Infrastructure supporting science
Weed biocontrol researcher Hugh Gourlay inside the new invertebrate containment facility
Smart ICT systems
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are integral to the way a science organisation works. We are part of the ultrafast Kiwi Advanced Research and Education Network (KAREN), which allows us to routinely move multi–GB files between sites quickly and efficiently. This is key to developing new ways of working and delivering high–tech data management, processing, modelling and visualisation applications from our research and databases. KAREN has also allowed us to extend our videoconferencing capability to connect with up to 10 or 12 other university and CRI sites simultaneously. This is of significant benefit for researchers working on collaborative projects that span national and international boundaries, and is opening up new opportunities such as real–time remote microscopy to improve access to NZAC primary type specimens. This has the potential to improve the speed and accuracy of biosecurity identifi cations, and facilitate biosystematics research without having to send the fragile specimens themselves.
We have continued to refine and improve internal e–management systems such as collaborative workspaces, a system developed in–house specifically to deliver multiple benefi ts for improved project tracking and reporting, and easy–to–use administration tools such as online approvals for company credit cards. Our library now has many electronic resources and online journals that staff can access via our intranet. Remote access to our systems now allows staff to be more flexible in when and where they work, including travelling overseas, in the field or working from home.
New invertebrate containment facility (ICF)
The new facility was opened by the Minister of Conservation, the Hon. Kate Wilkinson, at Lincoln in April 2010. Investing in the construction of a new containment building was essential for the continuation of our biocontrol of weeds programme and other research. The old, leased facility was expensive to run and maintain, and increasingly unreliable. The new facility is designed to be resource–effi cient and provide more flexibility to meet research needs.
Before commencing the project, our Lincoln Site Manager completed Green Star training. We used draft material from the Ministry for the Environment’s green building toolkit (www. Build360.org.nz) to guide design and construction stages, including materials use and waste management. Operational functionality includes rainwater–harvesting and energy–effi cient design.
Energy management at our Auckland site
Despite signifi cant investment in Building Management System upgrades, energy usage at our Auckland building continued to exceed design targets. This year, in partnership with Energy Solution Providers, we installed further energy meters that enabled us to identify problem areas and signifi cantly reduce our energy use. Given this success, we plan to roll out a similar system across our other major sites in 2010.
Back–up electricity generators
This year, we installed back–up generators at both our Lincoln and Auckland sites to provide security of service, including phones and computer networks, during power outages. This was a major investment in ensuring business continuity during short–term outages through to major civil emergencies.
Building refurbishments
This year we upgraded the entrance and reception areas at our Palmerston North site. As with all facility refurbishments, we used sustainable furnishings and fi ttings including Resene paints, Life fabrics and Interface carpet tiles.