Providing feedback
This document is to be used to provide feedback on the credits that fall under all of the categories.
To submit the document please complete the following steps:
1. Download form from and save to your desktop.
2. Fill out form with your feedback and save pdf
3. Email form to [email protected]
Name:
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Email address:
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2
Table of contents
Responsible 4
5
8
11
15
18
20
21
24
27
Industry development
Responsible construction
Verification and handover
Operational waste
Responsible procurement
Responsible products explainer
Responsible structure
Responsible envelope
Responsible systems
Responsible finishes 30
Healthy 33
34
37
41
45
48
Clean air
Light quality
Exposure to toxins
Noise levels
Amenity and comfort
Human connection to nature 50
Resilient 53
54
58
Climate change resilience
Systems resilience
Community resilience
Grid optimisation 60
Positive 64666971
778184
Upfront carbon emissions
Energy use
Energy source
Other carbon sources
Tenant emissions
Water use
Impacts from resources 88 3
Places 8293959799
101
People movement
Goods movement
Enjoyable places
Activated places
Contribution to place
Access to amenity 103
People 106107111113116
Nature 126127130133136138140
Leadership 143144Leadership in sustainability
Innovation challenges 146
62
119122
124
Social construction impactsCommunity engagementCulture, identity and heritageSocial procurement Design for inclusionPrivacyDesign quality
Impacts to natureBiodiversity enhancement Nature stewardshipNature connectivityOffsite restoration Waterway protection
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
All credits, due to GSAP involvement
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Industry development
The following must be met.
Green Star Accredited Professional
Engage a Green Star Accredited Professional (Green Star AP) to provide Green Star advice,
support and information to the project team. The Green Star AP must be contractually engaged as
part of the core project team for the duration of the project.
The Green Star AP must be enrolled in the Green Building Council of Australia's Continuous
Professional Development (CPD) program and must have valid credentials for the duration of their
engagement (schematic design through to practical completion).
Financial transparency
The project team discloses the cost of sustainable building practices of the project including
design, construction and documentation to the GBCA.
This information will be anonymised by the GBCA and included as an aggregate as part of an
annual report to inform industry on the cost of Green Star. No project, owner or consultant will be
identifiable.
Marketing excellence
The Project must develop and implement a strategy to market, detail and explain the benefits of
sustainable building practices. As part of this work, the benefits of sustainable building practices
and Green Star certification must be present and accessible in a public part of the project. Finally,
it is a requirement that the project’s marketing team provides a well-developed case study to the
GBCA for publication.
The project team also displays their Green Star certification on the main building entry or foyer in a
prominent location.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Green Star AP
The Green Star AP must be an active participant in the
project team and provide advice and support to ensure that
the project team has access to information covering Green
Star principles, structure, timing and process. This includes:
The Green Star AP must provide at least one workshop on
the above topics and participate in meetings and
workshops; review all documentation for compliance with
Green Star; and be responsible for the preparation and
execution of the Green Star submission(s) for certification.
Financial transparency
The project team must provide the project's financial data in
a format that is consistent across all projects. To achieve
this, the Disclosure Template must be submitted in Excel
format with the project’s Green Star submission, not as a
PDF. All supporting documentation, including the
Submission Template, should be submitted as a PDF. The
Disclosure Template is available on the GBCA website.
Project teams must use the latest available version.
Marketing excellence
It is required that the project undertake market research on
the investment drivers of end-users of the building to inform
the Marketing Strategy. Drivers include the needs of likely
investors, occupants or staff. Note that this is not intended
to be generic market research based on published reports.
A targeted and effective strategy can only be achieved
through dedicated market research that involves the project
itself and potential likely end-users.
The Marketing Strategy must address the identified drivers
and relate them to sustainability measures implemented.
The project must demonstrate in its submission the
implementation of the marketing strategy and provide
developed samples at the time of the project’s Green Star
submission. This includes how information on the benefits of
sustainability has been included in a public and prominent
way within the building (or sales office).
This credit builds into the main framework of the
New Buildings rating tool two successful
Innovation Challenges from Green Star - Design
and As-Built rating tool. The detailed
requirements of the credit criteria have not
changed from the Design and As-Built rating
tool.
Transformation of the industry towards
sustainable buildings requires multiple factors
working together. This includes having
sustainability embedded in a project early on
through an accredited professional, being able to
use data to report the cost of sustainability and
being able to promote and market the benefits of
sustainability to end-users. This credit brings
together these elements to ensure the industry
continues to innovate and improve.
The development facilitates industry transformation through partnership, collaboration and data sharing.
• Eligibility
• Environmental categories
• Point allocation and scores
• Documentation and
compliance requirements
• Technical questions
• Certification process;
• Green Star branding
and marketing.
5
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Handover and tenant engagement (Responsible)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√√ √
Industry development
This credit is is awarded where the Applicant carries out a pre and post occupancy survey on staff
or occupants (where known) and achieves a satisfaction rate of 65th to 80th percentile.
The Survey muse be project specific and address occupant satisfaction, including the assessment
of occupant wellbeing and interaction with the development including the internal environment,
provided amenities and place strategies. Specific topics to include in the survey include:
• Indoor air quality – outdoor air, stuffiness;
• Thermal comfort – indoor temperature, air speed or drafts, access to controls;
• Acoustic comfort – internal noise, noise levels from HVAC, noise from outside; and
• Building cleanliness – cleanliness, odours, maintenance.
Survey results must be shared with the GBCA.
Where the building is speculative, the pre-occupancy survey does not need to be performed until a
tenant has been signed up, provided such tenant is occupying another space.
For Design rating projects or As Built rating projects, a commitment from the owner is required. If
the asset is intended for sale, the new owner must commit to the survey, or the point will be
removed from the project’s final score.
The following surveys are recognised as being suitable for this credit:
• Building Occupant Satisfaction Survey Australia (BOSSA);
• Occupant Indoor Environment Quality survey; and
• Building User Survey.
This credit is applicable to all sector types.
The survey must be completed by a representative portion
of the occupants and building users. Additional guidance
will be provided around sample size and precision in order
to determine a statistically significant outcome.
This credit builds into the Green Star for
New Buildings rating tool an Innovation
Challenge Occupant engagement from Green
Star – Design and As-Built.
The actual sustainability performance of assets is
poorly understood by the industry and the
occupants of those assets.
While energy and water are closely monitored
during building operation, indicators such as
improvements to productivity, reduced sick leave
and the costs of running complex systems are
not.
This credit aims to encourage owners,
developers and operators to perform regular
occupancy studies on the operating asset. In the
interest of increasing transparency, it also
encourages the public disclosure of the data and
benefits of achieving the benchmarks through a
Green Star rating.
The development facilitates industry transformation through partnership, collaboration and data sharing.
6
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Do you agree with promoting the Financial transparency, Marketing excellence and
Occupant engagement Innovation Challenges into the rating tools?
• In your opinion would this credit, and the data it generates, contribute to developing
and improving industry?
• Is there anything else that could be included within this credit?
Industry development
7
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
The builder’s construction practices promote the reduction of impacts and promote opportunities for improved environmental outcomes.
Social construction practices (People)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
None
√ √
The project demonstrates that it is managing its construction impacts by:
• Developing and implementing a project specific best practice Environmental Management
Plan; and
• The Responsible Party has a certified Environmental Management System in place for the
duration of construction; and
• Diverting at least 80% of its construction and demolition waste from landfill.
Environmental Management Plan
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) must be project specific and cover the scope of
construction activities. It must be implemented from the start of construction including any
excavation and demolition works.
The NSW Environmental Management Systems Guidelines contains requirements of EMPs which
is considered best practice.
Environmental Management System
The Responsible Party is defined as the head contractor, principle contractor or similar.
For projects valued at less than $10 million, the responsible party has an Environmental
Management System (EMS) that complies with either the NSW Environmental
Management System Guidelines or a recognised standard.
For projects valued at over $10 million, the responsible party has an Environmental Management
System certified to a recognised standard such as AS/NZS ISO 14001, BS 7750 o the European
Community’s EMAS.
The EMS may be stand-alone, or part of an integrated management system and must be valid for
the duration of construction activities.
Construction and Demolition waste diversion
Waste to be measured in kilograms and diversion rate to be calculated as a proportion of all waste
generated from construction activities.
A Disclosure Statement is required from waste contractors and processing facilities outlining how
they and their reporting complies with the Green Star Construction and Demolition Waste
Reporting Criteria.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. The credit introduces Minimum
expectations which have been taken from the
Green Star – Design & As Built rating tool. The
construction and demolition waste diversion
target has been reduced in the Minimum
expectation to facilitate resource recovery that is
achievable by most projects.
The Green Star for New Building rating tool is
introducing a series of Minimum expectations
across a number of categories in order to drive
improved performance that takes a holistic view
of design and construction activities. The
Construction practices Minimum expectation
draws on credits from the Design and As Built
rating tool in order to promote the reduction of
impacts and identification of opportunities for
improving environmental outcomes during
construction.
Regarding reducing C&D waste target, feedback
indicates that when a building structure is
retained during a major renovation, achieving
higher waste to landfill diversion is particularly
challenging, as there are many small waste
streams. Thus, a higher percentage would create
a significant barrier to uptake.
Responsible construction
8
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Social construction practices (People)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
None
√ √
Responsible construction
Projects must divert at least 90% of construction and demolition waste from landfill and comply
with the GBCA's Waste Reporting Criteria. Projects must also achieve the Environmental
Management Plan and Environmental Management System components of the Minimum
expectation.
Refer to Minimum expectation for applicability & guidance. No changes have been proposed from Green
Star - Design & As Built rating tool.
Not applicable.
The builder’s construction practices promote the reduction of impacts and opportunities for improved environmental outcomes.
9
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Do you agree with the Minimum expectations?
• Do you agree with the proposed construction and demolition waste diversion target
for the Minimum expectation and Credit achievement?
• Should there be an expectation to comply with GBCA's Waste Reporting criteria?
(For Credit achievement). Should this document be updated? Why?
Responsible construction
10
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
The building’s systems have been commissioned and tuned and have been handed over to the management team for operation.
Clean air (Healthy); Energy use (Positive)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
None
√ √ √ √
The building must be commissioned and tuned to a high standard. In addition, it has the relevant
infrastructure to allow for future monitoring of energy and water consumption. Finally all relevant
building and maintenance information has been provided to the future management.
Environmental performance targets
The project team must set and document environmental performance targets for the project. A
description of the basic functions, operations, and maintenance of the nominated building systems
must be provided. There must be clear targets for the project energy and water consumption and
energy and water budgets for all nominated building systems.
Services and maintainability review
Prior to construction, the project team must conduct a services and maintainability review of the
building. The review must include the head contractor, the owner’s representative, and the
commissioning agents. The review must consider the commissionability, controllability,
maintainability, operability, and safety of all proposed systems. It must be signed off by all involved
parties.
Building commissioning
During and prior to practical completion, all building systems must be commissioned in accordance
with a recognised commissioning standard (CIBSE or ASHRAE commissioning guides).
The contractual tender or construction documentation must list the commissioning requirements for
each system. It is not sufficient to state that systems must be commissioned to the relevant
standard.
As part of the commissioning of the building, and air tightness test must be performed to ensure
design air tightness targets as described in the Energy use credit are being met.
Building systems tuning
The owner or developer must contractually commit to a tuning process that includes quarterly
adjustments and measurements for at least the first 12 months after occupation.
Metering and monitoring
The building must have accessible energy and water metering for all common uses, major uses,
and major sources. The metering solution must assist to manage energy and water consumption
for the building. In addition, the meters must be connected to a monitoring system capable of
capturing and processing the data produced by the meters and present data consumption trends.
All meters and metering systems must be commissioned and validated in accordance with the
most current ‘Validating Non-Utility Meters for NABERS Ratings’ protocol. Alternative protocols are
acceptable provided they are of similar scope and nature. They must also be capable of producing
alerts if any inaccuracies in the meter network are found. Inaccuracies are defined as in excess of
meter tolerances (e.g. ‘Class 1’ meters shall not have inaccuracies of more than 1% due to
metering accuracy class). The Monitoring systems to be continual (15mins to 1hr interval readings)
and meter accuracy reconciled to appropriate standards, including, but not limited to, NABERS
Protocol or National Measurement Institute (NMI) standards.
This credit applies to all building sectors.
For components 1-4, guidance for each component as per
Green Star – Design & As Built Submission Guidelines.
Metering and monitoring
Where the building’s Gross Floor Area (excluding car
parking areas) is smaller than 1000 m2, unless specialist
equipment is present in the building, a single meter for
energy and a single meter for water will comply with this
minimum requirement.
In Green Star Design & As Built this credit was
referred to as the Commissioning and Tuning
credit.
In Green Star – Design & As Built, air
permeability targets were specified. This credit
instead requires project teams to set their own
targets as per the Energy use credit. If they meet
those targets, then the minimum requirement is
met.
The credit now requires project teams to set their
own air permeability targets in the Energy use
credit. As a minimum expectation, these targets
must be met.
Verification and handover
11
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Clean air (Healthy); Energy use (Positive)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √
Verification and handover
Independent commissioning agent
The building has been independently commissioned to perform.
The activities in the minimum expectations criteria must be performed under the supervision of an
Independent Commissioning Agent. The Independent Commissioning Agent must advise, monitor,
and verify the commissioning and tuning of the nominated building systems throughout the design,
tender, construction, commissioning and tuning phases. They must also provide advice during the
services and maintainability review.
The specified verification and handover requirements must be overseen by a qualified independent
commissioning professional (separate from the design team) who is engaged directly by the
client/building owner and reports directly to the owner (or the owner’s representative).
An Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) fulfils the roles of this criterion. A facilities manager
employed by the client qualified in the commissioning of these systems also fulfils the roles of this
criterion.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. There are no changes from Green Star – Design
& As Built.
Not applicable.
The building’s systems have been commissioned and tuned and have been handed over to the management team for operation.
12
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Clean air (Healthy); Energy use (Positive)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √
Verification and handover
The future facilities management team have been part of the commissioning and onboarding
process and have all the relevant information required to operate the building to its maximum
potential.
Soft landings framework
To achieve exceptional performance a building must be designed, built, commissioned, and tuned
by adopting a ‘Soft Landings’ approach.
The facilities management team for the building must be involved in the commissioning and
handover process. The facilities management team must be involved in the development of a
succinct technical guide for the building and the building operations and maintenance manual. The
facilities management team must sign-off on the operations and maintenance manual.
The facilities management team must be trained prior to handover. The training must include a
demonstration of the building management system and any control mechanisms. The
demonstration must be comprehensive and allow for additional items to be developed, such as log
books or other manuals.
The facilities management team should have continued access to key design and construction
team for two years after practical completion to allow for transitioning the responsibility for the
building.
Where the facilities management team is unknown, this exceptional performance cannot be
claimed.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors
Soft landings
For information on how to implement a “Soft Landings’
approach, please see https://www.bsria.com/uk/consultancy
/project-improvement/soft-landings/
A soft landings approach helps to address any performance gaps between design intentions and
operational outcomes. It sets the building up to continue delivering sustainable outcomes after design
and construction are complete. The soft landings approach is a process credits that ultimately aims to
deliver a better-performing product.
The building’s systems have been commissioned and tuned and have been handed over to the management team for operation.
13
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Do you support the proposal that all Green Star buildings must conduct an air
permeability test?
• Do you agree with project teams setting their own air permeability rates that must be
met? Or should there be specified targets?
• Is a soft landings approach worthy or Exceptional performance, or should this fall
under the Credit achievement?
• What additional guidance should this credit provide?
Verification and handover
14
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Operational waste is able to be recovered in a safe and easy manner.
Goods movement (Places)
Goal 13 (Climate Action); Goal 12 (Responsible Construction and Production)
None
√ √
Waste facilities in buildings shall be designed to allow for resource recovery from point of
generation through to collection.
Separation of waste streams
The building must provide bins or storage containers to building occupants to enable them to
separate their waste. These bins must be labelled and easy to access, and evenly distributed
throughout the building. They must also allow for segregating the following as a minimum:
• Paper and cardboard;
• Glass and plastics;
• Organic waste; and
• General waste.
If a project generates a high-volume of waste in a stream not listed above (e.g. hospital or
industrial building) then it must also be included in addition to the above.
Dedicated waste storage
The building must have an appropriately sized dedicated storage area for consolidating the waste
streams. The storage area must be sized to accommodate all bins or containers, for all applicable
waste streams, for at least 2 days' worth of waste. The calculations used to demonstrate the area
provided is adequately sized to handle the recyclable waste streams specified must be based on:
• Waste generated by project; and
• Collection frequency for each waste stream.
The calculations for waste generation rates must be based on figures outlined within third-party
best practice guidelines.
It is acceptable to provide more than one dedicated storage area when providing the appropriate
waste storage space for the project. However, all storage areas dedicated to recycling must meet
all the applicable requirements.
Access to waste storage area
Storage areas must allow for safe and easy access by collection vehicles.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Offsite recycling
Where recyclable waste is taken off-site to be sorted and
hence equipment for the different recyclable waste streams
will not be provided, demonstrate that suitable off site
separation of recyclables is to be implemented either by
demonstrating standard recyclable pick up services are
available or through a contract for the waste to be removed
and sorted. In both cases, demonstration that the waste is
to be sorted into the streams, is required by the compliance
requirements of this credit.
Third-party best practice guidelines
The City of Sydney’s Policy for Waste Minimisation in New
Developments 2005 (Sections A and C on access and
Appendix B on waste generation rates) is a recognised
third-party best practice guideline that may be used to
calculate waste generation rates (Dedicated waste storage)
and justify access arrangements (Access to waste storage
area).
Other third-party best practice guidelines, issued by other
city councils or other waste authorities, may also be used.
Referenced documents
The following documents are referred to in this credit:
City of Sydney's 'Policy for Waste Minimisation in New
Development's October 2005 (or latest
available): https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/ass
ets/pdf_file/0018/120384/WasteCodeForNewDevelopments.
The sizing of the area for storing waste has been
increased from accommodating at least one
collection cycle worth of waste to 2 days’ worth.
This is due to feedback and data being received
that some buildings do not have a daily
collection and this results in health and safety
issues.
Organic waste has been identified as a separate waste stream.
The provision of storage and collection areas that
are able to be serviced in a safe and efficient
manner has been introduced as a Minimum
expectation, as this has been raised as an issue
by industry resulting from the Consultation
Paper.
As organic waste accounts for over half of all
waste generated, treating it as a separate waste
stream to be recycled will greatly facilitate a
reduction of waste going to landfill.
Where buildings are delivered without the
supporting infrastructure to facilitate resource
recovery, it creates ongoing operational issues
that becomes costly to building operators.
Further, this often results in elaborate and
complex operational solutions to deal with an
ongoing waste issue. This can then create
health and safety issues for the building
operator.
All buildings should be designed and constructed
to allow for source segregation and promote an
easy transfer of waste from to the collection
point For this reason, all buildings being rated
under Green Star are expected to have the
infrastructure to manage waste safely in place.
Operational waste
15
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Goods movement (Places)
Goal 13 (Climate Action); Goal 12 (Responsible Construction and Production)
None
√ √
Operational waste
Qualified waste auditor
Credit achievement is awarded where a qualified waste professional prepares an Operational
Waste Management Plan and that the mechanisms are in place to ensure this plan is implemented
during in the building's operations.
Projects shall demonstrate they have operational waste management contracts in place in
accordance with the requirements of the Operational Waste Management Plan.
A qualified waste auditor must prepare an Operational Waste Management Plan (OWMP) in
accordance with the Better Buildings Partnership Operational Waste Guidelines. The Plan must
include the following as a minimum:
• Identify the site boundary;
• Predicted waste streams' quantities;
• Set waste generation targets (Kg per operational day), as well as monitoring and measurement
procedures for waste and recycling streams by weight;
• Outline approaches to facilitate waste minimisation and recycling;
• Identify management practices to enable for a safe and smooth transfer of waste from point of
generation to collection;
• Outline the approach to ensure ease of use by building users, such equitable access to waste
and recycling collection points;
• Identify location of storage facilities and safe methods for vehicle access and transfer;
• Outline data collection and monitoring framework;
• Nominate who is responsible for implementing, monitoring, and auditing the OWMP in the
building operational phase; and
• Strategies for continuous improvement based on outcomes against reported targets.
• A requirement for any waste contractor to be certified under GECA’s Waste Services Collection
Standard.
Waste collection responsibilities must be clearly included in:
1. Cleaning contract, or where the project owner is not responsible for cleaning, requirements in
place for cleaners to collect each waste stream identified for, separately; and
2. Waste collection contract in place, specifically identifying each waste stream which has been
identified for collection.
Separation of waste streams
For credit achievement, it is also essential that organics be introduced as a separate waste stream.
Like with the other waste streams, the organics bin must be labelled and easily accessed.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Qualified Waste Auditor
A qualified waste auditor is defined as one of the following:
• An auditor holding Environmental Management Systems
Auditor certification issued by Exemplar Global (formerly
RABQSA Inc.). To find a certified auditor, refer to the
‘Search for Certified Individuals’ section of the Exemplar
Global website
(https://exemplarglobal.org/certification/what-we-
offer/search-for-certified-individuals-or-organizations/);
• An auditor employed by a waste management
organisation, possessing a minimum of five years’
experience, working in waste auditing in the built
environment, with specific experience in undertaking
waste audits in line with guidelines issued by State/
Territory waste authorities;
• A waste auditor or waste specialist, working for a
consultant, building owner or contractor, possessing a
minimum of three years’ experience developing
OWMPs; or
• An auditor who has undertaken at least one NABERS
Waste audit as a certified assessor.
The Better Building Partnerships Operational Waste
Guidelines are available here.
Waste generation targets
The updated credit requires the project to set
waste generation target.
Organic waste
Organic waste has been added as a collection
waste stream.
Cleaning contracts
Cleaning contracts for waste providers has been
introduced.
Waste generation targets
This is in line with industry best practice. It shifts
the focus of the credit from diversion from landfill
to waste avoidance.
Organic waste
Organic waste has significant environmental
impacts and there are an abundance
of opportunity for positive use. Furthermore, it
constitutes a large and ever-increasing portion of
waste generated in building.
Cleaning contracts
This is in line with industry best practice.
Operational waste is able to be recovered in a safe and easy manner.
16
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Do you support the introduction of organics as a waste stream? Does this present
any barriers or challenges for projects?
• For the minimum requirement, there is the statement that any significant waste
stream generated that is not paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, organic waste, and
general waste it must be included. What should the threshold be for there to be a
requirement to include it?
• Do you support the introduction of operational waste requirements in cleaning
contracts? Should there be additional requirements for this component of the
credit?
• Do you support the inclusion of an increase in storage area to two days’ worth?
• Do you agree with the introduction of a requirement for waste contractors to be
GECA certified?
Operational waste
17
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Responsible structure, Responsible façade, Responsible systems, Responsible finishes (Responsible); Social procurement, Social construction practices (People)
Goal 8 (Decent work and economic growth); Goal 10 (Reduced inequalities); Goal 12 (Sustainable consumption and production)
GRESB
√ √
Responsible procurement
This credit is awarded where the project can demonstrate that its procurement processes drive
positive environmental, social and economic outcomes across its design and construction life
cycle. In order to achieve this, the procurement process must follow ISO 20400 Guidelines and the
project must demonstrate active efforts to address at least one identified risk and opportunity in its
supply chain.
The Project must firstly undertake a risk and opportunities assessment of its supply chain to
identify environmental and social risks. The risk assessment must take a life cycle approach (that
is, consider risk further down the supply chain, such as in the extraction, manufacture or transport
of key materials). While risks across the following critical issues may not be identified, they must
be considered:
• Human rights;
• Labour practices;
• The environment;
• Fair operating practices;
• Consumer issues; and
• Community involvement and development.
The project must develop and implement Responsible/ Sustainable Procurement Plan/ Strategy to
mitigate and manage identified risks and drive implementation of identified opportunities. This can
be part of an organisational Strategy/ Plan or a stand-alone Plan/ Strategy.
The plan must:
• Identify environmental and social procurement project objectives reflecting the risks and
opportunities assessment;
• Identify targets related to environmental, social and economic objectives in the supply chain
and a measurement process for tracking these;
• Stipulate clear actions to mitigate and address at least one risk and opportunity identified in its
supply chain;
• Establish clear governance structures to ensure implementation of the Plan/ Strategy including
roles and responsibilities for implementation and monitoring of all procurement and
contracts; and
• Establish monitoring requirements on site as well as internal reporting requirements
to measure impacts and outcomes as well as benefits realised.
Contracts must require data collection, monitoring and reporting; and a framework for incentivising
the achievement of Plan/ Strategy.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
ISO 20400:2017 provides guidance to organisations,
independent of their activity or size, on integrating
sustainability within procurement. The procurement process
must include community involvement and development,
consumer issues, fair operating practices, the environment,
labour practices, and human rights. The standard also
addresses organisational requirements at the middle
management level, including what sort of governance you
should have, people management and training, stakeholder
engagement, prioritisation, reporting and grievance
processes. The last section sets out the procurement
process itself, including planning, sourcing and contract
management.
In terms of defining what environmental and social
objectives are desired, projects are encouraged to follow the
framework established by the Responsible (products)
credits. These are:
• Responsibility - Manufacturing avoids significant
environmental impact
• Transparency - Product impacts and content are
transparent and meet high standards
• Foresight - Manufacturer is preparing for future low-
carbon production and the circular economy
• Stewardship - Supply chain is operated ethically,
respecting human rights and lower environmental
impact.
There are linkages between this credit and the Social
procurement credit in the People category and the
Exceptional performance in the Social construction practices
credit as well as the materials related credits. If these
credits are targeted and achieved these credits can be used
to demonstrate actions to address identified risk and
opportunities as contained in the Responsible/ Sustainable
Procurement Plan/Strategy.
The act of procurement products and materials shapes the construction of the building far in advance
of its development. Like its sister credit Social Procurement in the People category, this credit aims to
use the procurement process to improve the environmental and social outcomes of the supply chain.
Ensuring there is a clear process in place to manage the procurement process helps guarantee the
use of preferential materials. While the rest of the Responsible (products) credits reward the project for
a high quantity of compliant products, this credit aims to ensure that a process exists to influence the
procurement regardless of whether the other credits are achieved or not. It also helps influence the
procurement of products not captured by those other credits.
The credit asks procurement professionals to use and embed best practices in the selection of
materials for the building. It also aims to ensure there is a clear process for product substitutions. By
outlining the projects objectives, linking them to relevant Green Star outcomes, and giving preference
to preferential products, all parties in the project are clear on what is relevant when selecting products
and installing them on the building.
The procurement process for all products, materials, and services follows best practice environmental and social principles.
18
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Is ISO 20400 the relevant standard for this credit? Are there others?
• Does the description of the plan articulate what is needed to achieve the credit?
• What other guidance would you like to see?
• Do you agree with the requirement that the procurement process be present at the
beginning of the construction process?
• Do you agree with the requirement to provide a narrative articulating the benefits that
the procurement process provided to the project as a compliance requirement?
Responsible procurement
19
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Responsible Products
Explainer
In this example, the project wants to achieve the Responsible structure credit, at the Credit achievement level.
To meet the proposed credit achievement, 80% of products (by cost) must meet a minimum score as per the Responsible Products Value Table * (to be released in January 2020).
For simplicity purposes, the structure consists of a timber core, timber horizontal beams, and a concrete foundation.
Collectively, the three components make up 80% (by cost): the timber core is 40%, the timber beams are 30%, and concrete is 10%. Other materials combined (e.g. reinforcing steel) make up the remaining 20%.
If the timber core, beams and the concrete meet the minimum score, they will meet the Credit achievement. For this example, let’s make that 10 points.
Let’s assume that after industry consultation, in the Responsible Products Value Table the following schemes are weighted according to below* (sample numbers only):
• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber = 5 points
• Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) certified timber = 5 points
• Reused product = 15 points
• Product specific Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) = 5 points
• Concrete with recycled content (30% reduced Portland cement, 40% recycled aggregate and 50% recycled water) = 5 points
The timber core is FSC certified and has a product specific EPD. It therefore scores 10 points, and meets the minimum score.
The timber beams are reused from another building that was demolished. As reused materials have a higher weighting, being a 15, these products comply too.
The building owner has a choice of two concrete manufactures, which offer the following:
• Supplier 1: Concrete with product specific EPD
• Supplier 2: Concrete with product specific EPD and with recycled content
If the building owner goes with supplier 1, then they do not meet the credit achievement, because the product only scores 5 points. The incentive is therefore for the owner to select supplier 2, as the material has higher credentials. If
they select supplier 2, they would comply as the material meets the score of 10.
The project would then meet the credit achievement, because 80% of the products that make up the structure meet a score of 10.
*The score per certification scheme will be released in January 2020. Weightings will be consulted widely on and include metrics such as: Transparency, third party verification, environmental impacts, social impacts, and ethical
impacts, to name a few.
The methodology for assessing Responsible Products-related credits has changed from Green Star – Design & As Built.
This page explains how the approach would work, with a simple, theoretical example. It applies to the following credits: Responsible structure; Responsible envelope; Responsible systems; and Responsible finishes.
The ‘Responsible Products Value Table ’ as mentioned below, will be released in January 2020. The GBCA are consulting with various working groups before releasing this for public consultation. Whilst the GBCA acknowledges the delay in releasing
this table, timeframes for consultation allows consideration of this. Should additional time be needed, the GBCA will consider this.
The reason for releasing credits before the Responsible Products Value Table is because we believe there is value in receiving industry feedback on the overall approach to the four credits.
Please email [email protected] if you would like to receive the Responsible Products Value Table when it is released.
Example
20
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Responsible procurement, Responsible envelope, Responsible systems, Responsible finishes (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √ √
Responsible structure
80% of all structural components by cost must meet the relevant sustainability attributes score.
Structural components are load bearing or those related to the stability of the building. Elements
that serve a dual purpose (e.g. load bearing façade) can be claimed in this and other credits.
The sustainability attributes score (known as the Responsible Products Value or RPV) is calculated
on a per product basis. Each product is scored based on the number of initiatives that it achieves
across four target areas:
• Responsibility - Manufacturing avoids significant environmental impact;
• Transparency - Product impacts and content are transparent and meet high standards;
• Foresight - Manufacturer is preparing for future low-carbon production and the circular
economy; and
• Stewardship - Supply chain is operated ethically, respecting human rights and lower
environmental impact
Each product must achieve a score of at least 10 or more.
Scores for each product can be obtained from the Green Star Product Register, or by using the
Responsible Products Value table. Scoring is cumulative, rewarding each initiative achieved. A
product can be compliant with one or more initiatives and each adds to the product's total score.
The percentage of structure that has a compliant score is used to determine compliance with the
credit.
An explainer on how products will be scored is included in this category pack.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Green Star Product Register
Via an online digital platform, the GBCA will be introducing
a directory of pre-approved products. The goal is to
ensure that products are approved once in Green Star, not
once per project.
Manufacturers will be able to provide GBCA with
information that shows that a product complies
with the requirements of the relevant credits. The product
will then be scored.
When a product is used that has a score in the Green Star
Product Register, the project team would provide a link to
the register and proof of use of the product in the project.
This is a register of compliant products documentation. It
is not an assessment of the products’ quality
or environmental attributes. We are assessing their
documentation, not their qualities.
