A proposed office fitout for the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has been given the thumbs up by a parliamentary committee.

The parliamentary standing committee on public works has recommended that the Government approve the proposed project to be located in the New Acton precinct, Canberra.

The proposed $20.5 million project will provide the Department with a purpose-designed office, showcasing the latest green technologies.

Under the proposal, the office will feature a number of energy efficient and environmentally sustainable features, including operable windows, mechanical louvres for night-time cooling, exposed structural concrete to moderate temperature fluctuations, underfloor air distribution, and a 400-kilowatt solar electricity panel.

Committee chair, Senator Jan McLucas, welcomed the project’s careful consideration of environmental sustainability.

“This proposal puts the Commonwealth in a leading-edge occupancy, and demonstrates the significant savings that can be made by innovative and creative fitout design,” she said.

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a motion to approve the works this week.