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BUILDING CONNECTION Spring 2019
GOING GREENWITH GEOTHERMAL
F
or a number of years now, the
Plumbing Industry Climate
Action Centres (PICAC) have
been providing integrated education
and training programs in advanced
areas of plumbing and gasfitting in
Brunswick and Geelong, Victoria.
PICAC’s facilities are second to none
and include the Fire Protection Centre
of Excellence, the Occupational Health
and Safety Centre of Excellence, a
demonstration Green Plumbing House,
world class reticulated water systems,
the newest technology in water and
energy efficiency. By its own admission,
showcasing the world’s very best,
leading edge technology means PICAC
is training the plumbers of tomorrow,
today.
Such has been the success of PICAC
in Brunswick, Victoria, that in November
2014 the Andrews Government
announced it would support the
development of two new PICACs in
Geelong and Narre Warren. With the
Geelong site successfully completed
and now delivering training, we were
eager to see where things were at in
Melbourne’s southeast. Needless to say,
it’s an impressive structure, both in a
tangible and intangible sense.
“The building itself incorporates
contemporary plumbing product. But
we’ve gone beyond that. The plumbing
is a proud aspect of the building, so
at every opportunity we’re looking to
expose it. Plant rooms are glassed
features and pipework is exposed
wherever possible,” says PICAC chief
executive officer Shayne La Combre.
As has been the case with all PICAC
buildings, ideas and inspiration
have been drawn from across the
globe, to ensure the centre remains
contemporary while delivering training
excellence for the industry.
“The biggest challenge for plumbing
training, or any sort of training really,
With a vision to expand its reach and training capabilities, a new Plumbing Industry Climate Action
Centre is landing in Melbourne’s southeast. And it’s sporting an impressive geothermal system that’s
putting this facility on the map, for all the right reasons.
Building Connection
reports.
SMART BUILDING