Products not listed in the Green Star Products Register may
also be used. In these cases, the project team will be
required to provide proof of compliance to the initiatives in
the Responsible Products Value table.
Responsible Products Value table
Please refer to page 20 or further details.
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be
released for consultation in January 2020.
Please email [email protected] to be notified when
it is released.)
While this is effectively a new credit, it is inspired
by the current Sustainable products credit in
Green Star – Design & As Built. The primary
differences for this credit are:
• It focuses exclusively on the building
structure;
• Scoring for sustainability initiatives is
cumulative;
• A wider variety of sustainability initiatives are
available to pursue; and
• Incentives have been added to drive ongoing
improvement in sustainability of products
Separating the structure from other building
components is a strategic consideration by the
GBCA to drive innovation in this space.
The introduction of the four target
areas Responsibility, Transparency, Foresight,
and Stewardship – is to encourage
a holistic viewpoint when selecting products.
The building’s structure is comprised of responsibly manufactured products.
21
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Responsible procurement, Responsible envelope, Responsible systems, Responsible finishes (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √ √
Responsible structure
To calculate exceptional performance, a small proportion of the products in the building structure
must have a higher score than typical.
There are two pathways to show exceptional performance
• 10% of all products in the structure by cost each have a score of at least 15 (significant
improvement); or
• 30% of all products in the structure by cost have an average score of at least 12 (major
improvement).
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for changes. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
The building’s structure is comprised of responsibly manufactured products.
22
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Generally, do you agree with the proposed methodology?
• Is the 80% threshold reasonable for structural elements? Should this be by cost, or
something else?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
80% threshold? If not, what should the minimum score be?
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be released for consultation in January
2020. Please email [email protected] to be notified when it is released.)
• Do you agree with the Exceptional performance thresholds? If not, what should they
be?
Responsible structure
23
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Responsible procurement, Responsible structure, Responsible systems (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √
Responsible envelope
80% of all components in the building envelope by cost must meet the relevant sustainability
attributes score.
These envelopes are defined as those that surround a building such as the façade, and all façade
components such as external shading and insulation, as well as roofing systems. Elements that
serve a dual purpose (e.g. Solar panel that serves as a roof) can be claimed in this and other
credits.
The sustainability attributes score is calculated on a per product basis. Each product is scored
based on the number of initiatives that it achieves across four target areas:
• Responsibility - Manufacturing avoids significant environmental impact;
• Transparency - Product impacts and content are transparent and meet high standards;
• Foresight - Manufacturer is preparing for future low-carbon production and the
circular economy; and
• Stewardship - Supply chain is operated ethically, respecting human rights and
lower environmental impact
Each product that contributes towards the 80% (by cost) must achieve a score of at least 10 or
more.
Scores for each product can be obtained from the Green Star Product Register, or by using
the Responsible Products Value table. Scoring is cumulative, rewarding each initiative achieved. A
product can be compliant with one or more initiatives and each adds to the product's total score.
The percentage of envelope that has a compliant score is used to determine compliance with
the credit.
An explainer on how products will be scored is included in this category pack.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Green Star Product Register
Via an online digital platform, the GBCA will be
introducing a directory of pre-approved products. The goal is
to ensure that products are approved once in Green Star,
not once per project.
Manufacturers will be able to provide GBCA
with information that shows that a product
complies with the requirements of the relevant credits. The
product will then be scored.
When a product is used that has a score in the Green
Star Product Register, the project team would provide a link
to the register and proof of use of the product in the project.
This is a register of compliant products documentation.
It is not an assessment of the
products’ quality or environmental attributes. We are
assessing their documentation, not their qualities.
Products not listed in the Green Star Products Register
may also be used. In these cases, the project team will
be required to provide proof of compliance to the initiatives
in the Responsible Products Value table.
Responsible Products Value table
Please refer to page 20 for further details.
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be
released for consultation in January 2020.
Please email [email protected] to be notified
when it is released.)
While this is effectively a new credit, it is inspired
by the current Sustainable Products credit in
Green Star – Design & As Built. The primary
differences for this credit are:
• It focuses exclusively on the building
envelope;
• Scoring for sustainability initiatives is
cumulative;
• A wider variety of sustainability initiatives are
available to pursue; and
• Incentives have been added to drive
ongoing improvement in sustainability of
products
Separating the envelope from other building
components is a strategic consideration by the
GBCA to drive innovation in this space.
The introduction of the four target areas -
Responsibility, Transparency, Foresight, and
Stewardship – is to encourage a
holistic viewpoint when selecting products.
The building’s envelope is comprised of responsibly manufactured products.
24
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Responsible procurement, Responsible structure, Responsible systems (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √
Responsible envelope
To calculate exceptional performance, a small proportion of the products in the building envelope
must have a higher score than typical.
There are two pathways to show exceptional performance
• 10% of all products in the envelope by cost each have a score of at least 15 (significant
improvement); or
• 30% of all products in the envelop by cost have an average score of at least 12 (major
improvement)
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for changes. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
The building’s envelope is comprised of responsibly manufactured products.
25
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Is the 80% threshold reasonable? Should this be by cost, or another metric?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
80% threshold? If not, what should the minim score be?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
80% threshold? If not, what should the minimum score be?
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be released for consultation in January
2020. Please email [email protected] to be notified when it is released.)
Responsible envelope
26
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Responsible procurement, Responsible envelope, Responsible finishes (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √ √
Responsible systems
20% of all mechanical, hydraulic, transportation, and electrical systems by cost must meet the
relevant environmental and social attributes score. At least 10% of the systems for each discipline
(mechanical, hydraulic, transportation and electrical) must achieve the minimum score.
This credit addresses active systems. Passive systems such as a façade shading device are not
included. However, where an element is part of an active system, such as a solar panel that may
also serve as a roof, this can be counted in this and other credits.
The sustainability attributes score (known as the Responsible Products Value or RPV) is calculated
on a per product basis. Each product is scored based on the number of initiatives that it achieves
across four target areas:
• Responsibility - Manufacturing avoids significant environmental impact;
• Transparency - Product impacts and content are transparent and meet high standards;
• Foresight - Manufacturer is preparing for future low-carbon production and
the circular economy; and
• Stewardship - Supply chain is operated ethically, respecting human rights
and lower environmental impact
Each product that contributes towards the 20% (by cost) must achieve a score of at least 7 or
more.
Scores for each product can be obtained from the Green Star Product Register, or by using
the Responsible Products Value table. Scoring is cumulative, rewarding each initiative achieved. A
product can be compliant with one or more initiatives and each adds to the product's total score.
The percentage of systems that has a compliant score is used to determine compliance with
the credit.
An explainer on how products will be scored is included in this category pack.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Green Star Product Register
Via an online digital platform, the GBCA will be
introducing a directory of pre-approved products. The goal is
to ensure that products are approved once in Green Star,
not once per project.
Manufacturers will be able to provide GBCA
with information that shows that a product
complies with the requirements of the relevant credits. The
product will then be scored.
When a product is used that has a score in the Green
Star Product Register, the project team would provide a link
to the register and proof of use of the product in the project.
This is a register of compliant products documentation.
It is not an assessment of the products’ quality or environme ntal attributes. We are assessing their documentation, not
their qualities.
Products not listed in the Green Star Products Register
may also be used. In these cases, the project team will
be required to provide proof of compliance to the initiatives
in the Responsible Products Value table.
Responsible Products Value table
Please refer to page 20 for further details.
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be
released for consultation in January 2020.
Please email [email protected] to be notified
when it is released.)
While this is effectively a new credit, it is inspired
by the current credit in Green Star – Design
& As Built. The primary differences for this
credit are:
• It focuses exclusively on the building's
systems;
• Scoring for sustainability initiatives is
cumulative;
• A wider variety of sustainability initiatives are
available to pursue; and
• Incentives have been added to drive
ongoing improvement in sustainability of
products
Separating the systems from other building
components is a strategic consideration by the
GBCA to drive innovation in this space.
The introduction of the target areas -
Responsibility, Transparency, Foresight, and
Stewardship – is to encourage
a holistic viewpoint when selecting products.
The building’s mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems are comprised of responsibly manufactured products and materials.
27
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Responsible procurement, Responsible envelope, Responsible finishes (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √ √
Responsible systems
To calculate exceptional performance, a small proportion of the systems in the building must have
a higher score than typical.
There are two pathways to show exceptional performance
• 10% of all products in the building systems by cost each have a score of
at least 12 (significant improvement); or
• 30% of all products in the building systems by cost have an average score of
at least 9 (major improvement)
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for changes. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
The building’s mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems are comprised of responsibly manufactured products and materials.
28
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Is the 20% threshold reasonable? Should this be by cost, or another metric?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
20% threshold? If not, what should the minim score be?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
20% threshold? If not, what should the minimum score be?
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be released for consultation in January
2020. Please email [email protected] to be notified when it is released.)
Responsible systems
29
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Credit achievement
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Responsible procurement (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √
Responsible finishes
80% of all internal building finishes by area must meet the relevant sustainability attributes score.
Finishes include flooring, plasterboard, paints, ceilings, partitions, doors, internal windows or
similar. Area is calculated as the surface of the component facing the space. A
simplified calculation is acceptable. Where a component faces two spaces (e.g. a door), it is
counted once for each space.
The sustainability attributes score (known as the Responsible Products Value or RPV) is calculated
on a per product basis. Each product is scored based on the number of initiatives that it achieves
across four target areas:
• Responsibility - Manufacturing avoids significant environmental impact;
• Transparency - Product impacts and content are transparent and meet high standards;
• Foresight - Manufacturer is preparing for future low-carbon production and
the circular economy; and
• Stewardship - Supply chain is operated ethically, respecting human rights
and lower environmental impact
Each product that contributes towards the 80% (by area) must achieve a score of at least 7 or
more.
Scores for each product can be obtained from the Green Star Product Register, or by using
the Responsible Products Value table. Scoring is cumulative, rewarding each initiative achieved. A
product can be compliant with one or more initiatives and each adds to the product's total score.
The percentage of finishes that has a compliant score is used to determine compliance with
the credit.
An explainer on how products will be scored is included in this category pack.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Green Star Product Register
Via an online digital platform, the GBCA will be
introducing a directory of pre-approved products. The goal is
to ensure that products are approved once in Green Star,
not once per project.
Manufacturers will be able to provide GBCA
with information that shows that a product
complies with the requirements of the relevant credits. The
product will then be scored.
When a product is used that has a score in the Green
Star Product Register, the project team would provide a link
to the register and proof of use of the product in the project.
This is a register of compliant products documentation.
It is not an assessment of the
products’ quality or environmental attributes. We are
assessing their documentation, not their qualities.
Products not listed in the Green Star Products Register
may also be used. In these cases, the project team will
be required to provide proof of compliance to the initiatives
in the Responsible Products Value table.
Responsible Products Value table
Please refer to page 20 for further details.
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be
released for consultation in January 2020.
Please email [email protected] to be notified
when it is released.)
While this is effectively a new credit, it is inspired
by the current credit in Green Star – Design
& As Built. The primary differences for this
credit are:
• It focuses exclusively on the building's
finishes;
• Scoring for sustainability initiatives is
cumulative;
• A wider variety of sustainability initiatives are
available to pursue; and
• Incentives have been added to drive
ongoing improvement in sustainability of
products
Separating the finishes from other building
components is a strategic consideration by the
GBCA to drive innovation in this space.
The introduction of the four target areas -
Responsibility, Transparency, Foresight, and
Stewardship –is to encourage a holistic viewpoint
when selecting products
The building’s internal finishes are comprised of responsibly manufactured products and materials.
30
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Responsible procurement (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure)
None
√ √
Responsible finishes
To calculate exceptional performance, a small proportion of the products and materials used as
finishes must have a higher score than typical.
There are two pathways to show exceptional performance
• 10% of all products and materials used as finishes by area each have a score of
at least 12 (significant improvement); or
• 30% of all products and materials used as finishes by area have an average score of
at least 9 (major improvement)
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for changes. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
The building’s internal finishes are comprised of responsibly manufactured products and materials.
31
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit? Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
• Generally, do you agree with the proposed methodology?
• Is the 80% threshold reasonable? Should this be by area, or another metric?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
80% threshold? If not, what should the minim score be?
• Do you agree with the minimum score a product must meet to contribute towards the
80% threshold? If not, what should the minimum score be?
(Note: the Responsible Products Value table will be released for consultation in January
2020. Please email [email protected] to be notified when it is released.)
Responsible finishes
32
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Verification and handover (Responsible); Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Clean air
Ventilation system attributes
The building ventilation systems must be designed to comply with ASHRAE Standard 62.1:2013 in
regard to minimum separation distances between pollution sources and outdoor air intakes.
Any mechanical ventilation system within the building, whether existing or new, must be designed
to provide adequate access to both sides of all moisture and debris-catching components for
maintenance within the air distribution system.
All new and existing ductwork that serves the building must be cleaned prior to occupation in
accordance with recognised Standards. This includes all ductwork in the base building that serves
the building from the air handling unit(s) to the supply vents. If no ductwork exists, these
requirements are deemed to be met.
Provision of outdoor air
For mechanically ventilated or mixed-mode spaces, outdoor air is provided at a rate 50% greater
than the minimum required by AS 1668.2:2012, or CO2 concentrations are maintained below
800ppm.
For naturally ventilated spaces, the requirements of AS 1668.4-2012 are met. The nominated area
must be provided with the quantity of outdoor air appropriate for the activities and conditions in the
space. The systems provided must not rely on its operation or adjustment by the facility
management to achieve the required performance; the credit will only be awarded for permanent
building attributes.
The primary mode of ventilation is defined as how the ventilation system is expected to operate for
at least 70% of occupied hours. Standard hours of occupancy are defined design occupancy.
Exhaust or elimination of pollutants
It must be demonstrated that pollutants from printing and photocopying equipment, cooking
processes and equipment are limited from the nominated area by either:
• Removing the source of pollutants; or
• Exhausting the pollutants directly to the outside.
For the first option, sources of pollutants, such as printing or photocopy equipment, kitchen stoves
or vehicles, must be compliant with minimum emissions standards or not be present within the
nominated area.
For the second option, specified sources of pollutants shall be exhausted directly to the outside of
the project in accordance with a recognised Standard, and/or physically separated from
occupants.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
CO2 Benchmarks – Performance Based Approach
The GBCA notes that the CO2 ppm benchmark is used as a
proxy for a percentage increase in outdoor air levels and
they are not necessarily equivalent. Two options are
provided for flexibility.
Provision of Outdoor Air - Natural Ventilation
Areas that have heating and cooling provided by an air
conditioning system which does not include ducted outside
air ventilation (such as a wall mounted split system) are
considered a mechanically ventilated space.
Removing the Source of Pollutants
There is an allowance for base building projects to
demonstrate contractual obligations with the tenant to
comply with credit requirements where relevant.
Base building vs tenant guidance
The tenancy must be included if it is within the scope of the
rating (e.g. integrated fit out).
Where project delivery is base building only, the likely tenant
fit out should be considered within the design
and measurement phase.
The tenant fit out can be considered by either:
• The base building project demonstrating full compliance
with credit requirements;
• The base building project demonstrating
contractual obligation for all tenant fit out works to
comply with credit requirements; or
• A combination of the above.
General
The primary change from Green Star Design &
As-Built has been the separation of the credit
criteria into the minimum expectation criteria and
the credit achievement criteria.
The difference between the Minimum
expectation criteria and the credit achievement
criteria has been the difference in the
percentage and CO2 concentrations of outdoor
air provided by mechanically ventilated or mixed-
mode spaces. For the minimum expectation
criteria CO2 concentrations must be maintained
below 800ppm, whereas, for the credit
achievement the concentrations must remain
below 640ppm.
Clarification of naturally ventilated spaces
Added to guidance: Areas that have heating and
cooling provided by an air conditioning system
which does not include ducted outside air
ventilation (such as a wall mounted split system)
are considered a mechanically ventilated space.
General
Outdoor air provided at a rate 50% greater than
the minimum required by AS 1668.2:2012, or
CO2 concentrations are maintained
below 800ppm, is a reasonable expectation for
all buildings targeting Green Star.
To be rewarded for outdoor air or CO2
concentrations, projects must go beyond these
requirements.
Clarification of naturally ventilated spaces
This introduction is intended to disallow projects
from providing a design that includes natural
ventilation through a facade, but with air
conditioning (AC) for space heating / cooling
only. While the AC system does not provide
ventilation, it will likely result in a highly inefficient
design for energy consumption, Projects should
either:
• Design their naturally ventilated projects with
passive features and/or ceiling fans to ensure
occupants are comfortable; or
• If AC is provided, it should be an OA ducted
system and not rely on natural ventilation
through a façade.
Without the above clarification, a project may
provide AC and natural ventilation, which could
result in heated/cooled air flowing in and out of
the façade uncontrolled.
Pollutants entering the building are minimised, and a high level of fresh air is provided to
ensure levels of indoor pollutants are maintained at acceptable levels.
34
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Verification and handover (Responsible); Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Clean air
The criteria for credit achievement in Clean air is the same as the Minimum expectation, with the
only change being the following:
• For mechanically ventilated or mixed-mode spaces, outdoor air is provided at a rate 100%
greater than the minimum required by AS 1668.2:2012, or CO2 concentrations are maintained
below 650ppm.
Refer to Minimum expectation for applicability & guidance. CO2 levels have dropped to 650ppm from
700ppm in Green Star – Design & As Built.
Industry feedback indicates 650% is best
practice. The GBCA are wanting to consult on
this level.
Pollutants entering the building are minimised, and a high level of fresh air is provided
to ensure levels of indoor pollutants are maintained at acceptable levels.
35
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the provision of outdoor air rates and CO2 concentrations? For
both the minimum requirement and the credit achievement?
• Do you agree with the guidance on naturally ventilated spaces?
• Are the base building and tenancy requirements reasonable?
• Is 650 ppm achievable for all building types and locations (i.e. CBD vs. regional
buildings)?
Clean air
36
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Light quality
Minimum lighting comfort
All occupied spaces must comply. Where no lighting system is being provided in the occupied
areas, only comply with the daylight expectations.
All lighting must be flicker-free.
Light sources must have a minimum Colour Rendering Index (CRI) average R1 to R8 of 80 or
higher. Light sources must also have an CRI R9 of 50 or higher. If a specific activity requires a
lower CRI, the project can justify its exclusion, in accordance with Table 7.2 in AS1680.1:2006.
Best practice lighting levels for each task within each space type is defined as lighting with a
maintained illuminance that meets the levels recommended in the relevant Standard. Guidance for
different space types and activity types are listed in AS1680. The maintained Illuminance values
must achieve a uniformity of no less than that specified in Table 3.2 of AS 1680.1:2006, with an
assumed standard maintenance factor of 0.8. Where recommended maintained illuminance values
for a particular space are not specified, the values to be used must relate to the closest type of
task as defined in AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 Table 3.1.
For residential spaces, the lighting design includes or permits general fixed lighting that provides
good maintained illuminance values for the entire room; and the installed fittings all have a
rated colour variation not exceeding 3 MacAdam Ellipses (decorative fittings being exempt).
Glare
Glare from all lamps must be minimised in accordance with AS1680.1.
Daylight
For non-residential buildings, at least 20% of the primary spaces per floor or tenancy (whichever is
smaller) must receive high levels of daylight.
For residential buildings, 40% of the combined living and bedroom area of each apartment unit
must comply with the daylight requirements, or, 70% of bedroom and apartment areas must
receive at least 2 hours of daylight access, whichever is the largest amount of daylight.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Flicker-free lights
Flicker-free lighting refers to luminaires that have either:
• A minimum Class A1 & A2 ballast for all fluorescent
lighting;
• Electronic ballasts for all High Intensity Discharge (HID)
lighting;
• Electronic drivers that feature 12-bit or greater resolution
for all Light-emitting Diode (LED) lighting; or
• High frequency ballasts for all other lighting types
Daylight has been introduced as a minimum
requirement. The threshold has been set at
20%.
Incandescent (including Halogen dichroic (e.g.
low-voltage downlights), and High-Intensity
Discharge (e.g. metal halide, low/high pressure
sodium) are not acceptable.
Industry and working group feedback following
the Consultation Paper indicated that daylight
should be explored as a minimum requirement.
The threshold of 20% has been reduced from the
current credit, which starts at 40%. The reason
for this is that achieving high daylight is not
always achievable due to factors outside the
control of building designers.
Lowering the threshold will still deliver
good outcomes for buildings without creating a
barrier for uptake.
In terms of not allowing incandescent and high-
density discharge lighting, there are now good
LED solutions in the market, which Green Star
encourages projects to use.
The building’s lighting is of high quality and matches occupant’s rhythm and changes throughout the day.
37
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Light quality
The project must either comply with either the Daylight and Glare or Artificial Lighting criteria.
Daylight
For non-residential buildings, at least 40% of the primary spaces per floor or tenancy (whichever is
smaller) must receive high levels of daylight. Tinted glazing, fixed shading devices, or blinds and
screens are acceptable methods of managing glare.
For residential buildings, or 60% of the combined living and bedroom area of each apartment unit
must comply with the daylight requirements. Also, the daylight levels must also be present in at
least 20% of the area of each bedroom and living area. Residential buildings, or hospitality
buildings, must provide room blackout blinds or curtains to all bedrooms. If blinds or curtains are
part of a packaged décor, all blinds offered for the bedroom décor must be blackout blinds.
There are two options for demonstrating compliance:
Manual Calculations
Calculations must comply with the GBCA’s Green Star Daylight and Views Hand Calculation
Guide.
Daylight Autonomy
High Levels of daylight are deemed to have at least 160 lux due to daylight during 80% of the
nominated hours.
Artificial lighting
The lighting solution must address the quality of light in the space, provide highlights and contrast,
and help regulate an occupant’s circadian rhythm.
The lighting solution must light most ceilings and walls in occupied areas as follows:
• The wall area above the working plane has an average surface reflectance value of 0.75
and an average surface illuminance of at least 50% of the lighting levels on the working
plane.
• The ceiling area has an average surface reflectance value of 0.75 and an average surface
illuminance of at least 30% of the lighting levels on the working plane. The average ceiling
luminance (excluding fixtures) does not exceed 0.5kcd/m2 and at no point does the
maximum luminance exceed 1.5kcd/m2.
The illuminance values must be calculated in accordance with AS/NZS 1680.1:2006. Where
unknown, a conservative estimate can be used.
The lighting solution should provide for highlights of colour and contrast across multiple spaces
(1680 Appendix E). The contrast between spaces should not exceed a maximum illuminance
ration of 10 to 1 (AS1680.1 Table 3.2). Tasks must not have a significant contrast ratio between
them and should also consider the Maximum luminance ratios (AS1680.1 Table 3.2.)
There are two options for demonstrating how the lighting has been designed to help regulate an
occupant’s circadian rhythm:
• Compliance with UL RP 24480 “Recommended Practice and Design Guideline for Promoting
Circadian Entrainment with Light for Day - Active People”; or
• Compliance with WELL feature 54: Circadian lighting design.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. Further
guidance for residential and retail projects is in
development.
Compliance with other standards
Other options to comply with the Daylight
Credit achievement path:
• Comply with WELL feature 56 ‘Solar Glare
Control’, WELL feature 60 ‘Automated shading and
dimming controls’, WELL feature 61 ‘Right to Light’, and
WELL feature 62 ‘Daylight modeling’.
Other options to comply with the ‘Artificial Lighting’
Credit achievement path
• Comply with WELL feature 53 ‘Visual lighting
design’, WELL feature 55 ‘Electric light glare control’,
WELL feature 58 ‘Color Quality’, WELL feature 59
‘Surface Design’.
For Daylight, daylight factor has been removed
as a pathway for demonstrating compliance.
As industry experience and modelling software
has evolved, more sophisticated options for
daylight modelling have become available. As
such, simplified solutions such as Daylight Factor
modelling has been removed from the credit as
an option.
The building’s lighting is of high quality and matches occupant’s rhythm and changes throughout the day.
38
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Light quality
The building provides daylight as noted in the Credit achievement. The building’s lighting system
also complies with the Credit achievement. The building’s lighting system adjusts itself as needed
based on the daylight levels to provide the most suitable lighting condition to the building’s
occupants.
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Leading design practice in buildings is delivering fully integrated solutions. Sophisticated lighting
controls that support a high degree of daylight access provide the optimum lighting solution for any
situation.
The building’s lighting is of high quality and matches occupant’s rhythm and changes throughout the day.
39
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you support the proposal that the minimum requirement for light quality is either
good daylight or good artificial light design?
• Do you agree with removing daylight factor?
• Does this credit apply to all building types? Should there be different requirements
based on building type?
• For Exceptional performance, do you agree that both daylight and artificial lighting
must be met?
• Does the exceptional performance work in all sectors?
• Should UDI (useable daylight indicator) be considered as a daylight indicator?
• Do you think circadian rhythm should be introduced as part of the credit
achievement?
• What other guidance would be useful for this credit?
Light quality
40
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Clean air, Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Exposure to toxins
Projects must comply with both criteria below.
Paints, adhesive, sealants and carpets
All internally applied paints, adhesives, sealants (by volume) and carpets (by area) must meet
stipulated ‘Total VOC Limits’. Where no paints, adhesives, sealants or carpets are used in the
building, this requirement is met.
Emissions for each application must be acquired through recognised testing methods and reported
through a recognised datasheet. In the case of paints and adhesives and sealants, theoretical
TVOC calculations are also acceptable.
The VOC limits are stipulated later in this credit.
Total VOC (TVOC) values must reflect the final ready to use product, inclusive of tints (in the case
of paints) and made in grams of VOC per litre (g/L) of ready to use product. Compliance can be
demonstrated in the following ways:
• The product(s) are certified under a recognised Product Certification Scheme. The certificate
must be current at the time of purchase;
• The product(s) are tested in a laboratory; or
• There are no paints, adhesives, sealants and carpets in the building at practical completion
Engineered wood products
Either no new engineered wood products are used in the building, or at least 95% (by area) of all
engineered wood products meet specified formaldehyde emission limits.
The formaldehyde limits are stipulated later in this credit.
Where there are engineered wood products, compliance to emission limits can be demonstrated in
two ways (any combination):
• The product(s) are certified under a recognized Product Certification Scheme. The certificate
must be current at the time of purchase; and/or
• The product(s) are tested in a laboratory.
Formwork, car parking applications, and non-engineered wood products (such as milled timber)
are excluded from the credit.
No lead, asbestos and PCBs
A comprehensive hazardous materials survey has been carried out on any existing buildings or
structures on the project site, in accordance with the relevant Environmental and Occupational
Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation.
Where the survey identified asbestos, lead or PCBs in any existing buildings or structures the
materials have been stabilised, or removed and disposed of in accordance with best practice
guidelines; or the survey concluded that no hazardous materials were found in any existing
buildings or structures on the project site.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Documentation requirements
Although the purpose of this round of consultation is to not
gather feedback on documentation requirements, for the
purpose for the Exposure to toxins credit providing clarity is
important.
For the Minimum expectation, the GBCA will require all
evidence for carpets and paints, as per Green Star – Design
& As Built requirements. To meet compliance for adhesives
and sealants, these must be specified at tender stage. No
further evidence is required. For the purpose of the
Minimum expectation, specifying low VOC adhesives and
sealants meets the intent.
For engineered wood products, evidence must be provided
that the top three types of engineered wood products (by
area) used in the building meet relevant limits specified. All
other engineered wood products must be specified at tender
stage.
Lead, asbestos and PCBs
This credit element is deemed ‘Not Applicable’ if the existing
building on the project site began construction after 1
January 2005. This includes projects that are
refurbishments, or building extensions of existing buildings
for which construction started after 1 January 2005.
The use of the hazardous materials targeted by this credit
element have been banned in Australia for a number of
years so this topic presents no environmental benefit to new
buildings.
Changed from 95% to 100% for VOCs
Note: VOC and formaldehyde limits as listed
have not changed from Green Star – Design &
As Built.
Documentation requirements
The GBCA are cognisant that these criterion
are documentation intense. As a minimum
expectation, this may serve as a barrier to
uptake.
As such, all evidence for carpets and paints is
required, while for adhesives and sealants
specifications in tender packages is sufficient.
Carpets and paints are typically large contracts,
whilst adhesives and sealants are usually many
smaller ones (or no contracts at all). It is
therefore easier to collect evidence when a
smaller number of suppliers is used.
Requiring evidence for carpets and paints
reduces the documentation requirements but still
guarantees a high level of compliance. This is
because carpets and paints are a significant
portion of VOC in a building (working group
estimates this could be as high as 80%).
The building’s occupants are not directly exposed to toxins in the space they work, play, or live in.
41
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Clean air, Amenity and comfort (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Exposure to toxins
VOC limits must be tested on site and meet the following thresholds:
Samples must be collected in all regularly occupied spaces. For open plan areas, a sample must
be taken for every 40m2.
Sample testing must take place after practical completion and before any occupants move into the
building.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. Whilst VOC content and emissions limits play an important role in the procurement of products and
materials, an on-site test is the most accurate reflection of air quality inside buildings.
Introducing the on-site performance test is in line with other international rating tools and reflective of
best practice in industry currently.
The building’s occupants are not directly exposed to toxins in the space they work, play, or live in.
Element Concentration
TVOC 0.27 ppm
Formaldehyde 0.02 ppm
42
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Exposure to toxins
Product category
Max TVOC content in grams
per litre (g/L) of ready to use
product.
General purpose adhesives and
sealants50
Interior wall and ceiling paint, all
sheen levels16
Trim, varnishes and wood stains 75
Primers, sealers and prep coats 65
One and two pack performance
coatings for floors140
Acoustic sealants, architectural
sealant, waterproofing membranes
and sealant, fire retardant sealants
and adhesives
250
Structural glazing adhesive, wood
flooring and laminate adhesives and
sealants
100
Paints, Adhesives and Sealants
Compliance Option Test Protocol Limit
ASTM D5116
ASTM D5116 - Total VOC
limit*0.5mg/m2 per hour
ASTM D5116 - 4-PC
(4-Phenylcyclohexene)*0.05mg/m2 per hour
ISO 16000 / EN 13419ISO 16000 / EN 13419 -
TVOC at three days0.5 mg/m2 per hour
ISO 10580 / ISO/TC 219
(Document N238)
ISO 10580 / ISO/TC 219
(Document N238) - TVOC
at 24 hours
0.5mg/m2 per hour
Test ProtocolEmissions Limit / Unit
of Measurement
AS/NZS 2269:2004, testing procedure AS/NZS 2098.11:2005 method 10 for Plywood ≤1mg/L
AS/NZS 1859.1:2004 - Particle Board, with use of testing procedure AS/NZS
4266.16:2004 method 16≤1.5 mg/L
AS/NZS 1859.2:2004 - MDF, with use of testing procedure AS/NZS 4266.16:2004
method 16≤1mg/L
AS/NZS 4357.4 - Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) ≤1mg/L
Japanese Agricultural Standard MAFF Notification No.701 Appendix Clause 3 (11) - LVL ≤1mg/L
JIS A 5908:2003- Particle Board and Plywood, with use of testing procedure JIS A 1460 ≤1mg/L
JIS A 5905:2003 - MDF, with use of testing procedure JIS A 1460 ≤1mg/L
JIS A1901 (not applicable to Plywood, applicable to high pressure laminates and
compact laminates)≤0.1 mg/m²hr*
ASTM D5116 (applicable to high pressure laminates and compact laminates) ≤0.1 mg/m²hr
ISO 16000 part 9, 10 and 11 (also known as EN 13419), applicable to high pressure
laminates and compact laminates≤0.1 mg/m²hr (at 3 days)
ASTM D6007 ≤0.12mg/m³**
ASTM E1333 ≤0.12mg/m³***
EN 717-1 (also known as DIN EN 717-1) ≤0.12mg/m³
EN 717-2 (also known as DIN EN 717-2) ≤3.5mg/m²hr
*mg/m²hr may also be represented as mg/m²/hr.
