IT'S not easy being green, but development consultancy firm Conics is going to have a damn good go at it.
The Cairns operation is about to leave its Florence Street offices for a bigger, grander site in Abbott Street, at the same making it the tropics' most sustainable privately-owned building.
Cairns managing director Steve Redgwell said the tropical environment created extra challenges.
"The high humidity of our tropical location ensures air conditioning is essential year round,'" he said.
"Installing energy-efficient chilled beam technology is not possible, but we have certainly chosen a system that optimises energy usage.
"Where possible construction waste will be recycled, innovative energy and water efficiency alternatives will be implemented and staff will be encouraged to cycle to work via the provision of dedicated bike storage and staff shower facilities."
The cost for a full Green star criteria renovation typically adds about three per cent to construction costs.
Conics sustainability consultant Stephanie Skyring said the cost for Conics had been the extra time sourcing the right materials.
"For the renovation of Abbott Street, more thought has gone into the design process and hunting and specifying materials," he said.
"For companies that do not have internal sustainability consultants, there are further costs for the additional consultant reports required.
"In fact, it is achievable for developers to adopt greener processes and materials with minimal impact on the bottom line," Ms Skyring said.
It is expected the renovation will be complete by the end of the year, with the full team of 120 staff moving in immediately afterwards.
The move to a new building is part of a year of change for Conics staff.
In February, Queensland development services consultants C&B and PMM merged with economics and advisory specialists Core Economics and North Queensland's Pioneer Surveys to create Conics.
