Enhancing HVAC Infrastructure for NZ Blood Services

Project Scope

The primary heating and cooling water infrastructure at the New Zealand Blood Services building was underperforming, leading to frequent breakdowns and excessive repair costs. This not only imposed financial strains on both the landlord and tenant but also posed significant risks to the critical blood products stored within the laboratory premises. The initial HVAC system, comprising chillers and heat pumps from a then-popular but unsupported brand, lacked reliability and serviceability in the New Zealand context.

The Sensible Building Solution

To address this challenge, SB Solutions embarked on a comprehensive project to replace the failing HVAC system with Mitsubishi Electric BDT chillers/heat pumps. Recognised for their robust serviceability and economical operation in New Zealand, these new units introduced enhanced redundancy and efficiency. The replacement was meticulously planned in a staged approach to ensure uninterrupted operation, especially critical for the tenant's round-the-clock requirements. The project involved installing an additional LPG boiler for heating redundancy, followed by the sequential replacement of heating and cooling units over four years, with careful scheduling to minimise operational disruptions.

Key Impacts

The strategic and careful execution of the HVAC overhaul by SB Solutions ensured zero downtime and maintained stable laboratory conditions, preventing any loss of blood products. The project's success was marked by the seamless integration of the new system with minimal disruption to the facility's continuous operation, highlighting SB Solutions' commitment to risk management and operational efficiency.

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