**The test report must confirm that the conditions of Table 3 comply for the particular wood product
type, the final results must be presented in EN 717-1 equivalent (as presented in the table) using the
correlation ratio of 0.98.
***The final results must be presented in EN 717-1 equivalent (as presented in the table), using the
correlation ratio of 0.98.
Carpets Engineered Wood Products
VOC and Formaldehyde Limits
43
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you support the proposal that 100% of internally applied paints, adhesives,
sealants (by volume) and carpets (by area) meet stipulated ‘Total VOC Limits’?
• The minimum expectation proposes VOC content, as per Green Star – Design &
As Built. Should this instead be emissions testing? If so, what limits should
be referenced?
• Do you support the proposal that full documentation be provided for carpets
and paints, whist sealants and adhesives require specification at tender stage
only?
• Do you agree with the documentation proposal for engineered wood products?
• Are the VOC limits still relevant? Should they change? To what?
• Do you feel comfortable that specifying adhesives and sealants will deliver the
intended outcome? Would you feel more comfortable for the Minimum expectation
to collate and provide all documentation? Would this be a barrier for you?
• Do you support on-site verification as the credit achievement? There are three
approach to testing: handheld devices, carbon tubes, or thermal exhaustion. Which
should we prescribe?
• Are the on-site thresholds adequate? If not, why?
Exposure to toxins
44
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Amenity and comfort (Healthy); Verification and handover (Responsible)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Noise levels
Internal noise levels
Internal ambient noise levels are suitable and relevant to the activity type in the room.
Project teams demonstrate that internal ambient noise levels in the nominated area are within the
range recommended in AS/NZS 2107:2016. Noise measurement and documentation must be
provided by a qualified acoustic consultant and in accordance with AS/NZS 2107:2016.
Noise measurement must account for all internal and external noise including noise arising from
building services equipment, noise emission from outdoor sources such as traffic, and (where
known) noise from industrial process. Occupancy noise is excluded.
Compliance shall be demonstrated through measurement, and the measurements shall be
conducted in at least 10% of the spaces in the nominated area. The selection of representative
spaces must be justified and must consider how the spaces are considered to be the most
conservative with respect to both internal, and external noise sources.
The range of measurement locations shall be representative of all spaces available within the
nominated area. All relevant building systems must be in operation at the time of measurement.
Projects less than 500m2 Gross Floor Area (GFA) must account for measurements conducted in at
least 95% of spaces within the nominated area.
Provisions for Naturally Ventilated Buildings
In naturally ventilated buildings, all measurements must be carried out with natural ventilation
openings in the open position. The internal ambient noise levels must be:
• No more than 10dB(A) above the lower figure in the range recommended in AS/NZS
2107:2016; or
• Within the range recommended in AS/NZS 2107:2016.
Provisions for Mixed Mode Buildings
For purposes of this credit, mixed mode buildings can be treated as mechanically ventilated.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
All tenant scope should be included where relevant within
the scope of the rating (e.g. integrated fit out).
Nominated area
Includes all primary and secondary spaces and living and
sleeping areas in residential apartments. A space can be
excluded if the standard recommends that specialist advice
be sought, such as in a theatre.
Project teams are encouraged to submit a
Technical Question where best practice acoustic comfort
deviates from the standard.
Qualified acoustic consultant
A Member or Fellow of the Australian Acoustical Society
(MAAS, FAAS) or qualified staff member within an
Association of Australasian Acoustical Consultants (AAAC)
member firm.
Reference to Table 1 of AS/NZS 2107:2016
replaced with reference to whole standard.
Reference to internal noise levels “no more than
5dB(A) above the lower figure in Table 1 of
AS/NZS 2107:2016” replaced with “within the
range recommended in AS/NZS 2107:2016”
Reference to AS/NZS 2107:2016 has been
expanded to enable designer to use the whole
standard.
The building provides appropriate and comfortable acoustic conditions for occupants.
45
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Amenity and comfort (Healthy); Verification and handover (Responsible)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √
Noise levels
Areas have been built to reduce the persistence of sound to a level suitable to the activities in the
space, and spaces have been built to minimise crosstalk between rooms, and between rooms and
open spaces.
Reverberation
The reverberation time in the nominated area is within the range recommended in
AS/NZS2107:2016.
Reverberation time refers to the time taken for reverberantly decaying sound pressure level to
decrease by 60 decibels in a room. The range of measurement locations shall be representative of
all spaces available within the nominated area. All relevant buildings systems must be in operation
at the time of measurement.
For residential projects, this criterion is ‘Not Applicable’.
Acoustic separation
The project addresses noise transmission in enclosed spaces within the nominated area. Enclosed
space is defined as meeting rooms, private offices, classrooms, residential apartments (bounding
apartment construction), and any other similar space where it is expected that noise should not
carry over from one space to the next.
The project can demonstrate compliance through:
• Sound reduction - The partition between the spaces should be constructed to achieve a
weighted sound reduction index (Rw) of:
• At least 45; for all partitions which are:
• Fixed without a door; and/or
• Glazed partitions without a door*.
• At least 35; for all partition types that contain a door.
• Sound insulation - The sound insulation between enclosed spaces complies with: Dw + LAeqT
> 75.
Residential Projects
• The inter-tenancy apartment construction to habitable areas results in airborne noise isolation
standard of Rw+Ctr > 55; and
• All inter-tenancy walls should include Discontinuous Construction as defined by the Building
Code of Australia; and
• Walls between apartments and public corridors results in airborne noise isolation standard of
Rw > 55; and
• The floor construction above habitable rooms and wet areas of adjacent dwellings (i.e. floor
cover) results in an impact isolation standard of Ln,w + CI < 55; and
• Apartment entry doors include acoustic seals and achieve laboratory acoustic rating of Rw 30.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
All tenant scope should be included where relevant within
the scope of the rating (e.g. integrated fit out).
Nominated area
Includes all primary and secondary spaces and living and
sleeping areas in residential apartments. A space can be
excluded if the standard recommends that specialist advice
be sought, such as in a theatre.
Project teams are encouraged to submit a Technical
Question where best practice acoustic comfort deviates from
the standard.
Qualified Acoustic Consultant
A Member or Fellow of the Australian Acoustical Society
(MAAS, FAAS) or qualified staff member within an
Association of Australasian Acoustical Consultants (AAAC)
member firm.
Reverberation
Reference to Table 1 of AS/NZS 2107:2016
replaced with reference to whole standard.
Reference to reverberation time changed from
“below the maximum stated in the
‘Recommended Reverberation Time’ provided in
Table 1 of AS/NZS 2107:2016” replaced
with “within the range recommended in
AS/NZS 2107:2016”.
Improved reverberation time criteria flexibility for
area’s not specifically listed in AS/NZS
2107:2016
Qualified Acoustic Consultant definition updated
to require either member or fellow status of AAS.
Refer to Minimum expectation for rationale.
The building provides appropriate and comfortable acoustic conditions for occupants.
46
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you support the criteria in the Minimum expectations and Credit achievement?
Should any component be moved?
• Is the Minimum expectation appropriate for naturally ventilated buildings? Will this
exclude buildings unfairly?
• Do you support reference the whole AS/NZS 2107:2016 Standard as opposed to
only Table 1?
• What other guidance would be useful?
• Is there an Exceptional performance level for this credit? What would that look like?
Noise levels
47
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Clear air, Light quality, Noise levels (Healthy)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √ √
Amenity and comfort
Non-residential buildings
For non-residential buildings, the following must be met:
• Provide a quiet room and a parents room (with support for lactation activities) for occupants
either on a per floor, or per 2,000m2 basis. These rooms must be separate from the
bathrooms. The provision of these rooms must feature natural materials, high quality design,
and good ventilation.
• The building must be designed to provide a range of thermally and acoustically comfortable
spaces. This means that the building’s systems allow for a variability of temperatures. The
building can adjust temperature and thermal conditions so that parts of the building can have a
thermal variation of at least 3°C. The building would also need to account for acoustic
variability by providing options for spaces that are at least 5dB lower than the typical areas.
These spaces should also have appropriate lighting and access to daylight and are
considered occupied spaces.
• Finally, the building has also been designed to provide accessible and highly visible stairs
between multi-story tenancies. The building must either provide the stairs, or have the
provision of a space for stairs to be installed in the future without significant demolition.
Residential buildings
For residential buildings, including hospitality buildings, thermostats that control temperature and
fan speed much be provided for each unit.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. The Amenity and comfort credit has been introduced to promote comfortable environments for people
to work and live in.
For non-residential projects, the benefits of providing a comfortable workplace includes positively
impacting employee productivity and health and wellbeing. Universality regarding thermal, acoustic,
lighting comfort does not maximise occupants' enjoyment of being inside a building.
Building's should instead promote variability. Doing so will contributes towards comfortable workplace
which helps to foster a positive atmosphere.
Other aspects that have been included in this credit include the provision of a quiet room and a
parent's room. The intent is to create spaces for people to have flexible work arrangements as well as
creating alternative spaces for people to work in.
The provision of stairs in between multi-story tenancies will encourage mobility, which will benefit
people’s health and wellbeing. If designed well, there are also aesthetic benefits of stairs.
For residential projects, the benefits of this credit is to provide thermal comfort options, allowing
tenants to adjust to their desired use.
Occupants have a variety of internal amenities that improve their experience of using the building.
48
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree that providing variability in terms of acoustic, thermal and light comfort
delivers a good outcome for a building?
• Are the requirements of this credit reasonable? Would there be any barriers to
uptake and if so, what are they?
• Should there be any other requirements for residential buildings?
Amenity and comfort
49
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Biodiversity enhancement, Nature stewardship (Nature)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing); Goal 15 (Life on Land)
None
√ √ √ √ √
Human connection to nature
The building must connect people to nature by:
• Providing views;
• Incorporating planting within the building (inside and/or outside); and
• Nature-inspired (biophilic) design elements.
Views
At least 60% of the nominated area has a clear line of sight to a high quality internal or external
view. All floor areas within 8m from a compliant view can be considered to meet this credit
criterion.
Plants
Plants are provided in primary occupied spaces at a rate of one or more plants, in pots with a soil
surface area totaling at least 500cm2, every 10m2 of the nominated area.
Provide planting externally through landscaping, green walls and planters. Areas of planting must
be accessible by building users.
Nature-inspired (biophilic) design
Demonstrate that the building’s design incorporates at least five biophilic design strategies in
alignment with, but not limited to, the following principles:
• Elements that provide differing natural sensory experiences;
• Elements that reflect natural and cultural patterns and forms;
• Using natural materials; and
• Natural motifs and art.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Views
The line-of-sight shall be measured by extending a
perpendicular line from the view, be it a window, opening or
internal view. A line at 45° can be used at the corners of the
view. The thickness of the external walls must be taken into
account in the calculations. Internal or external columns can
be ignored.
A high quality external view must extend to the outside
towards natural elements such as large bodies of
vegetation, a body of water, the sky or frequent movement
of people or animals.
A high quality internal view is defined as a view towards an
area that is landscaped or contains a water feature, or an
atrium. A landscaped area must contain high plant density
and may be vertical.
Plants
If a space is completely enclosed on all sides and smaller
than 25m2, such as a meeting room, this space can be
excluded. The use of plants in enclosed areas cannot
contribute towards achieving the required number of plants
in areas neighbouring this space. Plants within an open plan
space should be distributed throughout as far as possible.
An ongoing maintenance plan must be established to
ensure plant health is maintained. Where indoor plants are
provided, a contract must be signed with a plant
maintenance contractor to enact the plan for at least two
years. The contract must include:
• The location of the fitout;
• A schedule of plants within the fitout;
• Service intervals;
• Policy regarding the maintenance of soil moisture, pH
and nutrients;
• Diseased plant replacement policy; and
• Cleaning.
Nature-inspired (biophilic) design
Using design elements to connect people to nature builds
on the other aspects of this credit. Project teams can
demonstrate this through design drawings, specifications
and a narrative supporting the principles listed in the credit.
The ‘Biophilic Design Guidebook’ by the Living Building
Institute contains design principles that can be as a guide
when developing these design strategies and responses.
This credit builds on existing concepts within
Green Star and brings them together in a credit
targeting human connection to nature.
Worldwide, more and more people are living in
cities. This percentage is set to increase from
50% in 2010, to nearly 70% by 2050 (United
Nations, 2015). In Australia, 66% of people living
in capital cities – amongst the highest in the
world.
There is growing evidence that nature has a
benefit to our health and wellbeing. There have
been numerous studies that have shown that
people exposed to nature have reduced levels of
stress, anxiety and increased feeling of
happiness. It is this inherent instinctive feeling
that we have towards nature that biophilia
captures.
This credit is inspired by the phrase ‘biophilia’ ,
which literally means a love of life or living things.
(It stems from Greek and is the opposite of
phobia. Phobia = fear of. Philia = love of). For
Green Star, this presents an opportunity to build
this into the rating tool and therefore a way to
connect people back to nature through design
and within buildings.
The building fosters human connection to nature.
50
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Biodiversity enhancement, Nature stewardship (Nature)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing); Goal 15 (Life on Land)
None
√ √ √ √ √
Human connection to nature
The building provides occupants an opportunity to touch and directly interact with nature.
Examples of active engagement opportunities include food gardens, ‘Gardening Club’ or other
nature-oriented volunteer programs. These opportunities can be incorporated inside the building,
or externally at grade or through a green wall or roof garden.
At least 5% of the building’s floor area/ or site area (whichever is greater) must be allocated to this
opportunity.
The allocated area must be accessible and have the necessary infrastructure to allow the activity
to occur (for example water source/ taps for irrigation, storage area for tools and equipment).
This credit is awarded where a project has the dedicated area and a Plan, including allocated
resources to implement identified actions.
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for changes. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale
The building fosters human connection to nature.
51
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree that the credit criteria meets the outcome of connecting people to
nature?
• Do you agree with the nature inspired design elements being included as part of the
credit?
• Do you believe there are any sectors that should be excluded from this credit?
Human connection to nature
52
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Climate change resilience, Community resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient); Contribution to place (Places); Impacts to nature (Nature)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD;
√ √ √ √
Climate change resilience
The project must complete the climate change pre-screening checklist to identify and understand
the project’s exposure to climate change risks. See next page.
When completing the checklist, project team members must consider potential impacts from
climate change, including but not limited to:
• Direct damage or failure of project components;
• Accelerated deterioration of project components or reduced design life;
• Reduced operating capacity;
• Climate hazard impacts to surrounding areas (e.g. impacting access and egress);
• Impacts to the health and wellbeing of building occupants and other relevant stakeholders; and
• Indirect risks from impacts to other interdependent systems and services (e.g. transport
networks, power, water, telecommunications).
Both historic and future data should be used when completing the checklist.
The checklist must be signed off by a member of the project leadership team and shared with key
project stakeholders, including the client/building owner.
The checklist must be completed during the project’s design phase (ideally during preliminary
design) in consultation with the project management team and design team leads.
It is a minimum requirement for all projects to complete the climate change pre-screening checklist
during the design phase. See Climate change resilience credit on the next page (Pre-Screening). If
the Credit achievement for this credit is met, requirements of the pre-screening assessment are
considered to have been met.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
A summary of high-level climate risk data including impacts
from extreme events are easily accessible through publicly
available resources including (but not limited to):
National Climate Data
• Climate Change in
Australia: https://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.a
u/en/
• CoastAdapt: https://coastadapt.com.au/how-to-
pages/use-nationalmapping-help-understand-flood-
and-erosion-risk
Regional Climate Data
• The Long Paddock (Queensland):
https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au
• Adapt NSW:
http://climatechange.environment.nsw.gov.au/Climate
projections-for-NSW/Interactive-map
• Victorian Climate Projections 2019:
https://www.climatechange.vic.gov.au/adapting-to-
climate-change-impacts/victorian-climate-projections-
2019
• South Australia:
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/climate-
change/how-is-climate-change-affecting-sa/climate-
change-projections
• Western Australia:
https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/climate-change/climate-
projections-western-australia
Local Climate Data
Many local councils have available hazard mapping data.
Local data related to extreme events such as flooding,
bushfire, storm surge can be easily accessed to support the
understanding of climate risks at the local scale.
While this is a new addition to the rating tool, it is
inspired by the current Adaption and Resilience
credit in Green Star – Design & As Built.
A pre-screening process is a simpler, less
comprehensive approach to a resilience
assessment.
The intention of the pre-screening process is for
all projects targeting Green Star to, at a
minimum, be aware of the climate-related risks
that face the building. Whether these are acted
upon or not, the GBCA – in consultation with the
Expert Reference Panel and the appointed
consultant – feel identifying risks is the first step
towards being resilience and a good outcome for
all buildings targeting Green Star.
The comprehensive resilience assessment (the
focus of the Credit achievement) requires
considerably more effort: the appointment of a
suitably qualified professional; wider engagement
with the project team; and incorporating designs
to withstand identified shocks and stresses. All of
these incur additional costs to a project. It is the
GBCA’s view that these initiatives represent best
practice and should be worthy of reward in the
rating tool.
It is for this reason that the pre-screening has
been selected as the minimum requirement over
the comprehensive assessment.
The project identifies climate-related risks facing the asset.
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DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Minimum expectation
Pre-Screening Assessment Checklist
Climate change resilience
Checklist criteria
Criteria response
[Yes/No]
Clarification criteria
Has data regarding future
climate exposure been
reviewed?
[Yes/No]
Has a risk to the project
been identified?
[Yes/No]
Has a risk treatment been
identified?
[Yes/No]
• Has the project area been previously impacted by extreme climate events? (e.g.
storms/tropical cyclones, extreme rainfall and flooding, damaging winds, damaging hail,
bushfires, heatwaves, drought, coastal inundation) Please indicate which events.
• Is the project located in a cyclone zone?
• Is the project located in or adjacent to a bushfire prone area?
• Is the project located in or adjacent to a flood prone area?
• Is the project located in or adjacent to the coastline or tidally influenced waterway?
• Will the project accommodate occupants vulnerable to the impacts of climate extremes? (e.g.
children, elderly, low mobility, seeking medical treatment) Please indicate potential groups of
vulnerable occupants and which events they are likely to be exposed to.
55
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Climate change resilience, Community resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient); Contribution to place (Places); Impacts to nature (Nature)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD;
√ √ √ √
Climate change resilience
A comprehensive project-specific climate change risk and adaptation assessment must be
developed for the project.
The assessment must use future climate change scenarios for assessment. The project team must
make an assessment of scenarios on the timescales of 2050 and 2070 as a minimum. For those
two timeframes, the project team must use a high emissions scenario consistent with a 2°C and a
scenario consistent with 4°C. Scenario descriptions must be based on the the Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) endorsed emissions scenarios.
The assessment must then identify the primary and secondary climate change variables relevant
to the project (e.g. temperature, extreme temperature, rainfall, extreme rainfall/flooding, storms,
wind, bushfire, humidity, solar radiation, sea level rise, and ocean acidification).
The climate change risk component of the assessment must define the risk assessment criteria
applied, and include the consequence and likelihood tables and risk matrix used to assess climate
risks. Risks must be assessed in consultation with multidisciplinary representatives from within the
project team and a selection of relevant external stakeholders.
Use of corporate enterprise risk management or project-specific risk assessment criteria should be
prioritised to enable climate change risks to be incorporated into the project’s broader risk
management processes.
The climate change risk and adaptation assessment must include a summary of the priority risks
for treatment (e.g. the risks rated high and extreme) and those climate risks rated high or above
must be captured as part of the project’s risk register.
As a minimum, at least two risk items identified in the risk assessment component of the
assessment are addressed by specific design responses. The assessment must develop
adaptation responses to treat all extreme rated risks. Adaptation responses should include a range
of physical (e.g. structural design changes) and non-physical (e.g. management/monitoring)
responses.
The assessment also needs to identify and document timeframes for undertaking regular reviews
and updates. As a minimum the assessment must be reviewed and updated whenever the climate
change science that informs the scenarios for assessment is updated.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The climate change risk and adaptation assessment must
align with the Australian Standard AS 5334:2013 Climate
change adaptation for settlements and infrastructure and
follow the principles of risk management outlined in the
Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZ ISO
31000:2009 Risk Management.
A suitably qualified professional must author the
climate change risk and adaption assessment. In the
context of this credit, this should comprise a professional
with a formal tertiary qualification in environmental science,
planning, or engineering; or with a minimum of five years’
experience in climate risk and adaptation assessments.
Ideally, the Climate change resilience credit should be
undertaken as early during the project’s design phase as
possible to allow maximum benefit and opportunity to inform
design decisions and implement appropriate and meaningful
adaptation responses.
Base Building vs Tenant Scope
By undertaking the climate change risk and adaptation
assessment during project design, opportunities to
incorporate adaptation responses in the base building can
be maximised, thereby improving the resilience of the
building for tenant use. Additional non-physical adaptation
responses, including emergency management plans and
information on how to cope during extreme climate events,
can be communicated to tenants and used to inform
relevant tenant agreements (e.g. agreements with tenants to
mandate use of blinds and shading to reduce thermal load,
reduce energy consumption and reuse water to reduce
reliance on mains supply). This, however, is not a
requirement of the credit.
There is an upgraded level of project
engagement requiring involvement from both
internal and external project stakeholders.
The credit now requires projects to document
timeframes for undertaking regular reviews and
updates.
In addition to addressing two risk items through
specific design responses, the project is now
required to address all extreme-rated risks. For
extreme risks, physical and non-physical risks
mitigation measures may be used.
Compared to the existing Green Star Design and
As-Built Adaptation and Resilience credit, this
new credit will provide updated guidance on
completing climate change risk and adaptation
assessments in line with current industry
standards and more detailed guidance on the
selection of appropriate climate change
scenarios to inform the risk assessment.
The increased stakeholder engagement / project
management requirements reflect best practice
in industry and ensure the climate change risks
are understood by a broad range of
stakeholders.
The requirement to document timeframes for
undertaking regular reviews and updates intends
to ensure that the outcome remains relevant into
the operations of the building. Resilience is no a
one-off activity, and this requirement assists a
process of continuous improvement.
The requirement to address key risk items is in
line with industry best practice and mitigates
climate change risks facing the asset. Requiring
responses to only two risks is limiting and does
not address climate change risks adequately.
While the credit criteria hasn't changed
considerably, additional guidance has been
developed to help projects maximise the benefits
associated with the climate change risk and
adaption assessment.
The building identifies and responds to the direct and indirect impacts of climate change.
56
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Should there be a trigger point, at which a project is required to undertake
the comprehensive climate resilience assessment? What could the trigger point be?
• Do you agree that the purpose of the pre-screening process is to identify risks but
not necessarily address them? (Addressing risks falls under the Climate change
resilience Credit achievement.)
• Should the pre-screening checklist address any other important criteria?
• Do you support the proposal that all extreme-rated risks must be addressed, in
addition to two risks through design solutions? (This is a departure from current
rating tools where only two risks must be addressed)
• Do you agree with the increased level of stakeholder engagement?
• Do you agree with the selected timeframes and trajectory scenarios? If not, what
would you consider appropriate?
Climate change resilience
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DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilience); Energy use, Water use (Positive); Community engagement (People)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Systems resilience
The project team must undertake a comprehensive review of the acute shocks and chronic
stresses likely to influence building operation and/or performance. The building’s design and future
operational plan must then address any high or extreme system-level interdependency risks.
To achieve the credit, the project must:
• Identify a set of clear resilience objectives and performance goals for the project and provide a
diverse range of actions;
• Collaborate with key internal and external project stakeholders to identify and confirm the
relevant acute shocks and chronic stresses likely to impact the functionality of the project and
its ability to meet performance goals;
• Identify and confirm a range of interdependent infrastructure systems, networks, services and
assets on which the project is likely to rely and interface with;
• Identify key areas of system vulnerability, specifically how these may be affected by the
identified shocks and stresses and as result may impact the project through reduced capacity
and/or functionality; and
• Outline emergency response procedures in the event of an identified shock event/natural
disaster impacting the project and the local community.
At a minimum the following shocks and stresses must be addressed:
The systems resilience assessment must be developed through workshop consultation with
relevant internal and external project stakeholders including community representation. This
assessment should ideally be completed during early design phases to provide sufficient
opportunity to meaningfully develop and implement responding actions.
Development of resilience actions to address priority shocks, stresses and interdependent systems
must include both physical and non-physical responses and prioritised based on self-assessment
(e.g. based on standard assessment criteria such as cost, ease of implementation, delivery of co-
benefits etc.)
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Note, if the Climate change resilience credit has not been
completed, climate-related shocks and stresses must form
part of the assessment of this credit, with appropriate
physical and non-physical responses identified. [Refer to the
Climate change resilience credit for examples of climate-
related shocks and stresses.]
Delivery of this credit must be led by a Suitably Qualified
Professional. In the context of this credit, this
should comprise a professional with a formal tertiary
qualification in environmental science, planning, or
engineering; or with a minimum five years’ experience in
climate risk and adaptation assessments.
Base building vs tenancy
For the Systems resilience credit, the relationship between
the base building and tenanted spaces may be affected
where a tenant is particularly impacted by a shock or stress
that is not otherwise identified or prioritised by the project, or
where a tenant is particularly reliant on interdependent
infrastructure and services.
The project should consider where such a scenario may
occur and identify potential risks to the core function of the
building, or the project’s ability to cater to the needs of the
tenant where extraordinary conditions exist. For example, if
a tenant requires constant uninterrupted power supply, the
project will need to consider if an appropriate response can
be formulated to meet this requirement, and how this will
affect the core function of the building.
This is a new credit.
While the completion of a climate risk and adaptation assessment for the project (refer Climate change
resilience credit) provides a strong baseline for resilience planning, it is important to broaden the
scope of assessment beyond climate-related shocks and stresses. This will better enable a project to
recognise and respond to other critical externalities. These may include but are not limited to acute
shocks or chronic stresses associated with infrastructure failure, water crisis, financial system failure,
lack of social cohesion, ageing infrastructure, lack of employment opportunities, chronic
illnesses/disease etc.
With a broader understanding of those project externalities likely to impact and shape the successful
delivery of a building, projects will be more aware of the potential challenges facing the asset and the
responses required to help manage these impacts and disruptions in order to build overall resilience.
Further, projects that consider system dependencies by identifying the criticality of interdependent
infrastructure are better placed to understand certain networks, systems, assets and/or services and
the role they have in supporting a project’s overarching functionality, this includes potential operational
risks that may arise should those systems be impacted or compromised.
Embracing an inclusive approach to resilience requires engaging with key internal and external
stakeholders, including the community to not only better inform the assessment of a project’s
resilience capacity, but also to build capacity at the broader scale (e.g. across the community, town or
city).
The project is able to respond to shocks and stresses that may impact either the building and its occupants, or interdependent infrastructure and services the project relies on to function.
Shocks
• Failure of critical infrastructure (power,
water and digital)
• Water security
• Extreme weather events and natural
catastrophes (as per Climate Resilience
credit)
• Geological hazards (landslides,
earthquakes, tsunamis)
• Direct attack (cyber and physical)
Stresses
• Ageing infrastructure
• Rising cyber dependency
• Increasing energy costs
• Lack of transport accessibility and
availability
• Changes to natural climate (as per
Climate resilience credit)
58
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• What are your thoughts on the scope of this credit?
• Do you agree with the list of shocks and stresses the credit requires projects to
address? Are there any others material to Australia?
• Should the credit list out recommended actions for different aspects? What should
these be?
Systems resilience
59
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient); Contribution to place (Place) People movement (Place); Community engagement (People)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
GRESB, TCFD
√ √ √ √
Community resilience
The project must undertake a comprehensive review of key vulnerabilities within the community it
is located and take steps to build community resilience through external consultation. The
outcomes of this review must be presented through a Community Resilience Strategy or Plan.
The Plan must assess and outline how the building responds and contributes towards community
resilience. It must:
• Define its surrounding local community, and the groups which rely on or interact either directly
or indirectly with the building. In addition to considering tenants and visitors, this must identify
key vulnerable communities;
• Identify acute shocks and chronic stresses that impact the project’s function and ability to
service the community (including climate-related shocks and stresses if the Climate change
resilience credit is not undertaken);
• Identify resilience objectives and goals associated with servicing the community and
development of actions (physical and non-physical responses) to manage the impact from
shocks and stresses that will help maintain performance in line with those objectives and goals;
• Identify and explore how those material shocks and stresses identified for the building
may impact on these stakeholders by considering a clear set of social indicators (see guidance
section);
• Develop physical and non-physical responses to manage effects from shocks or stresses
impacting the project and its ability to service the community and address social indicators.
The project must consult with the community by undertaking at least one community capacity
building activity. This helps provide clear messaging around resilience and educate community
members on their role supporting and improving community resilience.
Where a project has undertaken the Systems resilience credit, the project should incorporate the
requirements of this credit into the reporting Systems resilience credit providing the relevant
assessment parameters have been addressed and included.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
It should be ideally completed early during the design phase
of the project, however later development will not
necessarily preclude the ability for the project to contribute
towards broader community resilience planning.
The implementation of responses may form part of design,
or include further stakeholder engagement during
construction, or defer to the operation phase (e.g. through
development of emergency response plans). The level of
effectiveness of this credit will be influenced by the level of
engagement with the community. It would thus be advisable
that engagement would continue through all phases of the
project.
Community resilience frameworks
Various tools, frameworks and guidelines exist that either
aim to address community impacts beyond a project
footprint or are established at the community or city scale.
These tools document principles and processes for
addressing community level risks associated with disaster
and building capacity to respond. An example includes
the UN Office of Disaster Risk Reduction, 10 Essentials for
City Resilience.
Example social indicators
• Support and improve community wellbeing and social
cohesion.
• Improve community health and wellbeing to counter
increasing instances of chronic illness, lifestyle diseases
and the demand on health services and infrastructure.
• Minimise the impacts associated with rising energy
costs.
• Provide opportunities for local employment, skills
development, training and education.
• Support the provision of, and access to, public and
active transport modes.
• Reduce dependency on energy, power, digital and
transport networks and build redundancy in the event of
failure or disruption.
This is a new credit.
Community resilience is measured not only by understanding how the project itself is able to respond
and recover from disruption, but also how the project supports and contributes towards the broader
resilience of the community, precinct, town or city in which it is located. Broadening the project’s
resilience assessment to consider community-level impacts will provide a deeper understanding of
potential impacts to the building and how these impacts may be felt beyond the boundary of the
project itself.
Identifying and recognising these impacts and building capacity of the community through knowledge
sharing with a comprehensive range of external stakeholders (particularly those representing
vulnerable members of the community) will help communities to be better equipped to bounce back
and move forward following a shock event and return to optimal function and operation.
It is strongly recommended this credit is completed concurrently with the Systems resilience credit and
Climate change resilience credit. While several process requirements within this credit overlap with the
Systems resilience credit, a broader perspective is applied to support the capacity building and
resilience planning and response at a community-scale. Combining efforts to complete these credits
concurrently will result in a more efficient process and a more robust resilience assessment overall.
