyond energy savings, the EC motor upgrade delivered substantial maintenance benefits. Traditional belt-driven systems required regular replacement of parts and incurred significant labour costs. By transitioning to direct-drive EC motors, AE Smith eliminated the need for belt servicing and reduced bearing-related issues—resulting in an estimated annual maintenance saving of $1,000.
System reliability also improved markedly. With fewer mechanical components and smarter controls, the EC motors delivered consistent air handling performance with fewer failures. MCC staff now benefit from enhanced system uptime and quieter HVAC operation, aligning with the venue’s reputation for high-quality guest experiences.