The building contributes to improving the resilience of the community.
60
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with including consideration of non-physical risks and response
measures?
• Do you agree that this credit should be applicable to all building types?
• Do you feel the current credit requirements will improve the resilience of the
community? If not, what else should be added?
Community resilience
61
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Energy Use, Energy Source (Positive) Climate change resilience
Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Grid optimisation
The building has been built to reduce and shift its peak load from the energy’s grid through a
combination of a flatter demand. The building must also consider the impact of any on-site energy
generation on the grid.
Peak demand reduction and shift
The project team must undertake a comprehensive review of the energy demand profile of the
building. The building’s design and future operational plan must address peaks in the energy
profile using energy efficiency and demand response strategies to flatten the demand curve, and
shift the building’s peak demand away from the when peak demand occurs in the electricity grid.
To achieve the credit, the project must:
• Demonstrate a flatter demand profile than the equivalent building that meets the National
Construction Code (NCC) 2019, reducing peak demand by a further 20%; and
• Demonstrate peak demand for the project does not occur during electricity grid peak demand.
Onsite energy generation
Where onsite energy generation is present, the project team must undertake a comprehensive
review of the likely energy generation profiles. The building’s design and future operational plan
must then address any significant amounts of energy exported during peak solar generation
periods.
To achieve the credit, the project must demonstrate that it exports no more than 20% of energy
generated to the electricity grid during peak solar generation periods.
In situations where the project is in a location that will allow for significant export to the grid, e.g.
industrial park with significant generation, and there is operator agreement, this requirement is not
applicable.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. The onsite
energy generation requirement may not be applicable in all
situations.
The project team is required to reduce the building’s peak
demand below NCC 2019 levels, and move the peak away
from where the peak in the electricity grid occurs. Project
teams are encouraged to review demand response, load
shifting and onsite storage solutions to meet this credit.
The credit also aims to optimise energy generation onsite
with the demand profile either through demand response,
sizing of renewables or using onsite energy storage
solutions such as batteries. The purpose is not to
unnecessarily reduce renewable energy generation, but
encourage the availability of renewable energy outside of
peak generation times.
As the aim of this credit is for the building to work with the
wider grid, a building connected to a micro-grid can use the
flexibility and capacity of the micro-grid to optimise the
building’s impact on the wider grid.
The inclusion of micro-grids recognise precinct scale energy
masterplans where some buildings have significantly higher
renewable energy generation potential than it can use, such
as industrial buildings. This allows buildings to export locally
in a micro-grid that is designed to support the volume of
energy trading, without impacting the wider electricity
network.
Base building vs tenancy
For the Grid Optimisation credit, the relationship between
the base building and tenanted spaces may be affected
where tenant operations may have an impact on the base
building peak demand, both in terms of magnitude and
timing.
The project should consider where such a scenario may
occur and identify potential risks to where the energy
demand would exceed what has been modelled, or the peak
is shifted back towards the ‘traditional’ peak timing.
This credit is an evolution on the existing Peak
Electricity Demand credit. It builds on the
existing credit by looking beyond the boundaries
of the building to the building’s operational
context within the wider electricity grid.
The demand reduction criteria has been reduced
to 20% recognising that stringency increase in
the NCC 2019, and the link between energy
efficiency and peak reduction. This credit also
uses the same building that complies with the
NCC 2019 as the benchmark and reduce the
peak demand further in a similar way to how the
Energy Use (Positive) credit works.
This credit moves one step further on managing
peak demand by ensuring that the peak demand
for the building occurs outside ‘normal’ peak
demand.
The final change to the credit is to manage
renewable energy generated by buildings so
they do not contribute significantly to the ‘duck
curve’ that increasing solar generation is
creating.
The aim is for buildings to contribute to
distributing the peak demand in the grid rather
than exacerbate the grid peak issue. Minimising
the peak demand, and shifting it out of the grid
peak demand period, should reduce the need
and dependency on infrastructure that is only
required for very short periods throughout the
year. This should increase the reliability of the
grid as a whole.
Large volumes of solar energy generation is
beginning to impact on the wider electricity grid,
with some areas of the national electricity grid
showing the impact of the ‘duck curve’. This is a
result of having an excess of solar energy
available in the grid all at the same time. The aim
of this credit is to minimise the impact of building
exporting large amounts of energy into the
electricity grid during peak generation times,
providing more flexibility and capacity in the
network.
This credit does not aim to minimise renewable
generation, but for project teams to explore
energy storage solutions so that energy
generated onsite can be exported during times
when there is typically less renewable energy
available in the electricity grid, reducing the wider
grid’s dependency on fossil fuel powered
electricity, and increasing reliability.
The building minimizes stress on the electricity grid.
62
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Should the credit include all loads, or just building loads?
• Is 20% an appropriate target for peak demand reduction?
• The credit requires that peak demand for the project does not occur during electricity
grid peak demand. Should there be more detailed requirement around this? Such as:
The peak energy demand should be shifted to at least 30 minutes either side of the
grids peak demand.
• Is the requirement for onsite generation a worthwhile inclusion in this credit?
• Is this requirement of 20% export appropriate?
• Does the criteria encourage the value of microgrids or other onsite solutions as a
mechanism to reduce impacts to the grid?
• What exceptional criteria should be developed for this credit?
Grid optimisation
63
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive);
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
Upfront carbon emissions
The building is built to have emitted at least 10% lower upfront carbon emissions than a reference
building.
Additional requirement for world leading buildings (6 star): The building must meet the Credit
Achievement.
Additional expectations for buildings registering after 2026: All buildings seeking a Green Star
rating must meet the Credit achievement.
Pathways
Upfront carbon emission reductions for this credit can be achieved through the use of good design
and material selection. Carbon Neutral Certified products can be counted in this credit. With the
exception of the offset of demolition works, offsets cannot be used to achieve the reductions in the
criteria with the exception noted below.
The reference building is determined by the Upfront carbon emissions calculator.
For office, retail and industrial buildings, the GBCA Upfront carbon emissions calculator provides
fixed benchmarks for upfront carbon.
(A note to the reader, this calculator is in development and not available at the time of this release.
The fixed benchmark will consider building use and material options available for the credit and will
be provided in the Calculator. Carbon emissions will be reported as kgCO2e/m2 GFA and will
include materials and works as defined in EN 15978 modules A1-5, including module D).
For other building types, the A1-A5 carbon emissions, including module D, from the standard
practice building in the Impacts from resources credit shall be used at the reference case.
(A note to the reader, the final credit will include values for other building types. These values will
be noted as suggested reference case values. Where the project team has values that differ from
these, they will be required to note why in the submission).
Demolition works are included in this credit. Where an existing building less than 30 years old has
been fully or partly demolished prior to construction, an embodied carbon calculation must be done
and these emissions added to the actual building. Where the existing building is between 30 to 50
years old, the contribution must be calculated and discounted at 10% for every two additional
years past year 30. Embodied carbon from partial or full demolition can be offset.
There are two calculation options to demonstrate a reduction in upfront carbon emissions:
1. Life Cycle Assessment
If a project has completed an LCA in accordance with the Impacts from resources credit, results
from that assessment shall be used to demonstrate compliance with this credit.
Projects shall report on the global warming potential impact of modules A1-A5. This result shall be
entered into the GBCA Upfront Carbon Emissions Calculator. The calculator will then compare
against the reference case.
2. Simple carbon calculation
To calculate the reduction in carbon emissions, the project shall complete the GBCA Upfront
carbon emissions calculator to calculate the embodied carbon of the building.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Carbon Neutral Products
Products that are claimed to be carbon neutral must be
certified carbon neutral under the National Carbon Offset
Standard, or other equivalent international standard to be
considered a zero emissions in the calculation.
Offsets
Residual upfront carbon emissions past the Credit
achievement, and carbon emissions from demolition works,
may be offset through verified offset schemes. Offsets must
be from reforestation and afforestation activities, or
domestic renewable energy generation. Stapled biodiversity
and carbon offsets are preferred.
Base building vs tenancy
Projects should document a reduction in upfront carbon
according to the project scope.
In tenanted buildings, upfront carbon emissions from tenant
fitouts are considered in the credit Tenant emissions.
For buildings where the majority of the building is not being
tenanted, fitout items should be included in the reporting
and calculations.
Upfront carbon emissions calculator
The calculator provides a simplified methodology for
calculating the emissions of a building. It calculates the
upfront emissions from:
• Concrete (total)
• Steel, structural and reinforcement
• Structural timber and frames
• Internal and external glass and glazing, includingframing
• Façade materials and cladding
• Masonry (brickwork and blockwork) and stone includinggrout
• Pipes and conduits, including plastic and metal
• Internal wall and ceiling lining including plasterboard,fibre-cement, timber cladding
• Roofing including tiles and sheet metal
• Floor coverings for example, carpets, ceramic tile andfloor panels
This is a new credit.
Globally, buildings are currently responsible for 39% of global carbon emissions. In Australia, this
number sits at 23%.
The built environment sector thus has a crucial role to play in responding to the climate emergency
and meeting Australia's Paris Agreement obligations.
Operational carbon is only one piece of the puzzle. Carbon emissions are released not only
during operational life but also during the manufacturing, transportation, construction and end of life
phases of all built assets. These emissions, commonly referred to as embodied carbon, have largely
been overlooked historically but contribute around 11% of all global carbon emissions.
Operational carbon is being addressed, with large quantities of renewables entering the grid. As a
result, upfront or embodied carbon's proportion will grow, and is estimated to be responsible for half of
the entire carbon footprint of new construction between now and 2050. This is threatening to consume
a large part of our remaining carbon budget.
Therefore, to successfully drive down carbon emissions, we urgently need to address upfront, or
embodied, carbon.
"As operational carbon is reduced, embodied carbon will continue to grow in importance as a
proportion of total emissions. While we must continue to focus on addressing operational carbon we
must now rapidly increase efforts to tackle embodied carbon emissions at a global scale, too" - World
GBC
It is for this reason that the Upfront carbon emissions credit has been introduced into the rating tool
and included in the list of minimum requirements.
The building’s upfront carbon emission contributions from materials and products have been reduced and offset.
65
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive);
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
Upfront carbon emissions
The building is built to have emitted at least 20% lower upfront carbon emissions than a reference
building.
Refer to Minimum expectation for applicability & guidance. Refer to Minimum expectation for rationale.
The building’s upfront carbon emission contributions from materials and products have been reduced and offset.
66
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive);
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
Upfront carbon emissions
The building is built to have emitted at least 40% lower upfront carbon emissions than a reference
building or the building’s remaining upfront carbon emissions have been offset.
Refer to Minimum expectation for applicability & guidance. Refer to Minimum expectation for rationale.
The building’s upfront carbon emission contributions from materials and products have been reduced and offset.
67
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the Minimum expectation for 6 star rated buildings? What about
the additional expectation?
• Do you support the thresholds for the Minimum expectation, Credit achievement
and Exceptional performance?
• Are the two pathways to demonstrate compliance reasonable? Are there others?
• Do you agree that offsets should be focused on afforestation, deforestation, and
domestic renewable energy?
• Do you support the inclusion of module D?
• What are your thoughts on the use of offsets in the credit?
• Should we also allow for the offsetting within the project or organisational
boundary? Is so, which should these be, and how could these be verified
appropriately?
• Do you agree with the requirement for demolition works to be included in the
calculation?
Upfront carbon emissions
68
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Energy use
The building is built to have at least a 10% lower energy use than one built to the National
Construction Code 2019, or the one applicable to the building’s construction, whichever is later.
Additional expectation for world leading buildings (6 star): The building must meet the Credit
achievement. Industrial facilities are excluded from this expectation.
Additional expectations for buildings registering after 2023: Buildings seeking a 5 star rating must
meet the Credit achievement. Industrial facilities are excluded from this expectation.
Additional expectations for buildings finishing construction after 2030: Buildings seeking any Green
Star rating must meet the Credit achievement. Industrial facilities are excluded from this
expectation.
Pathways
Modelling must include all energy consumed within building systems. Tenant plug loads, domestic
appliances, and manufacturing or process loads are excluded from the calculation. The model
must show improvements in each building system and the total building’s energy consumption.
That is:
• a minimum 10% improvement on AC value in the NCC wall-glazing calculator;
• a minimum 10% reduction on energy consumption of fan systems (J5.4), pump systems (J5.7),
refrigerant chillers (J5.10) and heat rejection equipment (J5.12);
• a minimum 10% reduction on energy consumption on lighting efficiency W/m2; and
• a minimum 10% reduction on total building systems energy use.
On-site renewable energy generation systems or battery storage systems, connected behind the
meter, cannot be used to calculate reductions in energy use of the building for the Minimum
expectation. They can be used to calculate reductions for the Credit achievement.
The following are acceptable pathways for demonstrating compliance:
Additional pathways will be developed over time.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
If claiming the Climate change resilience credit, modelling
must also be done to show the expected energy use
impacts of climate change in the 2050 scenario, assuming
currently installed systems. If the expected energy
consumption difference between both models is more than
10% the Minimum expectation cannot be achieved.
Base building vs tenancy
For buildings with lettable tenanted spaces, Green Star for
New Buildings expects the building owner/developer to
deliver solutions within the lettable area of a building that
meets the Green Star credit criteria, not the tenant.
Awarding credits for a base building cannot depend wholly
on a tenant to be responsible for delivering outcomes.
This extends to Cold Shell areas. Cold Shell areas are
becoming increasingly common in the Australian market.
The benefits of Cold Shell delivery include avoided waste,
cost and time. The rating tool expects that for Cold Shell
areas, the base building [services] will enable the tenant to
build high quality spaces, meaning the delivery of outcomes
is still expected.
As such, for tenanted spaces, modelling of energy use can
be based on the provision of base building systems to the
tenancy and an assumption that minimum NCC
requirements will be met.
Alternatively, if specified in leasing requirements, Tenancy
Fitout Guides or similar, modelling can be based on
minimum requirements based on these documents.
This guidance would need to identify (including but not
limited to) the tenant's allowable internal loads (tenant
lighting and equipment power allowances), HVAC system
zoning requirements (internal and perimeter zones with
independent temperature control), HVAC system type &
design capacities, and outdoor air rates.
For standalone tenant systems, projects may model based
on minimum requirements outlined in leasing agreement
documentation as above.
Green Star – Design & As Built (all versions) include the Greenhouse Gas Emissions credit. This credit aims to ensure that overall modelled greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption are reduced to zero.
As the market has developed, and thanks to an increase in the use of off-site renewables, the issue of energy consumption can be seen as distinct as that of energy source. Therefore, the Greenhouse Gas Emissions credit aim, that of driving emissions down to zero, has been split between the credits Energy use and Energy source.
The Energy use credit aims to tackle the issue of a building’s energy consumption.
The benchmarks in this credit start at the same level as the current Greenhouse Gas Emissions credit in Green Star – Design & As Built, though the credit’s focus is on energy consumption rather than emissions. The modelling has been amended though, requiring that all building systems are improved, not played off against each other. The goal of this change is to improve all systems and the building fabric. This does mean that it is more difficult to achieve the initial minimum expectation benchmark.
Four pathways are recognised by this credit, two of those exist in the current credit. A third, the residential pathway is supplemented by adding new requirements around swimming pool, lift, and common area performance. The guidance for these will be developed prior to the release of the rating tool, though it should be similar to where the current guidance found in the Energy use and greenhouse gas emissions calculator for Green Star – Design & As Built.
A new addition to the credit is the link to the Climate change resilience credit. Where that Credit achievement is claimed, an additional requirement appears in this credit ensuring the energy modelling appropriately accounts for future changes in weather. The credit requires that a model be done ensuring the design can address future climactic conditions, and that the energy use consumption in the future does not rise over 10%. This is expected to have the effect of focusing on ensuring the building considers passive solutions over purely mechanical ones.
The IPCC report highlights two critical aspects
that the built environment must pursue to be on a
1.5°C trajectory: Reducing our energy
consumption and switching to renewable energy.
The IPCC report is clear that both need to occur.
This is due to the need to continue decarbonising
the grid and recognising that if current energy
demands continue, achieving this goal will be
difficult.
This means the focus has to be on ensuring both
conditions are met, and not trade one off the
other in the manner that is potentially possible in
the current rating tool.
There are other reasons to focus on energy use
as a metric by itself. Energy use is the cost to the
occupant, and reducing this has a net benefit to
making sustainable buildings more attractive.
Reducing energy consumption also means lower
infrastructure needs, particularly when coupled
with a stronger building fabric, and with other
options that will help stabilise the grid (the goal of
the Grid optimisation credit in the Resilient
category, to be developed).
The changes to the credit were also noted in our
Carbon Positive Roadmap. More information on
why this change is important can be found there.
The building has low energy consumption.
PathwayMinimum expectation
target
Credit achievement
target
Exceptional
performance target
National Construction Code modelling
pathway
10% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
20% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
30% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
NABERS Energy rating commitment
agreement5.5 Stars
5.5 Stars with 25%
buffer6 Stars
NatHERS rating (minimum for each
unit) + plus additional requirements
(swimming pools, lifts, common areas)
7 Stars 7.5 Stars -
PassiveHouse certified certified certified
69
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Energy use
The building is built to have at least a 20% lower energy use than one built to the 2019 National
Construction Code.
Pathways
Modelling must include all energy consumed within building systems. Tenant plug loads, domestic
appliances, and manufacturing or process loads are excluded from the calculation. Only total
energy use is required to be shown compliant, provided the minimum expectation was met.
On-site renewable energy generation systems or battery storage systems, connected behind the
meter, can be used to calculate the energy use reduction past the minimum expectation
benchmark.
The following are acceptable pathways for demonstrating compliance:
Additional pathways will be developed over time.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
If claiming the Climate change resilience credit, modelling
must also be done to show the expected energy use
impacts of climate change in the 2050 scenario, assuming
currently installed systems. If the expected energy
consumption difference between both models is more than
10% the Credit achievement cannot be met.
Base building vs tenancy
For buildings with lettable tenanted spaces, Green Star for
New Buildings expects the building owner/developer to
deliver solutions within the lettable area of a building that
meets the Green Star credit criteria, not the tenant.
Awarding credits for a base building cannot depend wholly
on a tenant to be responsible for delivering outcomes.
This extends to Cold Shell areas. Cold Shell areas are
becoming increasingly common in the Australian market.
The benefits of Cold Shell delivery include avoided waste,
cost and time. The rating tool expects that for Cold Shell
areas, the base building [services] will enable the tenant to
build high quality spaces, meaning the delivery of outcomes
is still expected.
As such, for tenanted spaces, modelling of energy use can
be based on the provision of base building systems to the
tenancy and an assumption that minimum NCC
requirements will be met.
Alternatively, if specified in leasing requirements, Tenancy
Fitout Guides or similar, modelling can be based on
minimum requirements based on these documents.
This guidance would need to identify (including but not
limited to) the tenant's allowable internal loads (tenant
lighting and equipment power allowances), HVAC system
zoning requirements (internal and perimeter zones with
independent temperature control), HVAC system type &
design capacities, and outdoor air rates.
For standalone tenant systems, projects may model based
on minimum requirements outlined in leasing agreement
documentation as above.
The Credit achievement follows the same
framework as the Minimum expectation, though
the benchmark is higher.
Once the building is shown to meet the Minimum
expectation, a Credit achievement can be
claimed where the buildings total modelled
energy consumption is 20% lower than that of
the building built to the NCC.
On-site renewable energy can be used to claim
the credit achievement. This recognises that
enough work was done to make the building
energy efficient, and that on-site renewable
energy is a good mechanism to continue to
reduce energy from the grid.
As with the Minimum expectation, four pathways
are recognised by this credit, two of those exist
in the current credit. A third, the residential
pathway is supplemented by adding new
requirements around swimming pool, lift, and
common area performance. The guidance for
these will be developed prior to the release of
the rating tool, though it should be similar to
where the current guidance found in the Energy
use and greenhouse gas emissions calculator
for Green Star – Design & As Built.
A new addition to the credit is the link to the
Climate change resilience credit. Where that
Credit achievement is claimed, an additional
requirement appears in this credit ensuring the
energy modelling appropriately accounts for
future changes in weather. The credit requires
that a model be done ensuring the design can
address future climactic conditions, and that the
energy use consumption in the future does not
rise over 10%. This is expected to have the
effect of focusing on ensuring the building
considers passive solutions over purely
mechanical ones.
The IPCC report highlights two critical aspects
that the built environment must pursue to be on a
1.5°C trajectory: Reducing our energy
consumption and switching to renewable energy.
The IPCC report is clear that both need to occur.
This is due to the need to continue decarbonising
the grid and recognising that if current energy
demands continue, achieving this goal will be
difficult.
This means the focus has to be on ensuring both
conditions are met, and not trade one off the
other in the manner that is potentially possible in
the current rating tool.
There are other reasons to focus on energy use
as a metric by itself. Energy use is the cost to the
occupant, and reducing this has a net benefit to
making sustainable buildings more attractive.
Reducing energy consumption also means lower
infrastructure needs, particularly when coupled
with a stronger building fabric, and with other
options that will help stabilise the grid (the goal of
the Grid optimisation credit in the Resilient
category, to be developed).
The building has low energy consumption.
PathwayMinimum expectation
target
Credit achievement
target
Exceptional
performance target
National Construction Code modelling
pathway
10% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
20% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
30% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
NABERS Energy rating commitment
agreement5.5 Stars
5.5 Stars with 25%
buffer6 Stars
NatHERS rating (minimum for each
unit) + plus additional requirements
(swimming pools, lifts, common areas)
7 Stars 7.5 Stars -
PassiveHouse certified certified certified
70
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Energy use
The building is built to have at least a 30% lower energy use than one built to the 2019 National
Construction Code.
Pathways
Modelling must include all energy consumed within building systems. Tenant plug loads, domestic
appliances, and manufacturing or process loads are excluded from the calculation. Only total
energy use is required to be shown compliant, provided the minimum expectation was met.
On-site renewable energy generation systems or battery storage systems, connected behind the
meter, can be used to calculate the energy use reduction past the minimum expectation
benchmark.
Buildings fully powered by on-site renewables can claim this Exceptional performance, provided
the Minimum expectation has been met.
The following are acceptable pathways for demonstrating compliance:
Additional pathways will be developed over time.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
If claiming the Climate change resilience credit, modelling
must also be done to show the expected energy use
impacts of climate change in the 2050 scenario, assuming
currently installed systems. If the expected energy
consumption difference between both models is more than
10% the Credit achievement cannot be met.
Base building vs tenancy
For buildings with lettable tenanted spaces, Green Star for
New Buildings expects the building owner/developer to
deliver solutions within the lettable area of a building that
meets the Green Star credit criteria, not the tenant.
Awarding credits for a base building cannot depend wholly
on a tenant to be responsible for delivering outcomes.
This extends to Cold Shell areas. Cold Shell areas are
becoming increasingly common in the Australian market.
The benefits of Cold Shell delivery include avoided waste,
cost and time. The rating tool expects that for Cold Shell
areas, the base building [services] will enable the tenant to
build high quality spaces, meaning the delivery of outcomes
is still expected.
As such, for tenanted spaces, modelling of energy use can
be based on the provision of base building systems to the
tenancy and an assumption that minimum NCC
requirements will be met.
Alternatively, if specified in leasing requirements, Tenancy
Fitout Guides or similar, modelling can be based on
minimum requirements based on these documents.
This guidance would need to identify (including but not
limited to) the tenant's allowable internal loads (tenant
lighting and equipment power allowances), HVAC system
zoning requirements (internal and perimeter zones with
independent temperature control), HVAC system type &
design capacities, and outdoor air rates.
For standalone tenant systems, projects may model based
on minimum requirements outlined in leasing agreement
documentation as above.
The Exceptional performance follows the same
framework as the Minimum expectation, though
the benchmark is significantly higher.
Once the building is shown to meet the minimum
expectation, the Exceptional performance can
be claimed where the buildings total modelled
energy consumption is 30% lower than that of
the building built to the NCC.
On-site renewable energy can be used to claim
the Credit achievement. This recognises that
enough work was done to make the building
energy efficient, and that on-site renewable
energy is a good mechanism to continue to
reduce energy from the grid.
As with the Minimum expectation, four pathways
are recognised by this credit, two of those exist
in the current credit. A third, the residential
pathway is supplemented by adding new
requirements around swimming pool, lift, and
common area performance. The guidance for
these will be developed prior to the release of
the rating tool, though it should be similar to
where the current guidance found in the Energy
use and greenhouse gas emissions calculator
for Green Star – Design & As Built.
A new addition to the credit is the link to the
Climate change resilience credit. Where that
Credit achievement is claimed, an additional
requirement appears in this credit ensuring the
energy modelling appropriately accounts for
future changes in weather. The credit requires
that a model be done ensuring the design can
address future climactic conditions, and that the
energy use consumption in the future does not
rise over 10%. This is expected to have the
effect of focusing on ensuring the building
considers passive solutions over purely
mechanical ones.
The IPCC report highlights two critical aspects
that the built environment must pursue to be on a
1.5°C trajectory: Reducing our energy
consumption and switching to renewable energy.
The IPCC report is clear that both need to occur.
This is due to the need to continue decarbonising
the grid and recognising that if current energy
demands continue, achieving this goal will be
difficult.
This means the focus has to be on ensuring both
conditions are met, and not trade one off the
other in the manner that is potentially possible in
the current rating tool.
There are other reasons to focus on energy use
as a metric by itself. Energy use is the cost to the
occupant, and reducing this has a net benefit to
making sustainable buildings more attractive.
Reducing energy consumption also means lower
infrastructure needs, particularly when coupled
with a stronger building fabric, and with other
options that will help stabilise the grid (the goal of
the Grid optimisation credit in the Resilient
category, to be developed).
The building has low energy consumption.
PathwayMinimum expectation
target
Credit achievement
target
Exceptional
performance target
National Construction Code modelling
pathway
10% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
20% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
30% reduction
(MJ/m2/annum)
NABERS Energy rating commitment
agreement5.5 Stars
5.5 Stars with 25%
buffer6 Stars
NatHERS rating (minimum for each
unit) + plus additional requirements
(swimming pools, lifts, common areas)
7 Stars 7.5 Stars -
PassiveHouse certified certified certified
71
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the Minimum expectation target of 10% better than code?
• Do you agree with the other Minimum expectations for 6 star rated buildings, 5 star
rated buildings, and buildings finished after 2030?
• What are your thoughts on the proposed requirement of a 10% improvement at a
system level and the building?
• Do you agree with the Credit achievement target of 20%? Do you agree that it
should be limited to total energy use?
• Is the Credit achievement applicable and relevant to all building sectors?
• Do you agree with the Exceptional performance target of 30%?
• Are the pathways broadly equivalent to each other, and appropriate for the minimum
expectation?
• What should an exceptional pathway be for residential buildings.
• Will the introduction of the climate change resilience modelling requirement improve
building design? Will it make a difference?
Energy use
72
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Energy use, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Energy source
• National Excellence buildings (5 star): The building designs a transition plan to move awayfrom fossil fuels.
• World Leading buildings (6 star): The building meets the Credit achievement andExceptional performance.
• Additional requirements for projects registered after 2023: All buildings seeking a Green Starrating must meet the Minimum expectation.
Transition plan
To enable a move towards net zero carbon outcomes, the applicant must provide a transition plan.
The transition plan delineates steps to deliver a net zero carbon in operations outcome from 2030
onwards.
The transition plan is part of the design phase of the project. The plan describes the changes the
building is required to undertake to be net zero carbon in operation as the distinct parts of the
building’s systems reach end of life. It must identify spatial considerations and physical
interventions needed to replace equipment and infrastructure.
The plan must cover all energy consumption, procurement, and generation. The transition plan
cannot rely on procuring renewables as its only solution. It must also include infrastructure
provided for tenants or future occupants such as gas installations for cooking.
The transition plan should include a target date by when the building is expected to operate as net
zero carbon. It should also outline:
• A description of energy consuming electrical, mechanical, or hydraulic systems;
• Commentary on proposed changes to the building’s systems;
• A description of any future spatial requirements or changes to plant rooms stemming fromchanges to existing building systems. Drawings should be included demonstrating the spatialavailability;
• Description of any additional capacity built into the building, or building systems, to enable anyproposed changes. This may include the capacity to accommodate any future additional loads,energy storage or demand response solutions which may occur or be implemented during thelife of the building; and
• An upgrade or replacement timeline for the distinct systems, or system components, describingthe point at which they are to be replaced with the appropriate alternatives.
The transition plan must be integrated into the design and operation of the building.
The outcomes of the transition plan should be integrated with other Green Star credits targeted
during certification. For example, any performance targets or activities relating the transition plan
should be outlined in the Verification and handover credit.
The plan must be signed off by the building owner or the building developer.
Fully electric buildings
Fully electric buildings that do not use electricity generated from fossil fuels through cogeneration
or trigeneration automatically comply with this Minimum expectation.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
An example of how to develop a transition plan can be
found at the Rocky Mountain Institute’s Zero Over Time
project.
Recognising that there are still limitations for emergency
power, a small amount of energy consumption can come
from fossil fuel use. This may be diesel for emergency
generators, which could also be used in peak lopping
situations.
The total modelled energy consumption from fossil fuels
(MJ/m2/annum) cannot be more than 1% of the building’s
total modelled energy use. In this case, the building
applicant must buy and retire Renewable Energy
Certificates equal to 10 years of the fossil fuel emissions.
Only domestic Renewable Energy Certificates are
acceptable. Refer to the Renewables and offsets guide in
Green Star for more information.
Green Star – Design & As Built introduced a
point for a transition plan.
This point is aimed to begin moving industry to
drive out the use of fossil fuels from common
uses in the building.
There is no change from that guidance.
Fully electric buildings have less transition
issues than those that have other sources of
energy, hence their recognition as a viable
pathway.
The IPCC report highlighted the need to stop
introducing new fossil fuel enabling
infrastructure. In new buildings, this means the
use of fossil fuels for cooking, heating, and
cooling.
However, there are issues which prevent this
from happening, from grid capacity, to industry
knowledge. This means that most buildings are
not able to transition away from gas today.
As such, this minimum expectation enables
buildings to be designed to accommodate future
needs. For example, shifting to a fully electric
solution may mean that additional space is
required in the plant room, or the introduction of
more air through louvers that don’t exists.
The building’s energy sources are decarbonised.
73
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Energy use, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Energy source
The building’s electricity must come from renewables. On-site or off-site renewables are
acceptable.
The credit includes all building services under the control of the building owner or operator.
Tenancy electricity use is not included in this criteria. The ‘Tenant emissions’ credit addresses this
issue.
Where the credit is achieved mostly or fully through on-site renewables, the grid can be used for
storage purposes year round, provided there is capacity in the system to do so. Effort should also
be made to match generation and consumption year round, with special consideration to match
seasonal consumption and generation. Where on-site renewables do not cover all of the building’s
consumption, a renewable electricity contract is required for the rest.
Where the credit is achieved through off-site renewables, the smallest length of contract to claim
offsite electricity is 5 years. The contract can be part of a corporate power purchasing agreement
for a building portfolio. Alternative solutions, such as procuring and surrendering Large Generation
Certificates are also acceptable.
Where offsite renewables are used, the Green Star certificate will note that the building’s rating is
valid provided the procurement of renewable electricity (or energy) continues. Should the building
not continue to be powered by renewables, the building’s rating can no longer be communicated.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Recognising that there are still limitations for emergency
power, a small amount of electricity consumption can come
from fossil fuel use. This may take place of using diesel for
emergency generators which could also be used in peak
lopping situations.
The total modelled electricity consumption from fossil fuels
(MJ/m2/annum) cannot be more than 1% of the building’s
total modelled energy use. In this case, the building
applicant must buy and retire Renewable Energy
Certificates equal to 10 years of the fossil fuel emissions.
Only domestic Renewable Energy Certificates are
acceptable.
Refer to the Renewables and offsets guide in Green Star for
more information.
Green Star – Design & As Built (all versions)
include the ‘Greenhouse Gas Emissions’ credit.
This credit aims to ensure that overall modelled
greenhouse gas emissions from energy
consumption are reduced to zero.
As the market has developed, and thanks to an
increase in the use of off-site renewables, the
issue of energy consumption can be seen as
distinct as that of energy source. Therefore, the
Greenhouse Gas Emissions credit aim, that of
driving emissions down to zero, has been split
between the credits Energy use and Energy
source.
The ‘Energy source’ credit aims to tackle the
issue of a building’s source of energy. The
Credit achievement tackles electricity, with the
Exceptional performance addressing all energy
sources.
This credit achievement aims to incentivise
having all electricity come from renewables. This
can be done through on-site or off-site
renewable electricity.
There are some small differences from the
Green Star – Design & As Built credit.
The length of the contract has been shortened to
5 years. This accounts for the increase in use of
shorter power purchasing agreements. However,
to avoid misleading claims, the Green Star rating
will be communicated as being valid provided
the building continues to procure renewable
electricity.
The IPCC report highlights two critical aspects
that the built environment must pursue to be on a
1.5°C trajectory: Reducing our energy
consumption and switching to renewable energy.
The IPCC report is clear that both need to occur.
This is due to the need to continue decarbonising
the grid and recognising that if current energy
demands continue, achieving this goal will be
difficult.
This means the focus has to be on ensuring both
conditions are met, and not trade one off the
other in the manner that is potentially possible in
the current rating tool.
The Energy source credit responds to the need
to decarbonise the grid. It aims to use the
procurement power of the built environment to
continue driving changes to the grid over time.
This credit has a clear link to the Systems
resilience credit, and the Grid optimisation credit
(to be developed). The Energy source credit will
encourage renewable procurement, while the
Grid optimisation credit will encourage matching
demand with the grid, and the use of storage
solutions to stabilise it.
The building’s energy sources are decarbonised.
74
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Energy use, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Energy source
All energy consumed by the building comes from renewables.
Energy is defined as all electricity consumed, as well as any fuels burned on-site, or off-site, for
power, heating, cooling and cooking.
On-site or off-site renewable energy is acceptable. Heating or cooling generated from fossil fuels
are not considered renewable energy. See ‘Renewables and offsets guide in Green Star for
more information and definitions.
An electric building powered by off-site or on-site renewable electricity complies. An electric
building is one that does not install any gas infrastructure within it. This includes infrastructure
provided to tenants or building occupants. The building can have emergency generators powered
by diesel.
Where the credit is achieved through off-site renewables, the smallest length of contract to claim
offsite electricity is 5 years. The contract can be part of a corporate power purchasing agreement
for a building portfolio. Alternative solutions, such as procuring and surrendering Large Generation
Certificates are also acceptable.
If infrastructure that can use fossil fuels exists, and this infrastructure is required for the operation
of typical building systems, the applicant must show how it will not use fossil fuels.
A small amount of fossil fuels are allowed for cooking (in retail situations only) or for emergency
purposes. The total modelled energy consumption from fossil fuels (MJ/m2/annum) cannot be
more than 1% of the building’s total modelled energy use. In this case, the building applicant must
buy and retire Renewable Energy Certificates equal to 10 years of the fossil fuel emissions. Only
domestic Renewable Energy Certificates are acceptable.
Refer to the Renewables and offsets guide in Green Star for more information.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Fossil fuels for specialty situations in laboratories, hospitals,
or industrial facilities can be excluded from this Exceptional
performance.
Recognising that there are still limitations for emergency
power, a small amount of energy consumption can come
from fossil fuel use. This may take place of using diesel for
emergency generators which could also be used in peak
loping situations.
Green Star – Design & As Built (all versions)
include the Greenhouse Gas Emissions credit.
This credit aims to ensure that overall modelled
greenhouse gas emissions from energy
consumption are reduced to zero.
As the market has developed, and thanks to an
increase in the use of off-site renewables, the
issue of energy consumption can be seen as
distinct as that of energy source. Therefore, the
Greenhouse Gas Emissions credit aim, that of
driving emissions down to zero, has been split
between the credits Energy use and Energy
source.
The Energy source credit aims to tackle the
issue of a building’s source of energy. The
Credit achievement tackles electricity, with the
Exceptional performance addressing all energy
sources.
This Exceptional performance aims to incentivise
having all energy come from renewables.
There are some small differences from the
Green Star – Design & As Built credit.
The length of the contract has been shortened to
5 years. This accounts for the increase in use of
shorter power purchasing agreements. However,
to avoid misleading claims, the Green Star rating
will be communicated as being valid provided
the building continues to procure renewable
electricity.
The IPCC report highlights two critical aspects
that the built environment must pursue to be on a
1.5°C trajectory: Reducing our energy
consumption and switching to renewable energy.
The IPCC report is clear that both need to occur.
This is due to the need to continue decarbonising
the grid and recognising that if current energy
demands continue, achieving this goal will be
difficult.
This means the focus has to be on ensuring both
conditions are met, and not trade one off the
other in the manner that is potentially possible in
the current rating tool.
The Energy source credit responds to the need
to decarbonise the grid. It aims to use the
procurement power of the built environment to
continue driving changes to the grid over time.
This credit has a clear link to the Systems
resilience credit, and the Grid optimisation credit
(to be developed). The energy source will
encourage renewable procurement, while the
Grid optimisation credit will encourage matching
demand with the grid, and the use of storage
solutions to stabilise it.
The building’s energy sources are decarbonised.
75
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the Minimum expectation of the transition plan for 5 star rated
buildings? Should it also apply to 4 star ratings? Do you agree that this should
extend to all Green Star rated buildings from 2023 onwards?
• Do you agree with the Minimum expectation for 6 star rated buildings?
• Is the detail for the transition plan appropriate?
• Do you agree with the change to the contract length?
• What are your thoughts on the introduction of a note on the Green Star certificate
when offsite renewables are used?
• Should there be a requirement to make sure generation and consumption be
matched as far as practicable when setting up renewable energy contracts? If the
answer is yes, What should that benchmark be?
• For onsite solutions, can the grid be used as storage for excess generation and
claimed year round or should there be limits to ensure generation matches
consumption as far as practicable? Should this be done on a seasonal basis? Should
there be a benchmark for matching generation and consumption?
• Do you agree with the 1% allowance for fossil fuels for emergency situations?
Energy source
76
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Energy source, Impacts from resources, Upfront carbon emissions (Positive)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Other carbon sources
World Leading buildings (6 star): The building meets the Credit achievement.
Additional expectations for buildings registering after 2026: All buildings seeking a Green Star
rating must meet the Credit achievement.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. Not applicable Not applicable
The building’s other carbon emissions, such as those from refrigerants, are eliminated or offset.
77
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Energy source, Impacts from resources, Upfront carbon emissions (Positive)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √
Other carbon sources
The building owner eliminates or offsets emissions from refrigerants.
For refrigerants, the emissions are assumed to be the refrigerant charge multiplied by its
Global Warming Potential. The emissions must be offset at 100%. This includes refrigerants from
any split systems. It does not include refrigerants from tenant installed systems.
The purchased offsets must be from afforestation and reforestation activities, or domestic
renewable energy generation. Stapled biodiversity and carbon offsets are preferred. They must
also be certified as gold standard offsets.
Where no refrigerants are present, this Credit achievement is met.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The credit is applicable to all refrigerants in the building from
building systems or domestic appliances provided by the
building.
In a residential setting, where fridges or freezers are
provided as part of a fitout package, the emissions from the
refrigerants in those systems must also be offset.
Specialty medical equipment or manufacturing equipment is
excluded from this credit.
While similar to the refrigerant impacts credit in
intent, which is to encourage the installation of
better refrigerants to lower emissions, it changes
the approach to how it aims to address the
problem.
The current Green Star – Design & As Built
credit rewards the use of low-GWP refrigerants.
This approach incentivised new technologies
and was used by a number of projects to trial
solutions which are slowly becoming
mainstream.
This credit takes a different approach. Rather
than a prescriptive approach to selecting
refrigerants, it focuses on the issue, addressing
the emissions from refrigerants. In effect, it
places a price on using high-GWP refrigerants
and encourages using lower GWP refrigerants.
Once the emissions from energy and materials
are taken into account, the emissions from
refrigerants become an issue of concern.
While the industry is currently transitioning to
refrigerants with a lower global warming
potential, there are still a large number of
refrigerants with a high global warming potential.
This credit aims to encourage taking
responsibility for refrigerant emissions and
transition them out as quickly as possible.
The credit also allows the use of offsets. The
types of offsets that can be used has been
limited to a subset. These offsets, afforestation,
reforestation, and renewable energy generation
activities have been selected as they enable
either zero source energy, or act as carbon
sinks. As the IPCC report encouraged the use of
carbon sinks, limiting offsets to this activity is the
only sensible path to a 1.5°C trajectory.
The building’s other carbon emissions, such as those from refrigerants, are eliminated or offset.
78
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Energy source, Impacts from resources, Upfront carbon emissions (Positive)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √ √ √
Other carbon sources
The building owner eliminates or offsets additional emissions not captured in the rest of the
Positive category.
Emissions to be considered include emissions from construction equipment on site,
remaining embodied emissions, and other emissions considered material to the project not
captured in other credits. The project team must include the above and any other material
emissions , that is emissions over 1% of the total emissions profile for the building.
As an alternative path, the building owner can make an additional offset purchase equal to 5 years
of modelled operational energy use (multiplied by the grid coefficient) to cover additional emissions
not captured by any calculation. These are not offsets for future operational use, rather they
address emissions related to the above.
The purchased offsets must be from afforestation and reforestation activities, or domestic
renewable energy generation. Stapled biodiversity and carbon offsets are preferred. They must
also be certified as gold standard offsets.
The building owner eliminates or offsets additional
emissions not captured in the rest of the Positive category.
Emissions to be considered include emissions from
construction equipment on site, remaining embodied
emissions, and other emissions considered material to the
project not captured in other credits. The project team must
include the above and any other material emissions , that is
emissions over 1% of the total emissions profile for the
building.
As an alternative path, the building owner can make an
additional offset purchase equal to 5 years of modelled
operational energy use (multiplied by the grid coefficient) to
cover additional emissions not captured by any calculation.
These are not offsets for future operational use, rather they
address emissions related to the above.
The purchased offsets must be from afforestation and
reforestation activities, or domestic renewable energy
generation. Stapled biodiversity and carbon offsets are
preferred. They must also be certified as gold standard
offsets.
While the credits in the Positive category aim to tackle the major emissions sources in the building,
there will likely be others that have not been quantified at this time.
When considering the boundary established by the Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for
Buildings, the Positive category doesn’t directly calculate and address emissions from water
consumption, transport, or waste. Instead of considering independent credits for each item, the
decision was made to introduce a single credit.
This was made based on the assumption that remaining emissions from the construction of the
building would be approximately 10% of the total emissions from a typical building. This figure is
assumed and may vary from project to project.
The building’s other carbon emissions, such as those from refrigerants, are eliminated or offset.
79
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the Minimum expectation for 6 star rated buildings? What about
the additional expectation?
• Do you agree with the approach to refrigerant emissions?
• What are your thoughts about the requirements on offsets?
• Do you agree with the inclusions and exclusions?
• Do you agree with the approaches for addressing additional emissions as outlined
in the Exceptional performance?
Other carbon sources
80
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √
Tenant emissions
The building owner requires and actively assists the tenants to offset their energy and refrigerant
through the procurement of renewables, or through the ongoing purchase of offsets.
Pathway
Energy consumption is limited to tenant plug loads, tenant installed equipment and general
appliance use. Manufacturing or process loads are excluded.
For refrigerants, the emissions are assumed to be the refrigerant charge multiplied by its Global
Warming Potential. The emissions must be offset at 100%.
The purchased offsets must be from afforestation and reforestation activities, or domestic
renewable energy generation. Stapled biodiversity and carbon offsets are preferred.
Tenant obligations can be introduced through lease agreements or a portal that enables the future
tenant to procure the relevant obligations. Where a tenanted space has not been leased, the
building owner can procure offsets for an equivalent modelled consumption of three years.
Signing up ‘Carbon Neutral Certified’ tenants is compliant with this requirement.
Upfront carbon emissions are defined as those calculated for the Global Warming Impact Category
in line with EN15978 in modules A1 to A5, including module D. Reductions must be calculated in
kg CO2eq. Where the credit ‘Impacts from Resources’ is being claimed, the information from those
modules can be used to calculate this credit
This credit is only applicable to industrial, commercial,
residential, and retail buildings, or buildings where a
significant portion of the space is leased.
In residential buildings, the emissions in this credit should
be considered occupant emissions. That is this credit
applies to influencing unit occupants, regardless of whether
they own or lease the unit.
One of the largest sources of emissions in the built environment is tenant emissions. These emissions
are considered Scope 3 emissions, that is ancillary emissions, and are usually beyond the control of
the building owner.
However, the building owner does have the capacity to influence a tenant’s decisions.
This credit aims to encourage influencing tenants and occupants to procure renewable energy or
offset their emissions.
This credit assumes the building owner will be proactively attempting to influence the tenant. While it
doesn’t have a requirement for tenants to sign up, it does require the building owner to provide
mechanisms that will strongly encourage tenants to do so.
The building’s tenants eliminate their fitout related carbon emissions.
81
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Energy source, Impacts from resources (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
GRESB; TCFD
√ √ √ √ √
Tenant emissions
The building owner requires the tenant to offset their fitout’s upfront carbon emissions.
Pathway
Upfront carbon emissions are defined as those calculated for the Global Warming Impact Category
in line with EN15978 in modules A1 to A5, including module D. Reductions must be calculated in
kg CO2eq. Where the credit ‘Impacts from Resources’ is being claimed, the information from those
modules can be used to calculate this credit.
This credit is only applicable to industrial, commercial,
residential, and retail buildings, or buildings where a
significant portion of the space is leased.
In residential buildings, the emissions in this credit should
be considered occupant emissions. That is this credit
applies to influencing unit occupants, regardless of whether
they own or lease the unit.
Another source of emissions that is not commonly addressed is the emissions from tenancy or
occupant fitouts.
While outside a building owners’ control, there is a strong opportunity to influence the design,
construction of the fitout. There is also a strong opportunity to influence eliminating the emissions from
the use of products and materials in the fitout.
This credit aims to encourage influencing tenants and occupants to eliminate the emissions from their
fitout.
Unlike the Credit achievement, the Exceptional performance requires tenants to have offset all their
emissions. The reason for this is that the emissions can be addressed at a single point in time, rather
than in an operational setting where there is always the opportunity to shift power to renewables.
The building’s tenants eliminate their fitout related carbon emissions.
82
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• What are your thoughts about the way the credit is structured?
• Do you believe building owners should be required to have tenants signed up to
eliminating operational emissions to get the Credit achievement? Should this be for
all tenants or a proportion? If so, what proportion?
• Do you believe building owners should be required to have tenants signed up to
eliminating upfront carbon emissions to get the Exceptional performance? Should
this be for all tenants or a proportion? If so, what proportion?
• Are there any other pathways that should be introduced?
Tenant emissions
83
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Fixture type WELS rating
Taps 5 star
Urinals 5 star
Toilets 4 star
Showers 3 star
Clothes Washing Machines 4 star
Dishwashers 5 star
Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation)
√ √ √ √
Water use
As a minimum requirement, all buildings must either install water efficient fixtures and appliances,
or demonstrate a reduction in potable water consumption when compared to a standard practice
building.
Pathways
Either one of the two options can be used to demonstrate compliance
Sanitary fixture efficiency
All fixtures must meet the WELS ratings below:
Reduction over reference building
The proposed project must demonstrate a 20% reduction in potable water usage when compared
to a reference building, as per current Green Star – Design & As Built Potable Water Guide and
associated calculator.
Multi-unit residential (class 2) projects must demonstrate a 15% reduction in potable water usage
when compared to a reference building.
This credit is applicable to all building types.
Sanitary fixture efficiency
Where the project does not contain one or more of these
fixtures or equipment items, then the WELS rating for that
item does not need to be achieved.
Reduction over reference building
This pathway addresses the potable water consumption
from the use of sanitary fixtures, appliances, HVAC,
irrigation systems, and swimming pools (where present).
WELS ratings
A clarification has been made. In current Green
Star – Deign & As Built, the Submission
Guidelines state "where all fixtures are within
one star of the WELS rating".
Changes from Consultation Paper
Originally, only sanitary fixture efficiency was
proposed as the minimum. The reduction over a
reference building has now been added as an
alternative.
WELS rating
This clarification has been made to reduce
confusion and varied interpretation of the
requirements.
Changes from Consultation Paper
Consultation with working groups indicated that a
comparable threshold should be set as a
performance approach. We must avoid the
situation where a project needs to collect WELS
ratings and then decides to also target the
reduction over standard practice building for the
credit achievement. This requires additional
and unnecessary work when compiling the
submission.
The building has low water consumption.
84
Brief
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
DJSI
√ √ √ √
Water use
The proposed project must demonstrate a 60% reduction in potable water usage when compared
to a reference building, as per current Green Star – Design & As Built Potable Water Guide and
associated calculator.
Multi-unit residential (class 2) projects must demonstrate a 40% reduction in potable water usage
when compared to a reference building.
See guidance for minimum expectation. Removal of prescriptive pathway
For the credit achievement, only a performance
approach can be used.
Removal of prescriptive pathway
A performance pathway places the onus on the
project team to devise solutions that will results
in a water efficient building. This encourages
smart and innovative designs, which Green Star
seeks to inspire.
The building has low water consumption.
85
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)
DJSI
√ √ √ √
Water use
The proposed project must demonstrate an 80% reduction in potable water usage when compared
to a reference building, as per current Green Star – Design & As Built Potable Water Guide and
associated calculator.
Multi-unit residential (class 2) projects must demonstrate a 60% reduction in potable water usage
when compared to a reference building.
See guidance for Minimum expectation. Threshold, as opposed to scaled points
In Green Star – Design & As Built, points are
awarded based on 5% increments, up to 100%
reductions over a reference building. In Green
Star for New Buildings, thresholds have been
set.
Threshold, as opposed to scaled points
Setting thresholds for potable water usage is
consistent with other credits in Green Star for
New Building's (I.e. Energy Demand & People
Movement).
The GBCA wants to drive projects to make
meaningful jumps in performance. Setting
thresholds for the Credit Achievement (60%) and
Exceptional Performance (80%) sets the bar high
and allows project teams to develop their own
solutions to achieving real water efficiency
outcomes
This elevates the focus to ensure all buildings
that wish to target the credit achieve significant
reductions in potable water usage when
compared to a standard practice building.
The building has low water consumption.
86
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you feel that 20% reduction over a standard practice building is a reasonable
threshold for the minimum requirement? If not, why?
• Should the WELS ratings stipulated be lower or higher, and why?
• Do you have general feedback on the current Green Star – Design & As Built
potable water methodology (performance pathway) that could be useful when
developing this credit further?
• Is the requirement of 15% reduction in potable water usage for residential buildings
appropriate?
• Do you have general feedback on the current Green Star – Design & As Built
potable water methodology (performance pathway) that could be useful when
developing this credit further?
• Is the requirement of 15% reduction in potable water usage for residential buildings
appropriate to set as a Minimum expectation?
• Do you support to move towards a performance pathway?
Water use
87
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Upfront carbon emissions, Energy use, Water use (Positive); Responsible structure, Responsible envelope, Responsible systems (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
None
√ √ √ √ √ √
Impacts from resources
A whole-of-building, whole-of-life (cradle to grave) comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) must
be conducted for the project. The project must demonstrate reductions in impacts when compared
with standard practice to claim reward credit. For the purpose of this credit, standard practice can
be defined as a:
• Fixed benchmark, if available for the building type (office, retail and industrial); or
• Reference building.
All modules (A to D) must be included in the assessment. The LCA shall report on the impact
categories specified in this credit (see later in this credit), and the results entered into the GBCA
LCA Calculator. The calculator will apply normalisation and weightings to the results and calculate
the number of points to be awarded.
The LCA calculations and report shall comply with the credit’s quality assurance
requirements. Two options are available, depending on the qualification of the LCA report author,
as listed below:
Option A
• The report produced by an LCA Certified Practitioner; and
• Subject to organisational quality assurance, which has been developed in accordance with
ISO9001.
Option B
• The report produced by an Experienced Individual; and
• Peer reviewed by an LCA Certified Practitioner or independent Experienced Individual.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Quality assurance definitions
• LCA Certified Practitioner: A person who is qualified
as an “LCA Certified Practitioner” by ALCAS, LCANZ
or ACLA, or another similar scheme.
• Experienced Individual: An individual who has
produced; co-produced and/or independently reviewed
at least five LCA studies of buildings or building products
in the past three years.
• Peer Review: A peer review is performed by
an independent practitioner as stated in ISO
14044 Clauses 6.1 and 6.2. The review provides
assurance of the credibility of the LCA and its results.
The peer review aims to provide a third-party opinion on
how the LCA was conducted and whether the results are
acceptable to demonstrate credit compliance. The peer-
reviewer shall complete the GBCA Peer Review
Checklist as part of the review.
• Independent Experienced Individual: Defined as an
Experienced Individual who is:
• not employed in a full-time or part-time role by the
commissioner of the LCA study;
• not the practitioner of the LCA study;
• not involved in defining the scope or conducting
the LCA study; and
• has no direct or indirect incentive or interest linked
to the outcome of the LCA results.
Fixed benchmarks vs reference building
The current credit proposes fixed benchmarks
for commercial, retail and industrial buildings,
with comparison to a reference building for all
other building types.
Impact category weightings
Impact categories are weighted differently to
Green Star – Design & As Built, with ‘Climate
Change’ and 'Net Use of Fresh Water' being the
highest (25% each) while the others are 8.3%.
Peer review process
New requirements around the peer review
process with two options, based on the
experience and qualifications of the original
author.
Grid decarbonisation
The relative impact of module B6 has been
reduced due to the decarbonisation of the grid.
Please see later in this credit for more details
Removal of 'Additional Reporting Criteria'
There is no longer reward for projects to report
additional criteria.
Fixed benchmarks vs reference building
The GBCA has access to many LCA reports.
Analysing this data and structuring it based on
building types will allow for a benchmark. A fixed
benchmark, as opposed to a reference building,
would result in a more accurate LCA. No fixed
benchmark has been provided as part of the
draft credits as the data mining process has not
yet commenced.
Impact category weightings
In Green Star - Design & As Built, all impact
categories are weighted evenly. In Australian
, 'Climate Change' and ’Net use of Fresh Water'
should be weighted higher than the others based
on the act that these issue are of material and
critical importance in the Australian context.
Peer review process
The new credits proposes that a
highly experienced and qualified professional
should not be required to go through the
same quality assurance process as a less
experienced and qualified professional. Thus, the
two options have been proposed.
Grid decarbonisation
Please see later in this credit for more details.
Removal of 'Additional Reporting Criteria'
The GBCA does not consider additional reporting
worthy of further points in the rating tool. The
LCA industry has matured since this criteria was
introduced to Green Star – Design & As Built.
The building has lower environmental impacts from key resources over its lifespan than a typical building.
88
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Upfront carbon emissions, Energy use, Water use (Positive); Responsible structure, Responsible envelope, Responsible systems (Responsible)
Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
None
√ √ √ √ √ √
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Methodology
• Scope: Whole-of-Building as defined in EN 15978. Refer to section 7.5 ‘The Building Model’.
• System Boundary: Cradle to grave, including all life cycle modules (modules A to D) and scenarios as detailed in EN 15978.
• Functional Unit: Impacts are assessed and reported on a per square metre (m2) project Gross Floor Area (GFA) basis. In addition, project teams may report on other functional units as desired.
• Service Life of Permanent Building Elements: The service life required by the client or through regulations. If no required service life is defined, a default service life of 60 years is to be applied.
• Service life of replaceable building and construction elements: Use actual product/material design life, or refer to table 9: Indicative component lifespan of RICS (2017)
LCA Data
The selection of data shall be based on EN 15978. Data quality shall be reported and peer-reviewed. Use of locally-based data, preferably EN15804 compliant EPDs, shall take precedence over generic or
global data, where available unless it is for imported products.
When conducting the LCA for the project, the following Green Star based inputs shall be used:
• Reference Building operational energy benchmarks as used in the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator for the project for year one energy use;
• Reference Building Water usage as used in the Potable Water credit; and
• Product-specific and industry-wide Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) submitted in response to the Responsible products credits.
Grid decarbonisation
If the building has a design life of 60 years or more, future energy projections assuming decarbonisation of the power supply may be calculated using current emissions factors and dividing by four.
If the design life of the building is shorter, future energy projections may be calculated in accordance with RICS (2017) Section 3.4.2 Future energy projections – Decarbonisation of the energy supply must
be adopted in both the reference and actual LCA models.
Fixed benchmark
Using historical data, the GBCA will calculate standard practice baseline data for office, retail and industrial buildings. The GBCA LCA Calculator will provide the reference impact/m2 for the impact
categories included in the LCA methodology defined by this credit. As available data increases, fixed benchmarks for other building types can be developed.
Standard Practice Reference Building
This pathway shall be adopted for all building types other than office, retail and industrial.
Non-standard projects from the office, retail and industrial sectors may request the use of the reference building pathway. The project must demonstrate why the fixed benchmark is not applicable. The
standard practice reference building shall be agreed through consultation with structural, mechanical, electrical and architectural professionals.
The Reference Building shall be representative of standard practice for a building of the same characteristics of the project.
Impacts from resources
The building has lower environmental impacts from key resources over its lifespan than a typical building.
Applicability & Guidance
89
Impacts from resources
Credit achievement
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Impacts from resources
Impact Category UnitCharacterisation
Methods or
Inventory
Normalisation
Factor
Weighting
Factor
Climate change
kg CO2
equivalents
(GWP100)
All methods 4.62E+13 25.0%
Net use of fresh water m3
Based on life
cycle inventory
data
1.22E+12 25.0%
Stratospheric ozone depletion potentialkg CFC 11
equivalentsAll methods 3.28+E08 8.3%
Acidification potential of land and waterkg SO2
equivalentsCML 2.73E+03 8.3%
Eutrophication potentialkg PO43-
equivalentsCML 2.88E+11 8.3%
Photochemical ozone creation potentialkg C2H2
equivalentsCML 1.47E+04 8.3%
Mineral depletion (Abiotic Depletion
Potential)
kg Sb
equivalentsCML 9.71E+09 8.3%
Fossil fuel depletion* (Abiotic Depletion
Potential)
MJ net
calorific valueCML TBC 8.3%
The operational energy module B6 is
included in the scoring of the
credit. In the current version of the
LCA credit In Green Star – Design &
As Built, B6 is capped in the scoring
calculation due to (a) double counting
with the GHG Emissions Credit and
(b) the dominance in the overall LCA
results and influence on the credit
score.
In Green Star for New Buildings, it is
proposed that the new credit allows
for decarbonisation of the power grid,
in alignment with many state
government targets (carbon neutral
by 2050)
This means that in practice, the result
of the B6 module will be reduced to
25% of the value in the existing credit
(25% is an estimate based on the
electricity emission factor reducing to
zero in the first 30 years of the 60
year life cycle). Reintroducing
module B6 in the credit will allow
design decisions to be made, but the
decarbonisation of the grid will
reduce the relative importance of this
module in a realistic manner.
Operational Energy (B6)
Impact category tables and Operational Energy guidance
90
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree that module B6 (operational energy) should be included in the
assessment and scoring? If not, why?
• Do you support the introduction of benchmark buildings for office, retail
and industrial? And further building types when the data becomes available?
• Is the approach for module B6 as described appropriate? If not, why?
• Do you support the proposed impact category weightings? If not, why?
• How should the scoring mechanism work? Should it be the current approach, or do
you propose a new approach? How could this work?
Impacts from resources
91
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Access to amenities, Contribution to place (Places)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
Healthy by design (Heart Foundation)
√ √ √
People movement
The building’s design must prioritise modes of transport that encourage walking, riding, or the use
of mass transport solutions over all other solutions.
The building must meet all criteria.
People prioritisation
The buildings’ access must prioritise walking and cycling options. That is, they should put people
first.
This means the building’s access must be well lit, shaded, and separated from vehicular use. The
building must also include access to cyclist facilities that are separated from the typical vehicular
entrance to ensure safety. The cyclist facilities must also have signposted access to the relevant
internal changing rooms amenities. The cyclist facilities must ensure the cycling equipment is
secure. The amount of cyclist facilities is to be determined by the Sustainable Transport Plan.
In a residential building, the access points should connect to the relevant storage facilities. It
these are at a unit level, it must be shown how the access won’t be blocked by strata at a later
date.
If the building includes roads through the site. The design should prioritise pedestrians over
vehicles. Roads should be designed to be low speed (rather than signposted). Pedestrians should
have the right of way, and road design should encourage this.
Sustainable Transport Plan
The project must prepare and implement a Sustainable Transport Plan. The requirements or
recommendations made in the Sustainable Transport Plan must then be reflected in the design of
the building’s facilities and ongoing operational processes.
As a minimum, the Sustainable Transport Plan must include the following:
• A definition of the typical mode share of the development location and development type;
• A target mode share for the development that prioritises active and mass transport modes, and
recommendations on how to achieve them;
• Outline how other modes of transport (carpooling, electric vehicles, and drop-off points) will be
encouraged over private vehicle use;
• Identification of future projects which may change or influence mode share (such as planned,
or under construction infrastructure) and the year of completion for the new infrastructure; and
• Roles and responsibilities for implementing, monitoring, and auditing the Sustainable Transport
Plan in the building's operational phase.
Demonstrate an improvement over a reference building.
Using the inputs from the Sustainable Transport Plan to complete the GBCA's Sustainable
Transport Calculator, the building must show reductions over a reference building, to the following
extent:
• Emission reduction (35% - 45%)
• Active mode encouragement (100%)
• VKT reduction (>20%)
• Walkable location (Walk Score of >70)
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
A good Sustainable Transport Plan can influence the
transport mode chosen by occupants, tenants and visitors.
For the purposes of this credit, the Sustainable Transport
Plan must be developed for implementation at the site and
building level and be applicable to the Green Star project
boundary.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics tracks transport modes
in all major post codes.
The Sustainable Transport Plan must be prepared by a
Suitably Qualified Transport Planner in accordance with
best practice approaches. The suitably qualified transport
planner shall hold a relevant tertiary qualification (including,
but not limited to, architecture, engineering, sustainability
and planning) and comply with at least one of the following:
• Minimum 5 years' experience in transport planning;
• Has authored at least 5 building Sustainable Transport
Plan / Green Travel Plans or similar; and
• Chartered member of a relevant industry body
Improvement over reference case
The threshold proposed is equivalent to 6 points in the
Sustainable Transport calculator in Green Star – Design &
As Built.
Changing the focus to people
The Sustainable Transport Plan in Green Star –
Design & As Built focuses on reducing transport
emissions. This credit aims to shift that focus on
ensuring people use active and mass transport
facilities in a safe manner. As such, the credit is
more concerned about putting people first, rather
than on the types of vehicles that are used.
Introduction of a Sustainable Transport Plan
Green Star – Design & As Built requires a Green
Travel Plan. This credit proposes a Sustainable
Transport Plan, which is a more comprehensive
document detailing transport options and design
interventions.
Thresholds over reference building
The current Green Star – Design & As Built
credit rewards projects for incremental
improvement over a reference building. The new
People movement credit introduces a threshold.
Suitably qualified professional
In Green Star – Design & As Built, the suitably
qualified professional needs to only have
completed one transport plan for a project of a
similar scale. The credit expands the stringency
of the suitably qualified transport planner,
increasing this to 5 projects and introducing the
requirement to be a chartered member of a
relevant industry body.
Prescriptive criteria
At this time, the proposal is to focus on
comprehensive methods of transport reductions.
Feedback is sought on this issue.
There is a growing body of evidence that
prioritising people yields significant health and
emissions benefits.
The provision of secure access to work for
pedestrians and riders has been shown to
positively impact worker behaviours to walk or
cycle to work.
Acknowledging a people-oriented approach
means that decisions over time will result in an
accessible and integrated movement network.
This prioritisation will also result in more
enjoyable places for the community to participate
in.
The building’s design and location encourages occupants and visitors to use active, low carbon, and mass transport options instead of private vehicles.
93
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you support the shift to people movement?
• What are your thoughts about the safe access provisions?
• Should a sustainable transport plan be required to achieve this credit? If so, are the
requirements for whom should develop it appropriate?
• Are the benchmarks for achieving improvements over the reference building
reflecting best practice?
• Should there be prescriptive criteria for this credit? Should it apply to all building
types and sizes? If so, what should it be?
People movement
94
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Contribution to place (Places); Operational waste (Responsible)
Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √ √
Goods movement
The building must ensure appropriately sized infrastructure that demonstrably accommodates the
delivery and servicing needs of the building. The project must demonstrate that there will be no
reliance on on-street parking.
The building must achieve both criteria.
Service Delivery Profile
The project must generate a Service Delivery Profile (SDP) for the building. This is used to
calculate capacity size for loading docks and identify opportunities to reduce peak. It must include
the following:
• Vehicle timing: The arrival time, the total dwell time and the departure time;
• Vehicle frequency: A count of activity will obviously give a frequency of activity. It should be
considered that constraints on a dock size can generate more deliveries by smaller trucks than
a smaller number by a larger vehicle;
• Vehicle type: Understand the profile of the vehicles in use for different types of deliveries. This
should include vehicle length and height; and
• Vehicle purpose: Outline why a certain vehicle would arrive at the building.
The SDP must also provide approaches and identify opportunities to improve delivery needs of the
building, such as:
• Remode: Use efficient modes for distribution in the CBD where feasible;
• Reroute: Avoid the CBD for through traffic where feasible. Be aware of alternatives that can
improve efficiency;
• Reduce: Consolidate, improve utilisation, reduce trip numbers, sustainable procurement,
building delivery service plans; and
• Retime: Shifting freight and servicing activities to outside peak times gives opportunities
for greater efficiency
Loading docks
Using the SDP as input, the size and capacity of the loading docks for goods movement should
accommodate 100% of deliveries and goods movement on a typical working day during peak
times. The size of the loading dock must be exclusive of other uses such as bicycle spaces. The
entrance for delivery and collection vehicles must be separate from the cyclist entrance.
The design provides additional capacity for future growth in demand, and potential
operational/mode changes.
The project must detail how the loading docks are adequately sized to meet the service and
delivery needs of the building.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. It is of
particular relevance to those located in CBD's.
In assessment of docks it is important to appreciate the
following profiles that will assist in explaining the servicing
profile of it:
• Building Usage type (Commercial, Retail, Residential,
Hotel, mixed use profiles etc.);
• Building size – the space use (Gross Floor Area) by type
of use;
• Number of tenancies in a building (the same floor space
for multiple tenants will generate more demand than if it
is one tenant); and
• The profile of the building. For example a 3 star hotel
without a restaurant will generate less freight than a 5
star hotel with multiple restaurants
This is a new credit.
Growing urbanization and the rise of e-commerce are causing congestion challenges for cities.
Increased congestions results when projects do not provide the necessary infrastructure to handle
these delivery demands. Delivery vehicles instead use street parking, which causes negative
externalists on the wider urban fabric.
Certain building then risk developing a reputation for poor handling, and delivery vehicles continue
using on-street parking. This exacerbates the problem.
The credit aims to get projects to avoid this situation by understanding their service and delivery
needs, finding creative ways to reduce them, and then providing necessary infrastructure to handle it
all on site. The design of the building plays a large role in how effective a building is at handling
deliveries.
Other outcomes the credit will deliver include:
• Detrimental impacts on streets are minimised, including traffic, heavy vehicle movements, waste
management, footpath obstructions, materials storage and visual clutter;
• Back of house and service areas of buildings are positioned and configured to minimise visual
impacts on streetscapes;
• Servicing and loading functions occur inside the building, rather than in the public environment;
• Loading and servicing operations are more efficient and manageable;
• The building can accommodate future operational requirements and changing usage patterns;
• The environment around the building is more attractive, safe, vibrant, amenable, which supports
activation and visitation; and
• Building occupants, and neighbours, are happier and safer.
Impacts from the services and delivery needs of the building are minimised.
95
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Are the requirements appropriate to address the credit outcome?
• Are there other issues to be considered?
• Should this credit be applicable to all building types and sizes?
• Should this credit be applicable in all localities? Or just dense urban areas?
Goods movement
96
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Contribution to place, Access to amenity, Activated places, Goods Movement (Places)
Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √ √ √
Enjoyable places
To achieve the credit, the project must provide new publicly-accessible spaces that are enjoyable
and supports community activity and interaction.
The building must comply with two criteria.
Provision of communal spaces
Communal space must be provided to the following extent:
• For all building types except residential (see below) above 1,000 sqm floor area, provide1.5
sqm communal open space per occupant or 5% of site land area, whichever is larger;
• For residential and mixed-use with residential, 2.5 sqm communal open space or public space
per dwelling (minimum 250 sqm).
The communal space must:
• Accommodate appropriate/nominated community-based activities (as defined in the Activated
places credit, if targeted);
• Have capacity and flexibility to operate in multiple modes of usage; and
• Demonstrate relevance of the space for local people (demographics, social profile, current
needs)
The communal space must be provided as part of the project and free to use. Existing communal
space prior to the project cannot be considered, as the purpose of this credit is to create new
communal spaces.
Design for enjoyment
Evidence that the place is enjoyable by those that use it can be shown through the Design Plans
and Landscape Plans and Design Report (or equivalent), which describe and demonstrate:
• Application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, and
design initiatives to support safety;
• Design for people and usage, demonstrating spatial flexibility/adaptability, potential
uses/activities in spaces and modes of operation, and day and night uses;
• Placemaking / Place activation approaches;
• Accommodating retail/commercial activity (cafés etc.) and more open public usage;
• Providing a range of experiences: prospect and refuge, openness and enclosure;
• Providing comfort and amenity: seating, shading and shelter from the elements
• Demonstrate material quality and durability.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors with additional
guidance for industrial and residential.
For industrial buildings, due to specialist operations public
safety may be a concern (e.g. heavy machinery, hazardous
materials). If an industrial project is targeting the credit, it
must be demonstrated how public safety from
operations specifically is being addressed.
For multi-unit residential projects, public space may not be
desired by residents. Some developments may provide
communal/shared spaces, but not fully public spaces. This
is considered acceptable.
Base building vs. tenancy
The base building provides the foundations of Enjoyable
places. Tenancies can affect the experience and enjoyment
of places, such as by:
• The nature of frontages to new places;
• Occupation or habitation of places for commercial
purposes; and
• Activation outcomes (contributing to activity).
Tenant engagement is thus encouraged to fully achieve the
desired outcome. However, there are no requirements for
tenants for the purposes of this credit.
This is a new credit.
Considering we spend the majority of our day inside a building, we must ensure they are enjoyable
and safe places. A Green Star buildings should be a place where an occupant or visitors feels
welcome and enjoys their stay. Many credits in Green Star for New Buildings address amenity and
comfort of occupants. This credit, however, focuses on amenity for both occupants and visitors.
Public space in the built environment is an important part of society. Compared to other countries,
Australia has a remarkable degree of social cohesion given its diversity, and the built environment
continues to play a role in this.
Communal spaces are locations where community comes alive, where bonds are strengthened and
where a sense of belonging is fostered. This is what the Enjoyable paces credit is seeking to deliver.
Other benefits by introducing the credit into the rating tool include:
• New spaces are created, for community use and enjoyment;
• New spaces may host/accommodate new community activities and events, and informal meetings;
• The building is received more positively because of its tangible contribution; and
• The building has a vehicle for ongoing engagement with the community, and for inviting the
community into the building (where applicable).
The building provides places that are enjoyable and inclusive.
97
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the communal space requirements? If not, what should they be?
• Do you agree with the proposals for designing for enjoyment?
• Should CPTED be referenced, or are there other equivalent frameworks?
• There is additional requirements and guidance for industrial and residential. Should
there be for any other building types and if so, what?
Enjoyable places
98
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Enjoyable places (Places); Community engagement; Culture, identity and heritage (People)
Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √ √
Activated places
To be eligible to target this credit, the building must meet the Enjoyable places Credit achievement
The project must provide a placemaking or activation strategy to ensure placemaking continues
after practical completion.
The strategy must demonstrate how the future occupants and the wider community can contribute
to the place activation, addressing the following:
• The target of the activation activities;
• How the activation will be funded and managed for the first 12 months of occupation, and be
sustained beyond those months;
• Estimated timing of activation;
• Potential suppliers, facilitators or initiators of placemaking activation;
• How the building occupants and the wider community will be encouraged to initiate activations
e.g. communication channels and support network;
• Demonstrate how the strategy can be further implemented by the future tenant and occupants;
and
• Assign roles and responsibilities for implementation of the strategy, including evaluation and
monitoring.
To ensure implementation of this strategy, it must be included as part of the project's handover.
This credit is not applicable to industrial buildings. It applies
to all other building sectors.
Application is recommended as early as possible, ideally
before Development Application (DA) so that the strategy
can meaningfully integrate into the building design rather
than being an afterthought.
At this stage, the building can only be designed to
accommodate activities by the future tenant, occupants and
community – as activation can only occur with people
involved.
The placemaking/activation strategy implementation will
largely be led and directed by them, hence some flexibility
should be included in the strategy.
This is a new credit.
People will not have trust and confidence in placemaking until they see results. The Activated places
credit ensures the desired outcomes of placemaking are realised.
The provision of public space for community activities (Enjoyable places) sets the building up to build
social cohesion amongst the community. This credit delivers a thoughtful approach to activate those
spaces and reach its full potential. When implemented, the credit will:
• Ensure sustainability of the envisioned place brand;
• Continue to enable current and potential occupants to engage with the place;
• Support maximised utilisation of spaces; and
• Create visual interest and increase foot traffic and economic activities
The building owner delivers memorable, beautiful, vibrant places where people want to gather and participate in the community.
99
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Is it reasonable to make Enjoyable places a precondition for this credit?
• Is the guidance sufficient to address the credit outcome?
• Should there be requirements for amount of budget, or time, that should be funded?
• Should the credit require budget or time to be funded?
• Would the credit be not applicable to a particular sector? Why?
Activated places
100
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Enjoyable places, Activated places (Places); Culture, heritage and identity, Community engagement (People); Climate change resilience (Resilience)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing)
None
√ √ √ √ √
Contribution to place
The building’s design fits and contributes to the liveability of the wider urban context. The building’s
design must also contribute to enhancing the public realm.
There are two criteria that must be met:
Provision of Urban Context Analysis (or equivalent) and necessary design responses
The project must provide an Urban Context Report , which contains information on the following:
• Urban context analysis
• Rigorous assessment and analysis of the local setting and wider urban context, spanning
physical, social and economic factors
• Explanation of any preferred future character for the location, in areas undergoing change
• Diagnosis of local challenges which the building can contribute to addressing
• Implications for the design of the building
• Design responses
• Explanation and demonstration of how the design responds to the contextual drivers and
provides a tangible contribution to the local area
• Specific design responses to mitigate issues to the surrounds from urban heat island, wind
generation, and shading, daylight and solar access.
Public realm interface design
The building's frontages must enhance the quality of the public environment. Evidence of this must
be provided which describes:
• How ground floor frontages maximise visual and physical permeability to all frontages;
• How the façade is articulated through materials, colour, and details to break long sections to
make it attractive to walking;
• How the sidewalks around the building encourage safe, inclusive, and attractive walking and
cycling activities, as well as provide shading for pedestrians and other activities, particularly
through the use of trees;
• How upper level facades and frontages support visual interaction and passive surveillance, as
well as visual interest through the use of various lighting solutions;
• How entrances are designed to be welcoming and to contribute to the public realm; and
• How the building’s design contributes to the culture and heritage of the place.
The extent of ground floor active frontages vary based on building types:
• Commercial and mixed-use with Residential: 75%
• Educational/Institutional: 50%
• Industrial: 25%
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Different building types require different levels of visual
permeability. Frontages and entrances should be designed
accordingly, however frontages which contribute to
or activate the public realm are always applicable, to all
building types (but with varying extents and design detail
approaches). While for industrial buildings the context may
be less defined and of lower value, contributing positively is
still important. Thus the credits is still applicable to all
building types.
Urban Context Analysis
There are many planning policy documents, design
guidelines and other reference documents which provide
guidance for responding to context and building frontage.
These tend to be at the local government or regional/state
government level, so differ from place to place. However,
the overarching principles are generally consistent.
Examples include:
• Better Placed – Integrated Design Policy for the Built
Environment of NSW
• Evaluating Good Design (NSW) provides 9 Criteria for
‘Better Fit’ (page 5)
• Central Melbourne Design Guide provides quantified
requirements for extent of active frontage and ground-
level floor space
• Urban Design Guidelines for Victoria include a Buildings
chapter with guidance for interfaces
Public realm interface
The base building provides the foundations of the
Contribution to place credit, such as in the configuration of
spaces and facades/frontages.
Tenancies can then ‘make or break’ these outcomes, by
potentially changing the façade/frontage as part of tenancy
works or obstructing the visually permeable frontages with
signage.
Although not a requirement of the credit, it is suggested that
engagement with tenants occurs informing them of the
benefits the credits delivers.
All buildings have a responsibility to be a 'good neighbour' and add value to its surrounding content.
This credit seeks to ensure the building will add value to its surrounding whilst also minimising
impacts, such as contributing to the urban heat island, and generating wind and shade.
Research finds that active frontage significantly affect people’s perceptions of a public space in terms
of its safety, comfort, sociability and liveliness. Good quality active frontages can contribute to creating
successful public spaces, which can help deliver far reaching benefits for the built environment.
Other benefits the credit will deliver include:
• The building is contextually responsive and a good ‘fit’ in the location;
• The building can be considered a 'good neighbour', thereby leading to a better reputation;
• The locality is more attractive and more valued by the public;
• The building is positively received by the public; and
• The building is more welcoming and accessible and invites visitation.
The building’s design makes a positive contribution to the quality of the public environment.
101
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the three impacts to be mitigated, namely: urban heat island,
winder generation and shade? Are there other that should be added to the list?
• Should visual permeability be applicable to all building types? Are the extents
proposed reasonable? If not, what should they be?
• Are there any other relevant principles that this credit should encourage?
Contribution to place
102
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Enjoyable places, People movement (Places)
Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing); Goal 10 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Healthy by Design (Heart Foundation)
√ √
Access to amenity
Showers and changing facilities are provided to a proportion of the building’s regular occupants.
The specific proportion that must be met for regular occupants is outlined below. The number of
regular occupants is to be based on the project’s design occupancy.
The building must comply with both criteria.
Changing facilities
The building’s changing facilities must be located in a safe and protected space. The facilities must
be designed to be inclusive. In particular, the facilities must:
• Provide safe access, protected from elements, separated from vehicles, and have
consideration of gradients, surface grip levels and visibility around tight corners;
• Have safe lighting of all areas from entry to the facility access, and between bike parking, all
amenities and lift lobbies or main access point to building lobby;
• Provide proximity, lockers, showers and building entry (eg lifts) are located in a central cluster
for ease of occupant use;
• Include features such as ironing boards, iron, hanging racks, power points, mirrors, facial
lighting and any other facilities to encourage uptake; and
• Have clear signage to the facilities.
Showers
All showers are to be a minimum of 1.8m x 1.1m to enhance usability. Showers and bathrooms
provided to meet statutory accessibility requirements are not included the calculation of end of trip
facilities for Green Star projects.
Lockers
1 secure locker must be provided for every 8 regular building occupants in the changing rooms. All
lockers are to be secure.
Lockers provided within the tenancies, not in changing rooms, do not count toward this credit.
This minimum expectation is not applicable to residential
buildings, as bathrooms are typically located in the
dwellings.
General Guidance
In all instances where project design occupancy values are
available prior to issuing of Tender documentation, these
take precedent. When these are not available, the project is
to use the design occupancy estimation for their DA
application.
Facilities can be provided within the building’s boundary, or
outside. If the facilities are outside the site boundary, they
must be under the control of the building owner and be
accessible to all building occupants (depending on the users
being served by those facilities).
The design of the shower facilities must be appropriate to
encourage their use. Therefore, the project team is
expected to justify how their location, locker sizes, privacy
requirements, and size are conducive to this aim.
The bicycle rack component has been moved to
the People movement credit and is not a
minimum expectation.
Showers
The requirement on the number of showers has
lowered.
All showers now have to be a minimum size of
1.8m x 1.1m.
Lockers
Lockers have increased from approximately 1
per 11 regular occupants to 1 per 8 regular
occupants. (Previously requirement was 1.2
lockers per bicycle rack, this has increased to
1.6 if using this conversion method).
Showers
Minimum size requirements have been proposed
for showers.
Changing facilities
Additional features are now a requirement,
including ironing boards and iron, hanging racks
etc.
Originally, bicycle facilities were proposed as a
minimum requirement. Following feedback
received to the Consultation paper, it has been
removed from the Minimum expectation
component in the credit, but retained in the rating
tool under People movement.
Feedback indicates that the ratios for showers
and lockers should be amended in Green Star for
New Buildings as the demand and use of these
amenities has shifted.
It has been brought to the GBCA’s attention that
in many cases additional lockers have been
installed after practical completion (and Green
Star certification), in response to user demand.
This trend has increased in recent years, thus
the proposal to recalibrate the locker ratios.
Because the bicycle component has been
separated and now not proposed a minimum
requirement, the locker rations are on a per
occupant basis, as opposed to a per bicycle
basis.
On occasions, projects have downsized the
showers to meet the quantity requirements, in
the process reducing the user experience
dramatically. Feedback suggests that while depth
is usually satisfactory, width is not. Thus,
conservative minimum expectations have been
proposed.
The number of showers has been reduced, in
response to industry feedback. The new
numbers align better with international rating
tools.
Many end-of-trip facilities currently do not provide
an iron or iron board to users, which does not
encourage their use. This simple yet important
factor has been added as a requirement to the
credit.
The building’s occupants have access to a wide variety of amenities near the building’s location.
Occupants Showers
0 – 12 1 unisex
13 – 49 2
50 – 149 4
150 – 299 5
300 – 500 7
500+ Additional 2 per 200 occupants above 500
Occupants Showers (current) Showers (new)
0 – 12 1 (unisex) 1 unisex
13 – 49 2 2
50 – 149 4 4
150 – 299 6 5
300 – 500 8 7
500+
+ 2 / 200
occupants over
500
+ 1 / 200
occupants over
500
103
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Enjoyable places, People movement (Places)
Goal 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing); Goal 10 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Healthy by Design (Heart Foundation)
√ √
Access to amenity
The building is located in a walkable area, and building occupants have access to a wide variety of
amenities to take care of daily activities.
Calculation methods
There are two options to demonstrate compliance: Walkscore calculation, or manual calculation.
• Walkscore
The project achieves a Walk Score of at least 70 for industrial buildings, or at least 80 for all
other types of buildings, as determined by the website www.walkscore.com, using the ‘street
smart’ method of calculation.
• Manual calculation
For all projects except retail centres, at least two types of amenities (1 for industrial buildings)
are provided as part of the building, and 6 more either within the building or within 400 meters
from the entrance of the building (3 for industrial buildings).
For retail centres, all amenities can be within the building.
Major obstructions, such as highways, limit an individual’s capacity to walk. As such, where
those are found, they act as virtual barriers, and, unless the crossing is within the 400 meters,
all amenities beyond the obstruction cannot be counted.
For the manual calculation method, the project team must show that there are viable walking
paths or cycle routes that connect the building to the relevant destinations. These connections
should have shade and shelter along the route, as well as be well lit and safe.
Amenities can be off or on-site and are defined as: convenience stores; pharmacies; post
offices, restaurants, food and beverage outlets; gyms, pools and sports facilities; hospitals,
clinics and healthcare centres; childcare centres; newsagencies; retail centres; cinemas and
theatres; supermarkets and grocery stores; libraries; banks or ATMs; public parks; community
centres; churches; and educational facilities (i.e. schools or universities).
Amenities that are similar in nature to that of the development cannot be considered for
purposes of this credit. For example, a project with residential unit cannot consider other
residences as amenities. Where there are two or more of any one amenity this will count as
only 1 amenity. Therefore, 3 restaurants will only count as 2 amenities, 4 convenience stores
will only count as 2, etc.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors. The Credit achievement follows the walkability
prescriptive option outlined in the Sustainable
Transport credit in Green Star – Design & As
Built.
There are minor changes in the credit from the
prescriptive approach. In particular, the
calculation of distance has changed.
Feedback indicated minor changes would assist
in simplifying the credit.
The building’s occupants have access to a wide variety of amenities near the building’s location.
104
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree and support the amended ratios, namely for showers and lockers?
Are these accurate for different cities across Australia?
• Do you agree with new additions to the minimum requirements, such as shower
sizes and provision of ironing faciltiies?
• Should any amenities be added to the list? Should any be mandatory for the
exceptional performance?
• Do you agree with the proposed credit achievement?
• Are there any other requirements that should be introduced?
• Do these requirements apply to all building sectors?
Access to amenity
105
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Responsible construction (Responsible); Social procurement (People)
Goal 5 (Gender equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √
Social construction practices
The following must be met to satisfy the minimum requirements:
• The site offices of the responsible party must include separate gender inclusive bathroom
facilities and changing amenities with a high degree of privacy;
• Gender inclusive fit-for-purpose Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be provided;
• Training must be provided to all contractors and subcontractors that were present for at least
three days on site. The training must include information on any sustainable building
certification(s) sought; the sustainability attributes of the building and their benefits; explain the
value of certification; and the role site workers play in delivering a sustainable certified building;
and
• Policies must also be put in place to address issues of discrimination, racism, and bullying on
site. Policies must include training to all contractors. The policy must also have redress
procedures for any relevant breaches, and corrective measures to be put in place should any
incident by identified.
This credit applies to all building sectors. The credit introduces a minimum expectation.
This minimum expectation introduces new
requirements and also draws on a credit from
the Green Star – Design & As Built rating tool.
Sustainability education
This has broadened beyond information on the
certification of the building to now include
specifics on the sustainability attributes of the
building.
Women make up less than two per cent of
construction, automotive and electrical trades in
Australia. There are a number of programs
targeted at increasing female participation in
trade roles. In order to increase the diversity of
the construction workforce, it is important to
remove the physical and cultural barriers that
have been identified as being present.
Many site facilities do not provide bathrooms or
change facilities that are private and easily
accessible by women. There are also health and
safety implications of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) taking a ‘one size fits all’
approach and being ill fitting for many women.
Green Star is introducing these requirements in
order to create workplaces that are gender
inclusive.
The builder’s construction practices promote diversity and inclusion and reduce physical and mental health impacts
107
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Responsible construction (Responsible); Social procurement (People)
Goal 5 (Gender equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √
Social construction practices
High quality staff support
Promote positive mental and physical health outcomes of the site activities and culture of site
workers, through programs and solutions on site that address at least 5 of the following
considerations:
The responsible party should carry a needs analysis of site workers and contractors to determine
appropriate actions. The policies and programs must be relevant to all construction workers on site
for the whole duration of construction. A mix of programs is acceptable throughout the duration of
construction.
High performing site offices
All projects with a total contract value (TVC) over $20m must provide site sheds or site offices that
promote positive social and environmental outcomes. All site sheds and offices must, at a
minimum, address stipulated criteria related the following outcomes:
An assessment of the satisfaction of the occupants of the site office must be conducted during its
use, and where issues were found, they must be addressed, ideally using BOSSA. A copy of the
survey and summary of the results, with any corrective actions, must be provided for assessment.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
High performance site offices is applicable to all
demountable accommodation, regardless of whether it is
utilised for continuous/permanent or transient occupancy.
This applies to both ‘site sheds’ and ‘site offices’, noting the
nuances between them.
A nearby existing building can be used to claim this credit.
However, the space must still meet all the compliance
requirements.
This has been promoted from an Innovation challenge. The
requirement that all projects with a TCV over $20m must
address the high performing site offices has been
introduced to the rating tool.
This version of the credit takes a more performance
pathway approach when compared to the current Innovation
challenge.
High quality staff support
In Green Star – Design & As Built v1.3 only
three initiatives aimed at improving site workers’
mental health needed to be addressed. In Green
Star for New Buildings, this has increased to
five.
High performing site offices
This has been promoted from an Innovation
Challenge into the rating tool. The threshold of
any projects with a TVC over $20m has also
been added.
High quality staff support
Building developments have a significant
opportunity to influence many workers and
promote workers’ mental and physical health.
The considerations have been increased to five
to enable a wider spectrum of issues to be
covered.
High performing site offices
Recent uptake of this Innovation challenge
indicates that there is appetite for this
initiative. Furthermore, as Green Star for New
Buildings expands the scope of social
sustainability outcomes, this outcome presents
an opportunity to positively influence the lives of
all of those involved in the project lifecycle.
The builder’s construction practices promote diversity and inclusion and reduce physical and mental health impacts
• Suicide prevention
• Healthy eating and active living
• Reduce harmful alcohol and drug and
tobacco consumption
• Increased social cohesion, community
and cultural participation
• Understanding depression
• Preventing violence and injury
• Decrease psychological stress
• Finding fulfillment at work or mindful
meditation
• Manufacture of shed
• Materials
• Energy efficiency
• Greenhouse gas emissions
• Metering and monitoring
• Air quality
• Thermal comfort
• Acoustics
• Lighting
• Exposure to toxins
• Indoor plants
• Water efficient appliances
• Refrigerants
• Acoustics
108
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Responsible construction (Responsible); Social procurement (People)
Goal 5 (Gender equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √
Social construction practices
The development generates employment opportunities for socially disadvantaged minority groups
and increases workforce capacity and capability. Increase the diversity of construction workforce
by integrating targets in construction contracts and sub-contracts. As a minimum, the following
targets apply:
• 5% Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation;
• 3% Women in non-traditional roles/ professions; and
• At least one other target group (for example, culturally and linguistically diverse, local
participation and long term unemployed).
Targets must be incorporated into main construction contracts including sub-contracts and
require:
• Retention of employed staff for the duration of the project/ contract delivery;
• Data collection, monitoring and reporting; and
• A framework for incentivising the achievement of targets.
A Workforce Plan must be developed that includes:
• A demographic study of the local region to inform identification of additional target groups;
• Project jobs and skills demand assessment;
• Target group jobs and skills supply assessment;
• Clear governance structure to ensure implementation of the workforce plan;
• Identified roles and responsibilities in the implementation and monitoring of workforce targets;
• Outline capacity building and training opportunities for target group;
• Training of contractors and sub-contractors on diversity and inclusion (for example cultural
awareness training);
• Identify data collection and reporting templates/ tools;
• Outline the process to collect data from Tier 2 and Tier 3 contractors; and
• Establish monitoring and reporting requirements to measure impacts and outcomes as well as
benefits realised.
Projects must report monthly and at the time of practical completion provide a summary of:
• Number of jobs created per target group;
• Job retention rate over life of project per target group; and
• Jobs supported.
This credit applies to all building sectors.
When developing targets related to workforce, the project
should consider the local conditions as well as the project
size. Target groups can include:
• People from a culturally and linguistically diverse
background;
• Long term unemployed;
• Refugees;
• Youth (those aged 18 to 24);
• Apprentices and learning workers; and
• Local employment.
A demographic study will inform targets to be developed.
Government sources such as the Australian Bureau of
Statistics; the NSW Department of Communities and
Justice; and the National Centre for Vocational Education
provide useful statistics and data to help develop project
specific targets.
When developing workforce targets the following principles
are recommended:
• Allow flexibility in the targets so that they can be
adapted depending on the project phase and life-cycle;
• Ensure targets and requirements in the Workforce Plan
are able to be contractually enforceable;
• Provide value to target group and project;
• Ensure they are realistic, and thus while aspirational, are
able to be achieved.
Engagement with employer providers is recommended to
better understand local supply and development needs.
While the following list is not exhaustive, it can be used to
guide the project:
• Aboriginal Employment Strategy;
• Apprentice Employment Network;
• Refugee Settlement Program; and
• National Association for Women in Construction.
Working with the procurement team during the development
of the Workforce Plan is important, as integration into the
overall Procurement Strategy/Plan for the project is the
mechanism by which workforce targets can be
implemented.
This is a new credit.
Targeted employment strategies is seen as an important lever in not only increasing job opportunities
for under-represented and disadvantaged groups, but in also addressing skills shortages. Nine out of
ten trades is experiencing a shortage in skilled workers to meet current and future demand. This
presents a risk to the delivery of construction projects across Australia.
Industry requires an additional 300,00 construction workers by 2024 (Master Builders Association).
Workforce targets are an important way to increase participation, diversity and build industry skills and
capacity.
The builder’s construction practices promote diversity and inclusion and reduce physical and mental health impacts
109
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the requirements in the Minimum expectation?
• Do you agree with the proposed physical and mental health identified?
• Do you agree with the proposed workforce targets for Exceptional performance? Are
there any targets groups that you recommend be included/ excluded? What
guidance do you recommend are needed to help develop and implement workforce
targets?
Social construction practices
110
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Culture and heritage, Design for inclusion (People); Enjoyable places, Activated places (Places)
Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
None
√ √ √
Community engagement
The building must demonstrate that it has engaged with the community during the early design
stages.
The project must produce an Engagement Report using the the International Association for Public
Participation Australasia (IAP2) core values for public participation and to show how it will achieved
the ‘Collaborate’ status.
The IAP2 framework will guide the engagement strategy by including elements such as a value
statement, policy and/or procedures for engagement.
The Engagement Report must provide information on the following:
• List the various community groups in the area, including hard-to-reach groups, and identify
stakeholders by relevant categories (e.g. business, residential, interest groups, government);
• How the local community was reached out to, engaged, and how the data was collected;
• How the engagement data influenced the building design and programming, with supporting
evidence; and
• How decisions were fed back to the community groups that participated in the engagement
activities.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
To achieve meaningful engagement, it is recommended that
engagement activities commence as early as possible
(i.e before Development Application) so that the community
is involved from the beginning of the project. Engaging the
community after most of the decisions are made means their
input is unlikely to be reflected; and it is more difficult to
obtain the community’s buy-in.
Guidance tools other than IAP2 are acceptable where it can
be demonstrated that the alternative guideline also strives to
implement an equivalent set of core values in its approach
to the process of public participation.
While it is recognised that demonstrating deep engagement
is difficult and relies on qualitative rather than quantitative
assessment, there are success factors that can be used to
guide the project team during the engagement process.
This will be helped by a focus on:
• Depth of research on community groups and members
to be engaged;
• Diversity of individual participants and groups who were
engaged;
• Rigour in the data collected from community
engagement; and
• Extent to which community engagement influenced the
project.
The local community engaged pre-DA and pre-occupation
can be different from the actual users or occupants. The
purpose of the engagement is not to respond to self-
interests of the individuals, but rather to gather data and
insights on what is important to the existing community and
to build on those values and aspirations. Future users,
occupants and the property owner/manager may have
different views and the place should be designed so that it
can evolve with them.
This is a new credit.
There are many impacts that a project can have on the broader community. A building that the
community can engage and interact with can transform it into a centre of activity for the community, a
meeting place, a place of cultural significance, and a source of pride to local residents. To achieve this
desired outcome, strong community engagement must be a key component of the design stage.
Conversely, if the community is not encouraged to engage with a building it reduces that project’s
capacity to add value to the community and build trust.
The Community engagement credit is an extension of the current Community benefits Innovation
Challenge. It has a strong focus on encouraging the community to become part of the project and
ultimately influence the design of the building in some way. The Community engagement credit aims
to encourage project teams to go above and beyond what is commonly provided when designing and
developing buildings in Australia.
Additional benefits of effective community engagement include:
• Fewer backlashes and increased buy-ins from the community, along with enhanced trust;
• Enabling the community to connect with each other and build local relationships to support
place evolution;
• Validation of design proposal and opportunity to pivot through data collection and respond to
community inputs;
• Demonstration of community values in building design; and
• Potentially smoother Development Application (DA) process.
Because the built environment has the potential – and responsibility – to build social trust and
cohesion, this credit is a timely introduction into the rating tool.
The community influences the design of the building.
111
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you feel the current criteria are reflective of best practice in Australia?
• Is 'Collaborate' status on the IAP2 spectrum a reasonable expectation?
• Is there an Exceptional performance level of achievement in this credit? What
should that be?
• Should there be the communication, collaboration and/or governance mechanism to
support ongoing community interaction that will support community cohesion
criteria?
• Would this credit be applicable to all building types? If not, which ones would it not
apply to and why?
Community engagement
112
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Community engagement; Design quality (People); Enjoyable places, Activated places (Places)
Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities); Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √
Culture, heritage and identity
To achieve this credit, the project team must show that the building’s design reflects and enhances
the local culture, heritage and/ or identity.
The development of an Interpretation Plan is a first step in identifying material issues related to
culture, heritage and identity and is a requirement of achieving this credit. The process for
developing a project specific Interpretation Plan should address the following:
• Identify opportunities to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander culture in the project. This can be achieved by:
• Identifying the local Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander culture, that is the Country
and People
• Undertaking engagement founded on acknowledgement and respect
• Meaningfully participating in the design process
• Investigating opportunities for participating in the project's delivery
• Using ceremony to create enduring partnerships.
• Other local demographics and community identities (e.g. ethnicities, languages, religions, ages
and gender);
• How hidden or minority identities that are not immediately obvious have been researched and
reflected; and
• History and heritage of the place (including indigenous and non-indigenous).
As part of this research, the project must demonstrate that it has meaningfully engaged
with identified community groups. This can be demonstrated by meeting credit Community
engagement in the People category.
The project must then show how the research and engagement conducted above translated into
the design of the building. For example, this can be achieved through:
• Community art or placemaking projects;
• Selection of suppliers/designers of artwork or cultural elements were selected;
• Building elements that tell stories of the past and heritage; and
• Spaces and uses that reflect the local identities.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Public buildings whose occupants/users are likely to be the
local community may require more in-depth community
engagement to ensure they are fit for purpose, inclusive and
to build place attachment from an early stage.
It is recommended that projects undertake the analysis to
inform the projects' strategy and design as early as possible,
preferably before Development Application (DA). This is to
ensure that the research can meaningfully be integrated into
the building design rather than being an afterthought e.g.
spatial designs or land uses that reflect the local culture and
identity is preferable to an add-on graphic design on a
façade.
The culture, identity and heritage reflected in the building
are likely to be those of the past and present. Future users,
occupants and the property owner/manager may have
different views and the place should be designed so that it
can evolve with them.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design response
should following the eight points from the Australian
Indigenous Design Charter:
• Indigenous led. Ensure Aboriginal representation in the
creation of the design.
• Self-determined. Respect for the rights of Aboriginal
peoples to oversee representation creation of their
culture in design practice.
• Community specific. Ensure respect for the diversity of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by following
community specific cultural protocols.
• Deep listening. Ensure respectful, culturally specific,
personal engagement behaviours for effective
communication and courteous interaction are practiced.
• Impact of design. Always consider the reception and
implications of all designs so that they are respectful to
Indigenous culture.
• Indigenous knowledge. Respectfully ask the client if
there is an aspect to the project, in relation to any
design brief, that may be improved with Indigenous
knowledge.
• Shared knowledge (collaboration, co-creation,
procurement). Develop and implement respectful
methods for all levels of engagement and sharing of
Indigenous knowledge (collaboration, co-creation,
procurement).
• Legal and moral. Demonstrate respect and honour
cultural ownership and intellectual property rights,
including moral rights, and obtain appropriate
permissions where required.
This is a new credit.
A current Culture, heritage and identity Innovation challenge exists for Green Star – Design & As Built
projects. However, this current Innovation challenge is focused on retaining heritage buildings. The
proposed credit extents into new developments with the opportunity to influence the design of the
building to reflect culture, heritage and identity.
Cultural heritage is critical to the identity of a community. In the context of the urban fabric, cultural
heritage may mean buildings that carry a significant meaning to locals or those that provide a window
to the past.
Key benefits include:
• Contribution to building design quality, complexity, ‘nuance’ – building is more distinctive and
interesting/engaging;
• Memorable, meaningful and unique places that increase place attachment and foot traffic;
• Increase in the occupants' and the general public’s awareness of the place story;
• Procurement of artists, artworks and materials that contribute to the local economy;
• Community building using cultural spaces and programs as a vehicle; and
• Better contextual ‘fit’ for the building.
The building reflects local culture, identify and heritage.
113
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Community Engagement; Design Quality (People); Enjoyable Places, Activated Places (Places)
Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities); Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
None
√ √ √ √
Culture, heritage and identity
The Green Star project being rated must play a central role in the delivery of the targets set in the
organisational Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). To claim Exceptional performance, the project
team must demonstrate that:
• A key member of the Project Team is part of the organisational RAP Working Group;
• At least 90% of the RAP targets have been met on the project; and
• All implemented actions related to the RAP are publicly reported on the Project's website.
Any design element must be informed by consultation undertaken with the local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander community through nominated representatives.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
Where an organisational RAP has already been developed
and endorsed, the project is required to adapt this to the
project under certification. To achieve the Exceptional
performance the project must detail specific engagement,
implementation and actions that have positively influenced
the outcomes of the project.
In order for meaningful engagement to be undertaken, the
nominated representatives must be identified and contacted
as early in the design process as possible. Best practice
guides do exist. Some examples include:
• Engaging with Indigenous Australia— exploring the
conditions for effective relationships with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities
• National Science an Environment Program: Indigenous
Engagement Guidelines
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design response
should following the eight points from the Australian
Indigenous Design Charter:
• Indigenous led. Ensure Aboriginal representation in the
creation of the design.
• Self-determined. Respect for the rights of Aboriginal
peoples to oversee representation creation of their
culture in design practice.
• Community specific. Ensure respect for the diversity of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by following
community specific cultural protocols.
• Deep listening. Ensure respectful, culturally specific,
personal engagement behaviours for effective
communication and courteous interaction are practiced.
• Impact of design. Always consider the reception and
implications of all designs so that they are respectful to
Indigenous culture.
• Indigenous knowledge. Respectfully ask the client if
there is an aspect to the project, in relation to any
design brief, that may be improved with Indigenous
knowledge.
• Shared knowledge (collaboration, co-creation,
procurement). Develop and implement respectful
methods for all levels of engagement and sharing of
Indigenous knowledge (collaboration, co-creation,
procurement).
• Legal and moral. Demonstrate respect and honour
cultural ownership and intellectual property rights,
including moral rights, and obtain appropriate
permissions where required.
This is a new credit.
A current Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Innovation challenge exists for Green Star – Design & As
Built projects. Due to uptake, and the desired outcomes the credit delivers, this has been promoted
from Innovation Challenge into the rating tool.
Addressing social inequalities is a key contribution to the sustainable development of an organisation.
One of the major existing social inequalities within Australia is between Indigenous and non-
Indigenous Australians. Through the development of a RAP these inequalities can be addressed in a
formalised manner.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a deep connection to the land and water, and
through their enduring history with the country they are able to bring unique and valuable perspectives
and knowledge to enrich and holistically inform a range of project initiatives, from design to delivery.
The Green Star project being rated must play a central role in the delivery of the RAP.
The building reflects local culture, identify and heritage.
114
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Should Reconciliation Action Plans be included in the rating tool?
• Is the necessary research in the Interpretation Plan sufficient? Any other types of
research that should be conducted?
• Is the requirement to create a project-specific RAP reasonable? Do you have any
guidance on requirements for this?
Culture, heritage and identity
116
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Socially responsible construction practices (People); Responsible procurement (Responsible)
Goal 5 (Gender Equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √ √
Social procurement
Social procurement is when organisations use their buying power to generate social benefit
beyond the goods and devices being provided.
In order to achieve this credit the project must direct at least 3% of its CAPEX to the procurement
of goods, services and construction provided by:
• Aboriginal businesses;
• Social enterprises; and/ or
• Disability enterprises.
Enterprise providers must be certified by third party organisations such as Supply Nation, Social
Traders, BuyAbility and government chamber of commerce.
To ensure the successful delivery of the social procurement targets, the project must develop a
Social Procurement Plan/ Strategy (this can be part of an overall project
procurement plan/strategy). The plan must:
• Identify social procurement project objectives;
• Establish clear governance structures to ensure implementation of the social procurement
targets;
• Identify roles and responsibilities in the implementation and monitoring of social procurement
targets and contracts;
• Outline capacity building and training opportunities for project staff as well as contractors and
sub-contractors on social procurement targets;
• Identify data collection and reporting templates/ tools;
• Outline the process to collect data from Tier 2 and Tier 3 contractors;
• Establish monitoring and reporting requirements to measure impacts and outcomes as well as
benefits realised; and
• The project must incorporate social procurement targets into key contracts. Contracts must
require data collection, monitoring and reporting; and a framework for incentivising the
achievement of targets.
Projects must report annually and at the time of practical completion:
• Dollar spent and as a proportion of project CAPEX;
• Supplier engaged; and
• Jobs supported.
This credit applies to all building sectors.
Social procurement is the use of strategic procurement
practice to generate social benefits beyond the products
and services required. Social procurement occurs when
organisations intentionally choose to purchase a social
outcome when buying a good, service or delivering works.
Social procurement is being driven at a State level by
a number of governments. The Victorian Social
Procurement Framework is considered a best practice guide
that can be used by projects when developing and
implementing their Social Procurement Strategy/ Plan.
Other existing guidelines include:
• Social Procurement in NSW; and
• Insights into Social Procurement: From Policy to
Practice.
Early engagement with the procurement professionals and
identified supply chain are important success factors.
The accreditation organistaions (i.e. Supply Nation, Social
Traders and BuyAbility for example) provide advisory
services to help projects identify opportunities for suitable
spend and can provide data demonstrating social impacts.
This is a new credit.
The built environment has a wide and diverse supply chain. In recognition of this, procurement is
increasingly being used to improve environmental and social outcomes beyond the project
boundary.
Directing spend towards enterprises that achieve social outcomes is an effective way to create
employment opportunities for disadvantaged communities and groups such as Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander and disabled.
As well as social benefits, encouraging investment in social procurement has the benefit of supporting
small and medium sized enterprises and is a good way of diversifying the supply chain.
This credit builds on the work underway by a number of government organisations at the national,
state and local levels, embedding social procurement in their procurement strategies and targets.
The development facilitates workforce participation and economic development of disadvantaged and under-represented groups through targeted procurement activities.
116
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Socially responsible construction practices (People); Responsible procurement (Responsible)
Goal 5 (Gender Equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √ √
Social procurement
Direct at least 6% of the project’s CAPEX to the procurement of goods, services and construction
provided by:
• Aboriginal businesses;
• Social enterprises; and/ or
• Disability enterprises.
Enterprise providers must be certified by third party organisations such as Supply Nation, Social
Traders, BuyAbility and government chamber of commerce.
To ensure the successful delivery of the social procurement targets, the project must develop a
Social Procurement Plan/ Strategy (this can be part of an overall project
procurement plan/strategy). The plan must:
• Identify social procurement project objectives;
• Establish clear governance structures to ensure implementation of the social procurement
targets;
• Identify roles and responsibilities in the implementation and monitoring of social procurement
targets and contracts;
• Outline capacity building and training opportunities for project staff as well as contractors and
sub-contractors on social procurement targets;
• Identify data collection and reporting templates/ tools;
• Outline the process to collect data from Tier 2 and Tier 3 contractors;
• Establish monitoring and reporting requirements to measure impacts and outcomes as well as
benefits realised; and
• The project must incorporate social procurement targets into key contracts. Contracts must
require data collection, monitoring and reporting; and a framework for incentivising the
achievement of targets.
Projects must report annually and at the time of practical completion:
• Dollar spent and as a proportion of project CAPEX;
• Supplier engaged; and
• Jobs supported.
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability and guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
The development facilitates workforce participation and economic development of disadvantaged and under-represented groups through targeted procurement activities.
117
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the specified groups identified in the credit?
• Do you agree with the proposed targets for Credit achievement and
Exceptional performance?
• Are there any other issues that should be added to the requirements of the
Social Procurement Strategy?
• Are there any guidelines or organisations that can be added to support
update of this credit?
Social procurement
118
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Responsible construction (Responsible)
Goal 5 (Gender equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √
Design for inclusion
The building’s design must show an increase in design for diversity considerations beyond
legislative requirements.
The credit must enable the navigation and enjoyment of as many stakeholders of diverse ages,
genders, and abilities (physical, sight, sound, mind, spectrum, and others) as possible.
There are three criteria that must be met:
• Equal access to the building: Provide identical, appealing, safe, and secure access in a
manner that does not segregate or stigmatize users through all principal entrance points and
main thoroughfares inside and outside the building.
• Diverse wayfinding: Introduce visual, physical, olfactory, and auditory solutions to help
individuals navigate the site in a safe and enjoyable manner.
• Inclusive spaces: introduce internal and external spaces for a diverse range of users, including
parents, family restrooms, emergency rooms, quiet rooms and social interaction rooms. These
rooms should be accessible to all users.
In addition to the above, the following must also occur:
• Training for the project development team on universal design principles and project goals.
• Training for the future building operations and facilities management team on the design
features that enable inclusivity, how to maintain them properly, and how to respectfully work
with all stakeholders to assist them on their needs.
• Develop policies for the maintenance of the building to ensure a focus on inclusiveness. These
policies should include staff training, cleaning procedures, rapid response for maintenance
issues, and how to manage emergency situations.
• Equal access to the building: Provide identical, appealing, safe, and secure access in a
manner that does not segregate or stigmatize users through all principal entrance points and
main thoroughfares inside and outside the building.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The credit is targeting an includ
There are a number of guidelines that can be used to deliver solutions that go beyond relevant legislation:
• Design for Dignity Guidelines, Australian network ondisability.
• Inclusive design standard, London legacy developmentcorporation
• isUD certification guidelines, Centre for inclusive designand environmental access
• Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, Building forEveryone series
The Design for Inclusion credit fundamentally aims to take more inclusive view of how people access
and engage with a place, and most importantly, how they can do so seamlessly with equity and
dignity.
While this is a new credit to the rating tool, it expands on the successful Universal Design Innovation
Challenge.
The scope of the credit has broadened to address other aspects of inclusivity. The current Universal
Design Innovation Challenge is aimed at providing greater accessibility, this credit looks extends to
expand this to other groups.
The new credit also includes the requirements to develop training and policies to ensure the outcomes
are maximised and continually achieved throughout the operations of the building. It recognises that
designing an inclusive building is the first step, and maintaining it is the second. One without the other
does not deliver optimal outcomes.
The building is welcoming to a diverse population and delivers on their needs.
119
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Responsible construction (Responsible)
Goal 5 (Gender equality); Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √
Design for inclusion
As part of the design process, the project team must consult with distinct community community
types to develop a needs analysis that will influence the project.
The consultation must include a balanced cross-section of representation from the disability
community. The consultation must be considerate and relevant to the project. The consultation
process must generate a report that is then used to influence the design of the project.
How the needs analysis is completed will need to be suited to the project and stakeholders –the
end-use, types of users, who is doing the analysis and why the analysis is being done. In
submitting for this project teams will need to describe the needs analysis that was undertaken and
how this contributed to the project’s design solutions. The needs analysis may be formal and
extensive, or informal and focused, depending on the project-specific circumstances.
As a result of the needs analysis, the building must show features that go beyond typical practice.
It must enable the navigation and enjoyment of stakeholders of diverse ages, genders, and
abilities (physical, sight, sound, mind, and others).
Building solutions that are expected to be included would be assistive technologies, emotional
health spaces, acoustic treatments, adaptive strategies, gender, size, and physical appropriate
facilities, etc.
Please see guidance under the Credit achievement.
The Design for Inclusion credit fundamentally aims to take more inclusive view of how people access
and engage with a place, and most importantly, how they can do so seamlessly with equity and
dignity.
While this is a new credit to the rating tool, it expands on the successful Universal Design Innovation
Challenge.
The scope of the credit has broadened to address other aspects of inclusivity. The current Universal
Design Innovation Challenge is aimed at providing greater accessibility, this credit looks extends to
expand this to other groups.
The exceptional performance takes this credit further. Where the credit achievement recognises the
need for better outcomes, the exceptional performance recognises efforts where the community has
been brought onto the project to inform appropriate design solutions.
The building is welcoming to a diverse population and delivers on their needs.
120
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• The credit takes a much broader view of inclusivity and is relevant to all people using
the building. Is this a reasonable approach, or should it be focused only on those
with disabilities?
• Are there any other guidelines that could be referenced?
• Do you support the proposal to develop training material and policies?
• Are there any building types where universal access in particular is poorly
addressed?
Design for Inclusion
121
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement
The building’s smart technologies and services relying on capturing data were procured following
privacy by design principles. An operational plan is developed to manage any relevant data issues.
In addition, any activities related to data gathering or any systems that may obtain, manage, and
dispose of privacy data are disclosed to building occupants in plain English and in a relevant,
prominent, and accessible place. A process to obtain collected data must also be in place.
Privacy by Design framework
As part of the development of the building, and prior to significant procurement, the project team
must commit to following a ‘Privacy by Design’ framework. As part of the procurement, the project
team must also perform a ‘Privacy Impact Assessment’ for all data capturing technologies in the
building. The assessment must identify potential impacted stakeholders resulting from any manual
or machine data gathering, identify the risks to those stakeholders, and address measures in place
to reduce those impacts. Consideration must be given to meeting legal requirements, fiduciary
obligations, and community expectations.
Procurement of smart technologies
The procurement and installation of smart building technologies must consider:
• Identifying the purpose of data collection
• Reducing the amount of collected data
• Identifying disclosure limitations
• Security and access to data
• Disposal of that data in a safe and secure manner where applicable
The project team must also develop an operational plan related to privacy matters for the
management of the building. The operational plan must be written in plain English, and enable the
facilities management team to understand the privacy implications of all smart technologies
installed. The operational plan must also address what to do in case of a privacy breach and how
to redress the problem. Alternatively, the data management plan (to include privacy issues) must
be incorporated into the building's risk framework management to ensure data privacy breaches
are an intrinsic part of the building's operational management plan.
Disclosure of data to building occupants
The disclosures to occupants must be in plain English, and encourage the active
acknowledgement of the person in providing such data. Passive actions are not acceptable.
Where active acknowledgment is not possible, for example where the data collection is related to
building sensors, beacons, cameras, or some other form of passive identification, the disclosure
must be made prominently and in plain English. In addition to this, more information must be
provided online on what the disclosures mean to them, such as when do they expect their data to
no longer be required by the building management.
Finally, a facility to view, download and explore this data must be made available in a format that
enables a typical person to view the information. The individual should also be able to download
and delete relevant identifiable information. The information does not have to be instantly provided.
A window of 5 to 10 days is acceptable for the user to receive the information.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The privacy by design framework is based aims to
proactively embedding privacy into the procurement,
installation, and operation of smart building technologies.
A privacy impact assessment (PIA) is a systematic
assessment of a project that identifies the impact that the
project might have on the privacy of individuals, and sets out
recommendations for managing, minimizing or eliminating
those impacts.
Resources for this credit include:
• Privacy by Design - The 7 Foundational Principles,
https://www.ipc.on.ca/wp-
content/uploads/Resources/7foundationalprinciples.pdf
• Guide to undertaking privacy impact assessments,
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner,
https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/guidance-and-
advice/guide-to-undertaking-privacy-impact-
assessments/
This is a new credit.
The introduction of smart technologies in the built environment has the capacity to deliver significant
improvements to how buildings perform and are managed. Within the scope of these smart
technologies, a large amount of data is collected to enable their operation.
Captured in this data is a significant amount of information related to how individuals live, work, and
play. In most cases this information is not a cause of concern (e.g. number of people who walk
through a building). In others, the data collected, if not secured and anonymised appropriately can
lead to the loss of privacy for an individual (e.g. which store you walked into on which day).
While there are already laws in place requiring a high level of security, there are still risks to be
considered when deployed in the built environment. For example, increases in excessive monitoring
may hamper the enjoyment of public realm. Alternatively, the public disclosure of monitoring may also
lead to individuals feeling safer while enjoying the amenities provided.
Privacy is a human right. More importantly, it is an expectation that information that is being provided
to an entity, whether by design or accident, is being treated appropriately and securely.
This credit aims to bring privacy to the forefront. Its goal is to ensure privacy considerations are
embedded into the procurement and deployment of any smart building technologies. It also aims to
ensure any data collection activities are clearly disclosed to the user.
122
Responsible Procurement (Responsible)
Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth); Goal 11 (Sustainable places and Communities), Goal 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
None
√ √ √ √ √
Privacy
The building’s implementation of technology considered and discloses the privacy implications of its deployment on visitors and occupants
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Is the suggested approach appropriate for this credit?
• This credit aims to go beyond legal obligations. Are the requirements doing this?
• This credit is focused on the privacy implications of smart technology deployment.
Are there other privacy implications that should be considered?
Privacy
123
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement
The building’s procurement process enables good design. The building also goes through a design
review process.
Comprehensive Procurement
A comprehensive procurement plan to deliver design quality throughout all project stages is
prepared and followed, including:
• Project Brief including aspiration and delivery of design quality;
• An outline of the procurement process and how design quality is embedded in contractual
arrangements from inception/brief to completion of the project. In the case of novation this
needs to include the extent of design development and documentation before novation;
• A statement by the Quantity Surveyor that the budget is appropriate for the aspiration
of the project;
• An independent design review process. Commitment and then reports about how
recommendations from the independent design reviews have been taken on board;
• The program showing:
• Sufficient time allocation for each design and documentation stage
• Independent design review points in each design and documentation stage. (Note:
guidance: not at the end of design stages but early on, where changes can be made)
• Inclusion of the design team and/or independent reviewers in any value management
and other processes that can impact design
• Alignment with existing design quality processes such as the City of Sydney
Competitive Design Policy
• A plan how design quality is made a shared responsibility by key players
• As the project progresses respective evidence for the execution of the procurement plan must
be provided (e.g. design review reports, incorporation of recommendations etc.)
Design Review
Design reviews are held at key points in the development of the design. At a minimum, these
should occur as follows:
• Design Review during concept/schematic design stage, to ensure that proponents can take
advantage of the advice offered at a time where the design is flexible enough to accommodate
change without impacting on time and cost constraints.
• A subsequent review should typically occur at a stage when the design has been further
progressed. This review session will typically occur during design development.
• At building permit stage (after development approval) it is suggested that a check takes place
by the Design Review Panel Chair or delegate, to ensure that the design quality of the
proposal is consistent with the approved development application and any relevant conditions
related to design quality.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The design review must be included in the design and
planning process
The design review panel must be made up of experienced
professionals
Design reviews may be either in-house, mixed, or fully
independent of the project
The design review must use comprehensive terms of
reference during the project’s design and design
development phase. The Green Star for New Buildings
submission guidelines outline a number of issues that may
also compliment the design review. Project teams that are
unable to meet specific Green Star criteria, can show that
they have used the sought outcomes as a guide for the
process outlined in this credit.
Resources for this credit:
• Australian institute of Architects, Competition policy
• Government Architect NSW, Better Placed
• Office of the Victorian Government Architect
• Government as Smart Client
• The Case for Good Design
• Good Design Publication Series
• Design WA, Better Places, Better Spaces
The design of a building has implications that extend beyond the building itself. Not only does good
design help deliver better outcomes such as energy efficiency or resilience, but it also contributes to
the ‘look and feel’ of the place in which it is located.
Design is not always given the attention is requires due to tight delivery timelines. The emphasis
becomes about designing a building that meets regulatory requirements, and is able to be constructed
in as short a time as possible. While this is by no means standard practice, it occurs enough to be an
issue, and something that Green Star is potentially able to influence. Thus, the credit seeks to embed
good design principles into the early stages of the projects lifecycle as possible.
Some aspects of good design can be measured quantitatively, such as many sustainability measures
(e.g. through other green star credits), length of activated façade, durability of façade material etc..
Many aspects of a design concept and the design response as whole are often a qualitative
assessment however. This is partly because there are often different ways to arrive at a good design
solution but also because of the inability to squeeze good design into a set of rules and numbers. To
evaluate design therefore requires specific independent expertise and review. The design and
specialist technical expertise of the reviewers is critical in giving constructive peer-feedback to ensure
that the design response is comprehensive and coherent.
Engaging in design review improves the design quality of projects and can speed up the planning
process, leading to quicker delivery of high-quality buildings and places that provide a wide range of
benefits to occupants, neighbours and the broader community.
Design teams can benefit from design review by:
• confirming the validity of design approaches early, before detailed design occurs
• receiving constructive independent advice including recommendations for change early, when it is
most likely to be useful and more easily implemented i.e. before too many project variables are set
• receiving support for good design and innovative proposals
Developers can benefit from design review by:
• receiving expert independent advice on the design quality of their project
• providing the flexibility needed to pursue improved outcomes
• reducing risks and costs of delays in the planning process that can result from inadequate design
quality by identifying weaknesses within the design at the earliest possible opportunity, when
changes are less costly
• increasing the confidence of clients and designers to pursue innovative solutions
A design review process is an effective way to demonstrate that a building has been designed under
these principles.
Ultimately, buildings should be designed that maximises outcomes whilst still delivering the functional
requirements needed to meet client expectations, and achieve the desired Green Star rating.
124
Enjoyable Places, Contribution to Place (Places); Responsible Procurement (Responsible)
Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
None
√ √ √
Design Quality
The development is of lasting high quality of design to its occupants, the community and the environment.
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you feel the pathways will deliver the intended outcomes? If not, what else could
you required to demonstrate compliance with the credit?
• Are there any development that can’t appoint a design review panel? Which ones,
and what are the reasons for this?
• Are there alternatives to a design review panel that could deliver the same intended
outcome? What are these?
• Should more work be done to define the different design review options? In-house vs
internal reviews?
• Does the independence of the design review matter?
• Should other disciplines be involved in delivering design quality?
Design Quality
125
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Minimum expectation
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Nature connectivity, Biodiversity enhancement, Waterway protection, Nature stewardship, Offsite restoration (Nature)
Goal 15 (Life on Land); Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
GRESB
√ √ √
Impacts to nature
The building was not built on, or significantly impacted, a site with a high ecological value.
The minimum expectation is met where, at the date of site purchase or option contract, the project
demonstrates the following:
• The project is not on land containing old-growth forest;
• The project is not on prime agricultural land;
• The project does not impact on any wetland listed as being of ‘High National Importance’,
unless specified Wetland Protection Measures are in place; and
• The project does not have a significant impact on ‘Matters of National Significance’ listed under
the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999)
Where the site impacts on a wetland of high national importance, a site-specific wetland
management plan must be produced, exhibited and implemented. In addition, the Waterways
protection Credit Achievement must be met.
The site-specific Wetland Management Plan must be prepared by a qualified Ecologist or other
qualified professional and include requirements for ongoing quarterly monitoring, annual reporting
and management of the wetland ecosystem for a minimum of five years. The plan must be
exhibited to the public on the applicant’s website, or the local council’s offices or library, for a
minimum of 24 months.
In cases where the site has been owned by the current owner for more than five years (from the
project’s Green Star registration date), the requirements are applied to the state of the site that
existed at least five (but not more than ten years) prior to the project’s Green Star registration
date.
The project must not impact on a Matter of National Significance or have been referred to the
Federal Environmental Minister for consideration and assessed as a 'controlled action’. Project
teams can determine whether the project site is subject to approval under the EPBC Act by
referring to their Development Approval documents.
Where the previous condition of the site is unclear, a qualified Ecologist shall assess the site and
make a determination of its ecological value at the approximate time of purchase.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The GBCA reserves the right to provide the final ruling on a
project’s compliance with the minimum expectation.
The minimum expectation shall be applied to the condition
of the site that existed at the date of site purchase or option
contract (previous condition of the site).
Wetland of 'High National Importance’
A wetland is considered of ‘High National Importance’ if it is
deemed significant under a state or national register, listed
under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, or listed under
‘A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia’.
There are no changes from the current Green
Star – Design & As Built conditional requirement
under Sustainable Sites.
The Nature category follows the below
hierarchy:
1. Protect and conserve
2. Restore
3. Enhance
4. Create
The structure to the Impacts to Nature credit,
along with the minimum requirement, align with
this hierarchy.
This hierarchy was first established in our
Building with Nature paper available on our
website.
Ecological value is conserved and protected.
127
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Nature connectivity, Biodiversity enhancement, Waterway protection, Nature stewardship, Offsite restoration (Nature)
Goal 15 (Life on Land); Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
GRESB
√ √ √
Impacts to nature
The building must assess its ecological impacts, consider community and local stakeholder
expectations, and address impacts to nature from light, noise, water, vegetation and any other
relevant issues.
The project achieves this credit when they develop an Ecological Assessment Report that
demonstrates that existing natural soil, hydrological flows and vegetation elements have been
conserved.
The report must detail how ecological values will be protected including;
• Documenting the current, future and past ecological values on the site by type and biomass –
this includes terrestrial and aquatic ecological values, geologic features, soils (including
interaction with living things). When determining biodiversity value, the project must reference
local, regional, state and national priorities and strategies;
• The proportion of existing vegetated area being retained and the biodiversity value of this area;
• Identifying local and regional threats and mitigation requirements;
• Identifying how biodiversity has been considered within the project’s material supply chain;
• Listing active management strategies to be employed to protect the integrity of ecological
values throughout the project planning, construction and occupancy;
• Documenting the current community expectations, and outline risks and opportunities to
enhance the site; and
• Detailing consultation outcomes with local stakeholders including Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander groups and environmental groups.
Where the Ecological Assessment has identified areas of biodiversity value (local, regional, state
and national), the project must retain at least at least 50% of this area contiguously.
The project must then provide a narrative as to how the following impacts to nature and the
community have been mitigated:
• Light and noise pollution;
• Habitat disturbance and connectivity (deemed met if Biodiversity Enhancement and Nature
Connectivity credits achieved);
• On-site and downstream water quality (Deemed met if Waterway Protection credit achieved);
• Migratory paths of insects, birds or other species;
• Two local material issues appropriate to the project site (e.g. pest management and
groundwater); and
• Consideration must be given to these impacts during demolition, siteworks, construction, or
future occupation.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The Ecological Assessment Report must be prepared by an
experienced ecologist and signed off by the developer or
building owner.
This credit is a combination of the below credits
from Green Star – Design & As Built:
• Sustainable Sites
• Ecological Value
• Light pollution
The credit focuses on identifying and conserving
ecological values, and expands its remit to
consider direct and indirect impacts.
The credit addresses a broader subset of
impacts, rather than considering individual
issues separately. It means that it asks for
project teams to considers risks, and material
impacts, rather than a prescriptive list. The credit
also asks that these impacts be considered
during and after construction.
The issue of community expectations and
consultation with stakeholders such as local
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander groups has
also been introduced. The credit recognizes that
while ecological value is a key measure, nature
has benefits to the community. These benefits
are oftentimes not recognised, and opportunities
to protect and even enhance them may be
missed.
The Nature category follows the below
hierarchy:
1. Protect and conserve
2. Restore
3. Enhance
4. Create
The structure to the Impacts to Nature credit,
along with the minimum requirement, align with
this hierarchy.
This hierarchy was first established in our
Building with Nature paper available on our
website.
Ecological value is conserved and protected.
128
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Does the description of the plan articulate what is needed to achieve the credit?
• The credit is aimed at protecting biodiversity value. We have included a requirement
around area of valuable vegetation to be retained. Should we include a requirement
around area to protect? is this percentage reasonable? are there other ways/ metrics
that can be used to protect vegetation on site?
• What other guidance would you like to see?
• Do you agree with the requirement that the report be developed by an experienced
ecologist and signed off by the developer or building owner? Could someone else be
responsible for the assessment?
• Do you agree with the introduction of community expectations and engagement with
local stakeholders for the project?
• Are the impacts listed the appropriate ones for consideration? Should there be
others? Are there any impacts that should be mandatory to address in this credit?
(e.g. light pollution, habitat disturbance)
• Would this credit add value to previously developed sites? If not, how could it be
amended to provide value to those development?
• Should there be prescriptive criteria for smaller projects? If so, what should it be?
Impacts to nature
129
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Impacts to nature, Nature connectivity, Nature stewardship, Offsite restoration (Nature); Enjoyable places (Places); Human connection to nature (Healthy)
Goal 15 (Life on Land); Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
GRESB
√ √
Biodiversity enhancement
The building provides a diverse landscape, and prioritises the use of climate-resilient and
indigenous plants.
As a minimum, external landscape in the building, whether horizontal or vertical must be provided
at a ratio of either 15% of the site area or at a ratio of 1:500 of GFA, whichever is larger. Vertical or
horizontal landscapes are acceptable.
Greater than 60% of plants must be indigenous and the site must include at least one significant
(nesting) tree or equivalent habitat provision per 500m² of landscaped area. No invasive species
are allowed.
In addition, to promote plant diversity, landscapes should plant no more than any of the following:
• 10% of any species
• 20% of any genus
• 30% of any family
The project must detail how the choice of landscaping and biodiversity is resilient to climate
change impacts, thereby increasing the longevity and resilience of the landscape.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors, but is
especially relevant to projects where a significant ecological
value is present (as identified in EPBC Act).
It is recommended that, when designing landscaping, the
project engage with relevant local Aboriginal and Tores
Strait Islander groups.
The Nature category follows the below hierarchy:
1. Protect and conserve
2. Restore
3. Enhance
4. Create
The changes to the Impacts to nature credit, along with the Minimum expectation, align with this
hierarchy.
This hierarchy was first established in our Building with Nature paper available on our website.
Native plant communities support wildlife through geographically appropriate habitat creation.
Worldwide, the percentage of people living in urban areas will increase from 50% in 2010, to nearly
70% by 2050 (United Nations, 2015). Australia has one of the highest percentages of population living
in urban spaces, with 66% of people living in capital cities. This rapid and growing urbanisation has
placed significant stress on our ecosystems. The economic value of ecosystems and biodiversity
continues to be of increasing importance in the areas of social, environmental and economic
sustainability. Biodiversity loss generally results in long-term economic costs that are not adequately
reflected in conventional economic accounts. Cities ultimately depend on healthy ecosystems and
their components to sustain long-term conditions for life, health, good social relations and other
aspects of human well-being.
On-site landscapes which reflect the composition, density and function of local habitats are generally
more resilient as they are adapted to local climatic conditions and are also likely to be more pest and
disease resistant. Ecosystem resilience is the capacity of an ecosystem to respond to changes and
disturbances, yet retain its basic functions and structures. The resilience of ecosystems in Australia is
currently being reduced by a number of threats, including habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation,
invasive species, unsustainable use and management of natural resources and climate change. For
ecosystems to be resilient to these and other threats, they need a healthy diversity of individuals,
species and populations.
This credit aims to protect biodiversity and enhance ecosystem integrity through protection of existing
habitat, provision of landscape appropriate planting and creation of new habitat.
The building’s landscape enhances the biodiversity of the site.
130
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Impacts to nature, Nature connectivity, Nature stewardship, Offsite restoration (Nature); Enjoyable places (Places); Human connection to nature (Healthy)
Goal 15 (Life on Land); Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
GRESB
√ √
Biodiversity enhancement
The building’s landscape provision is larger, and includes native and endangered species.
As a minimum, external landscape in the building, whether horizontal or vertical must be provided at a ratio of either 30% of the site area or at a ratio of 1:300 of GFA, whichever is larger. Vertical or horizontal landscapes are acceptable.
Greater than 80% of plants must be indigenous and the site must include at least one significant (nesting) tree or equivalent habitat provision per 250m² of landscaped area. No invasive species are allowed.
The site preserves, restores and/or supports vulnerable ecosystem through planting critically endangered and/or endangered plant species which are native to the bioregion.
The project must detail how the choice of landscaping and biodiversity is resilient to climate change impacts, thereby increasing the longevity and resilience of the landscape.
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability and guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
The building’s landscape enhances the biodiversity of the site.
131
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Does the credit name reflect an approachable way of describing its goal? Do you
have other suggestions?
• In the Credit achievement, is the guidance for amount of landscaping appropriate for
a best practice building?
• Is the focus on diverse species planting appropriate?
• Is the requirement for a tree needed? Or is this requirement excessive?
• Should this credit require an assessment for climate change to be considered in the
choice of landscaping as proposed?
• What are your thoughts on the Exceptional performance requirements? Are they
appropriate for an exceptional performance metric?
• How should this credit consider landscape in the site that may be retained?
Biodiversity enhancement
132
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Impacts to nature; Biodiversity enhancement; Offsite restoration, Nature connectivity (Nature); Verification and Handover (Responsible)
Goal 15 (Life on Land)
None
√ √ √
Nature stewardship
In order to claim this credit, the project must develop an Ecological Assessment Report in
accordance with the Impacts to nature credit.
The project must develop a Biodiversity Management Plan. The Plan should outline key actions
that need to be undertaken in order to maintain the ecological integrity of biodiversity on the site,
whether this is existing or that created as part of the development. The following key requirements
are recommended to be outlined in the Biodiversity Management Plan:
• The vision and objectives for the site’s biodiversity values;
• A description of the biodiversity baseline on-site;
• How impacts or threats to biodiversity on site post practical completion will be mitigated;
• Active and adaptive management strategies to be employed to protect ecological values
throughout the project planning, construction and occupancy;
• Actions to include the community (this includes building occupants) in efforts to maintain and
where possible enhance, the site’s biodiversity values. Examples include programming for
community participation in Landcare and citizen science activities, promotion of Indigenous
ecological knowledge;
• How success and implementation will be measured;
• Roles and responsibilities in the implementation of the Plan;
• Provision for update of the Biodiversity Management Plan where necessary;
• Links to national, state, regional and local biodiversity strategies;
• Consultation with relevant authorities and Traditional Owners.
The Plan must be included as part of the project's handover. A suitably qualified professional, such
as a qualified ecologist or experienced project manager, must prepare the Plan.
The credit is applicable to all building sectors.
The credit applies across the lifecycle of the project. The
credit criteria should be considered during the design and
planning stage to determine an appropriate environmental
stewardship framework and for appropriate consultation to
be undertaken. To maximise sustainability outcomes, the
credit criteria should be met by the time construction
commences and throughout operations. However,
concession should be provided through construction to allow
for formal stewardship arrangements to be finalised.
This credit applies to all buildings but is especially relevant
to those where a significant ecological value is present (as
identified in EPBC Act) or where ecological values are
created and enhanced (See: Nature connectivity credit).
Given this, it is likely that the credit will be taken up more
frequently by certain development types on larger sites (e.g.
residential) than others (e.g. industrial).
This is a new credit.
Designing and delivering landscaping is one part of improving biodiversity outcomes. Many projects
include landscaping as part of their delivery. However, if there is no handover in information or overall
maintenance planning, these areas don’t achieve the biodiversity outcomes originally intended.
Additionally, these areas can become a source of contention with building owners and occupants and
the community, creating friction and push-back. The main concern noted by the community around
nature is maintenance (58%) and safety (45%) (Who’s with us, Green Spaces, Better Places). This
credit is being introduced into Green Star to recognise the importance of ongoing stewardship for
nature.
This credit not only seeks to introduce a mechanism, to think beyond the design and construction
process, it also outlines a process by which active engagement and participation by people in caring
for nature is encouraged.
Co-designed governance and management strategies ensure:
• agreed biodiversity values are managed throughout the project’s lifecycle;
• environmental management roles and responsibilities are understood;
• funding and resourcing are identified; and
• Indigenous ecological knowledge informs the management approach.
Governance structures are established to maintain ecological value.
133
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Exceptional performance Impacts to nature; Biodiversity enhancement; Offsite restoration, Nature connectivity (Nature); Verification and Handover (Responsible)
Goal 15 (Life on Land)
None
√ √ √
Nature stewardship
Awarded where a project can demonstrate formal stewardship of ecological values onsite and
within the project’s zone of influence (including any offsite restoration) in perpetuity through an
innovative funding and management mechanism. For example, management trust funded by
a portion of development sales.
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability & guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
Governance structures are established to maintain ecological value.
134
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with the nature stewardship linking to active engagement with the
community and building occupants?
• What mechanisms do you think can be put in place during design and construction to
facilitate implementation of a Biodiversity Management Plan during building
operations?
• The intention of this credit is not to award a project that simply develops a plan. The
intent is to ensure resources and mechanisms are in place to implement these plans
during the operational life of the building. Do you see any barriers to achieving this?
In your opinion, what are the opportunities?
Nature stewardship
135
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Impacts to nature; Biodiversity enhancement; Nature stewardship; Offsite restoration (Nature)
Goal 15 (Life on Land)
None
√ √ √ √
Nature connectivity
The project must prepare an Ecological Assessment Report in accordance with the Impacts to
nature credit. This will form the basis of identifying areas of connectivity.
To be awarded this credit, the project must design for species connectivity through the site, and to
adjacent sites. This can be achieved in two ways:
• Landscaping - Where connectivity is being achieved through landscaping, this must be
contiguous with existing, restored and new habitats.
• Infrastructure - Design features such as a canopy bridge, wildlife tunnels, green roofs,
amphibian tunnels and green infrastructure is used to connect nature on site to adjacent
natural areas.
As a minimum requirement for habitat connectedness, each conservation area must be at least
185m2.
If the project sits within a blue or green grid strategy, it must contribute to the goals of the strategy.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors, but is
especially relevant to sites where a significant ecological
value is present (as identified in the EPBC Act).
Should a structure(s) cross habitats and/or protected areas,
it should be designed to minimise their impact on habitat
connectivity.
In this credit, green infrastructure is: networked green and
blue environmental features designed for environmental,
social and economic benefits.
This is a new credit.
This credit aims to protect and enhance ecosystems integrity through (terrestrial and aquatic)
connectivity.
With natural areas within urban areas being fragmented through buildings, infrastructure (like roads)
and vegetation removal, connecting these areas to allow movement of animals, pollination and
movement of vegetation is critical to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.
Conservation areas, habitats and landscape which are connected to each other promote greater
biodiversity and support wildlife movement. Connectivity includes connectivity within a site and
connection between a site and adjacent areas.
As noted in the Greener Places Better Places document, What’s the Story?, biodiversity conservation
“…means looking beyond the site boundaries, identifying what the needs of the local area are to
encourage the regeneration of ecology (including mobile species and their connectedness to other
sites), and putting in places strategies to address this.”
This credited is targeted at achieving that aim.
Wildlife movement is facilitated within and adjacent to the site.
136
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree that the Impacts to nature credit must be achieved to be eligible for the
Nature connectivity credit?
• Where the project sits within a blue or green grid strategy, it must contribute to or
connect to the grid. Are there any barriers to this that should be considered?
• Is this credit appropriate for all contexts?
Nature connectivity
137
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Rationale for Introduction
Credit achievement Impacts to nature, Biodiversity enhancement, Nature connectivity, Nature stewardship (Nature)
Goal 15 (Life on Land); Goal 14 (Life Below Water)
GRESB
√ √ √
Offsite restoration
The building has considered its impacts to nature, and undertaken measures to restore nature
beyond its site.
To be eligible for the Offsite restoration credit, the project must meet the Credit achievement in the
Impacts to nature credit.
The project must undertake activities that restore offsite biodiversity equivalent to the total GFA of
the development, or site area, whichever is greater.
The location of the land designated for the offsite restoration may not be on the project property, or
on land owned by the project owner, as these activities are covered by other aspects in the Nature
category.
Land for restoration must be within the project’s defined ‘zone of influence’ – that is, equivalent in
ecological value.
There are two pathways for achieving the credit:
1. The project owner restores an area offsite themselves
An accompanying Offsite Restoration Management Plan should be prepared by an experienced
project manager and/or ecologist, to detail how ecological values are to be enhanced and/or
restored including:
• What site was chosen and evidence of its purchase;
• Why the project chose that particular site, with details on how it falls within the projects 'zone of
influence';
• How the site for restoration is similar in ecological value to the development site;
• Validation of the offsite restoration approach by a suitably qualified independent ecologist or
similar professional;
• The timeframes for restoration; and
• Commitment to set-aside and manage the site land in perpetuity including on-going funding
provision.
The above information must be provided at time of submission to claim the credit.
2. The project owner supports an organisation that restores an area on their behalf
When this option is taken, the acquisition of the land and the restoration activities must be verified
by an independent third party. A narrative detailing the restoration activities must be provided,
including how the area for restoration falls within the projects 'zone of influence'.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
This credit does not replace or reward formal regulated
offset requirements as covered by the Commonwealth’s
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 environmental offsets policy, or other state and
territory offset regulations.
This credit applies to all sites but is especially relevant to
sites where there is minimal potential to achieve significant
biodiversity gains on-site. As such, the criteria apply across
all building and sector types. It is expected there will be
diverse benefits gained across development types.
Restoration activities
The range of possible offsite restoration actions may include
the following:
• Habitat improvement, restoration or expansion;
• Direct threat mitigation;
• Installation of artificial structures or habitats;
• Ecological recycling or re-use of natural materials;
• Re-introduction of species or natural processes; and
• Monitoring and benchmarking
Examples of partner
conservation/restoration organisaions include:
• Biodiversity Conservation Trust of NSW;;
• Bush Heritage Australia;
• Greening Australia;
• Landcare Australia;
• Queensland Trust for Nature;
• Nature Foundation SA;
• South Endeavour Trust;
• Tasmanian Land Conservancy; and
• The Nature Conservancy – Australia Program
Other organisations may be used, provided their activities
are verified by a third party.
This is a new credit.
It is widely accepted that it is not possible to mitigate all impacts on biodiversity associated with a
project thorough direct avoidance and minimisation measures or through on-site restoration,
particularly if considering the full impact on nature and biodiversity associated with a project’s footprint
and associated material supply chain. As such, for a project to achieve an overall net gain for
biodiversity, offsite restoration within a prescribed zone of influence will be required.
The Offsite restoration credit aims to recognise and reward projects that manage and mitigate
biodiversity values in in areas nearby to the site (and/or nearby to source of building materials)
through offsite restoration initiatives. These initiatives enhance or restore biodiversity through:
• Landscaping and other design solutions that create required habitat, including installing natural
and/or artificial hollows, perches and nesting sites in existing trees, to provide a safe place for local
wildlife.
• Regenerative restoration including direct planting, weed control and natural regeneration,
revegetation and other maintenance activities.
• Supporting employee time at an appropriate external bushland charity or initiative.
Players in the built environment have a remarkable potential to help restore biodiversity offsite. It is for
this reason that the Offsite restoration credit has been introduced.
Biodiversity is restored beyond the building site.
138
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Should the Impacts to nature credit be a precondition to target the Offsite restoration
credit?
• Do you agree with the two pathways? Are they equivalent?
• Do you support the requirement for third party verification when an organisation
undertakes the offsite restoration on your behalf?
• Are the land area requirements reasonable?
• Are the requirements in the Offsite Restoration Management Plan reasonable? Is
there anything missing?
Offsite restoration
139
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Impacts from nature, Biodiversity enhancement (Nature); Water use (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 14 (Life Below Water); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
None
√ √ √
Waterway protection
The building manages the volume of water leaving the site. The amount of pollutants in the water
leaving the site is reduced.
The building must show that its stormwater management solution addresses runoff volume and
water pollution reduction targets.
Runoff volume
The development must demonstrate an annual average flow reduction (ML/yr) of 40% compared
to pre-development levels.
Water Pollution
All runoff discharged from site meets specified pollution reduction targets listed in Table A below.
It is noted that some local governments may provide pre-determined infrastructure solutions that
are ‘deemed to comply’ with the aim of this credit criterion. If this is the case the project team shall
have this approach approved by the GBCA.
In circumstances where this credit specifies levels or targets that are less stringent than those
specified in relevant local legislation/regulations, the local legislation/regulations shall take
precedence.
Appropriate calculations must be undertaken by suitably qualified professionals. Any calculations
and assumptions must be outlined, easy to follow, and in accordance with common practice
protocols (see Guidance).
Date of Site Purchase
Where indicated, the requirements are applied to the state of the site that existed at the date of site
purchase. In cases where the site has been owned by the current owner for more than five years
(from the project’s Green Star registration date), the requirements are applied to the state of the
site that existed at least five (but not more than ten years) prior to the project’s Green Star
registration date.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors, as all
buildings create run off and have the capacity to hold
pollutants that may be carried offsite by runoff.
Runoff Volume
For some sites local drainage authorities may require
limitation of post-development peak event discharge from
the site. This is commonly called On Site Detention (OSD).
OSD is not an integrated water management solution for
Green Star purposes, but relevant local requirements should
also be integrated and included in the design and
submission documentation for consistency and buildability.
Typical Urban Annual Load
Typical urban annual loads can be estimated using
continuous simulation modelling such as MUSIC. Where
available, relevant guideline values for pollutant
concentrations for the catchment land use and surface type
should be used. In areas where there are no specific
guidelines reference can be made to sources such as
Australian Runoff Quality (ARQ, 2006).
Water Sensitive Urban Design
Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) is a land planning
and engineering design approach which integrates the
urban water cycle, including stormwater, groundwater and
wastewater management and water supply, into urban
design to minimise environmental degradation and improve
aesthetic and recreational appeal.
Climate scenarios
If the project is targeting the Climate change resilience
credit, the Risk Assessment included in this credit
submission shall be used to determine the appropriate
climate change scenario. If the project is not targeting the
Climate change resilience credit, the project may refer to
local council flood level guidance.
Modelling
Pollutant export modelling using computer programs such
as MUSIC, STORM etc. predict the discharge pollutant
loads from a given area. The results of the simulation must
show a comparison against the relevant reduction targets
for the specified treatment system.
Total site area – The total of all area or areas as defined by
the legal surveyed lot/s.
The related Green Star - Design & As Built credit
falls under the Emissions category as the
Stormwater credit.
The credit’s aim has moved away from a focus
solely on stormwater to general runoff and water
pollution levels and their impact on natural
systems – hence its inclusion in the Nature
category.
There is an increased incentive to consider
green infrastructure and associated biodiversity/
natural system benefits as part of the stormwater
management system.
Improved runoff water quality and flow has
significant benefits to downstream ecosystems.
Integrating water sensitive design in building
design, construction and operations will minimise
volume, peak storm water outflows from the site
as well as reduce the potential for pollutants to
enter local water bodies. Integrated water
management, including reducing water
consumption through utilising run off for non-
potable uses, can support water neutral
operations for areas of high-water stress.
Water Sensitive Urban Design elements can
provide significant co-benefits to biodiversity and
other ecosystem services through native
landscaping as part of stormwater management
treatments and imitating or integrating natural
drainage/wetland systems in building design and
grounds.
Local waterways are protected, and the impacts of flooding and drought are reduced.
PollutantReduction Target (% of the typical urban annual load)
A B
Total Suspended Solids
(TSS)1 85% 90%
Gross Pollutants 90% 95%
Total Nitrogen (TN2) 45% 60%
Total Phosphorus (TP)2 65% 70%
Environmental
Management
Minimise the impact of chemical pollutants and other toxicants including by,
but not limited to, reduced site imperviousness and bunding and covering or
roofing of storage, loading and work areas.
140
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Exceptional performance Impacts from nature, Biodiversity enhancement (Nature); Water use (Positive); Climate change resilience, Systems resilience (Resilient)
Goal 14 (Life Below Water); Goal 13 (Climate Action)
None
√ √ √
Waterway protection
The building further manages the volume of water leaving the site. The amount of pollutants in the
water leaving the site is reduced further.
The building must show that its stormwater management solution addresses runoff volume and
water pollution reduction targets.
Runoff volume
The development must demonstrate an annual average flow reduction (ML/yr) of 80% compared
to pre-development levels.
Water Pollution
All runoff discharged from site meets specified pollution reduction targets listed in Table B below.
It is noted that some local governments may provide pre-determined infrastructure solutions that
are ‘deemed to comply’ with the aim of this credit criterion. If this is the case the project team shall
have this approach approved by the GBCA.
In circumstances where this credit specifies levels or targets that are less stringent than those
specified in relevant local legislation/regulations, the local legislation/regulations shall take
precedence. Appropriate calculations must be undertaken by suitably qualified professionals. Any
calculations and assumptions must be outlined, easy to follow, and in accordance with common
practice protocols (see guidance).
Date of Site Purchase
Where indicated, the requirements are applied to the state of the site that existed at the date of site
purchase. In cases where the site has been owned by the current owner for more than five years
(from the project’s Green Star registration date), the requirements are applied to the state of the
site that existed at least five (but not more than ten years) prior to the project’s Green Star
registration date.
Refer to Credit achievement for applicability and guidance. Refer to Credit achievement for changes. Refer to Credit achievement for rationale.
Local waterways are protected, and the impacts of flooding and drought are reduced.
PollutantReduction Target (% of the typical urban annual load)
A B
Total Suspended Solids
(TSS)1 85% 90%
Gross Pollutants 90% 95%
Total Nitrogen (TN2) 45% 60%
Total Phosphorus (TP)2 65% 70%
Environmental
Management
Minimise the impact of chemical pollutants and other toxicants including by,
but not limited to, reduced site imperviousness and bunding and covering or
roofing of storage, loading and work areas.
141
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you support the shift from looking at stormwater to waterway protection?
• Are the pollution targets reflective of best practice?
• Would any other guidance for the credit be helpful?
Waterway protection
142
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement All credits in Green Star for New Buildings
Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
Dependent on the type of leadership
√ √ √ √ √ √ √ √
Leadership in sustainability
To claim Leadership points under this credit one of the following two pathways must be achieved
to demonstrate leadership in sustainability.
Sector leadership
Sector leadership requires projects to demonstrate how a building solution or process is
considered leading in their targeted sector, nationally or globally.
This credit is not to be confused with sector specific credits but rather looks at projects that have
implemented solutions to not only demonstrate leadership and innovation, but also inspire change
within the sector.
Should the project develop a sector-specific credit that is endorsed and made available for public
use, they will be rewarded with a point under Sector Leadership.
Leading technology or process
To claim Leadership points through this pathway the project team must show that an initiative is
innovative by demonstrating that the technology or process is not commonly used within Australia's
building industry; or globally, depending on the context of the innovation claimed.
Leadership points are more likely to be awarded for projects that:
• Employ technologies or strategies that achieve an outcome in Green Star through significant
improvement or gains when compared against best practice technologies.
• Employ technologies or strategies that are new or adopted from other industries that achieve
the relevant Green Star outcome.
This credit is applicable to all building sectors.
For both of these pathways a claim needs must be
submitted in order to achieve points for the Leadership in
Sustainability credit.
Assessing Leadership in sustainability
For both components, a Leadership in Sustainability
submission must be a concise report that clearly articulates
the nature and magnitude of the benefit achieved by
proposed initiative(s). The reports must state which
component reward is being claimed for, and distinctly justify
(and quantify whenever relevant) the sustainability benefits
of the initiative. Submissions that are purely qualitative
and/or unsupported by documented data will not be
rewarded in this credit.
For Sector leadership, the project must also provide:
• A description of how the initiative will encourage the
transformation of the industry.
• A description of how the initiative is or will be shared
widely in the industry
Previously in the Green Star - Design & As Built
rating tool there were the following credits:
• 30A Innovative Technology/Process
• 30B Market Transformation
• 30E Global Sustainability
The first two pathways have been incorporated
into this credit. Global sustainability has been
removed.
The Sector leadership pathway is a completely
new pathway but still holistically incorporates the
old credits from the Innovation category. This
pathway looks specifically at leadership within
particular sectors of the built environment. It
appreciates the nuances between building types
and seeks to reward best practice in each
distinct sector.
The Leading technology or process pathway
has stayed relatively the same with only slight
changes in the credit criteria. Technologies or
processes must now be leading at either a
national level or a global level.
30A Innovative Technology or Process has been
addressed under the Leading technology or
process pathway. A technology or process that is
leading at a state level is not included in this
credit achievement. To be considered a leader in
the sustainable built environment, projects must
go beyond leading within a state and achieve
national or global leadership.
30B Market Transformation has not been directly
addressed but rather absorbed into this credit as
a part of the overarching outcome to break
barriers and inspire others to follow. The reason
that it is no longer its own credit is due to the fact
that it is extremely difficult for an initiative used in
one building to transform the market. It is more
likely that only a contribution to market
transformation is achieved.
Finally the new addition of the Sector leadership
pathway has been included in order to push the
barriers but be specific to each sector. This is to
encourage the growth of different sectors and
reward those who are transforming their sector.
Celebrates initiatives or outcomes that are deemed new and break barriers, and in turn inspire others to follow.
144
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree with combining Market Transformation and Innovative Technologiesand Processes into one Leadership credit?
• Do you agree that projects should be rewarded if they develop a sector-specificcredit to be made accessible to all projects?
Leadership in sustainability
145
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Alignment Description
Synergies with other credits
Sustainable Development Goals
Other reporting initiatives
Stage implementation Strategy Brief Concept Design Dev. Tender Construction Handover Use
Outcome
Criteria Applicability & Guidance Changes from Green Star – Design & As Built Rationale for change
Credit achievement Leadership in sustainability (Leadership)
Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure); Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities); Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
Dependent on the Innovation Challenge targeted
√ √
Innovation challenges
Innovation challenges can be targeted two ways:
1. Meet the requirements of the following innovation challenges identified by the GBCA:
• Upfront water consumption
• Circular economy
• Upfront impacts to nature
The above Innovation Challenges will be developed in the future.
2. Propose an innovation challenge to the GBCA. Innovation Challenges accepted by the GBCA
will be published on the website. Innovation Challenges must be proposed at the time of
registration.
This credit applies to all building sectors.
An Innovation Challenge submission must contain concise
report that clearly articulates the nature and magnitude of
the benefit achieved by the proposed challenge. The reports
must state which innovation is being claimed for, and
distinctly justify (and quantify whenever relevant) the
sustainability benefits of the initiative. Submissions that are
purely qualitative and/or unsupported by documented data
will not be rewarded in this credit.
Each Innovation challenge will outline credit criteria and
necessary documentation requirements.
New Innovation Challenges
Please refer to the GBCA website for additional information
on applying for new Innovation Challenges, available here:
http://new.gbca.org.au/innovation-challenges/
Previously in Green Star - Design & As Built this
credit was referred to as 30D Innovation
Challenge.
All Innovation Challenges as of December 2019
have either been retired or incorporated into
Green Star for New Buildings.
Retired Innovation Challenges
• Integrating Healthy Environments
• Affordable Housing
• Social Enterprise for Affordable Housing
• Social Return on Investment
Incorporated Innovation Challenges
Challenges incorporated into the ‘Positive’
category:
• Powered by Renewables (Energy use)
• Responsible Carbon Impacts (Upfront
carbon emissions)
• Carbon Positive – New Buildings (Positive
category)
Challenges incorporated into the ‘People’
category:
• Culture, Heritage and Identity (Credit of the
same name)
• Occupant Engagement (Community
engagement)
• Reconciliation Action Plan (Culture, Heritage
and Identity)
• Universal Design (Design for Inclusion)
Challenges incorporated into the Places
category:
• Community Benefits (Enjoyable Places)
• Local Procurement (Socially Responsible
Construction Practices)
Challenges incorporated into the Responsible
category:
• High Performance Site Offices (Responsible
Construction)
New Innovation Challenges
• Upfront water consumption
• Circular economy
These will be developed in due course.
With the expansion of the Green Star for New
Buildings rating tool, many of the innovation
challenges in the Green Star - Design & As Built
rating tool have been incorporated into the
credits. This is in recognition of the advancement
of the built environment and its role in driving
sustainability.
New Innovation Challenges
The proposed innovation challenges ‘Upfront
water consumption’, ‘Circular economy’ and
'Upfront impacts to nature'' will be new additions
to the ‘Innovation Challenges’ portfolio. These
are currently new areas for industry without a
clear metric for measurement. These areas are
being proposed as challenges to promote their
importance as strategic and priority issues for
industry.
Promotes achievements in areas on the cusp of becoming leading practices in Australia.
146
DRAFT CREDIT FOR CONSULTATION ONLY
Issues to consider as part of your feedback
Do you have any comments on the credit proposed?
In principle, do you support the proposed credit? Yes No
Yes No
Is this credit worth including when compared against others in the rating tool? Yes No
Do you support the detail of the proposed credit?
• Do you agree that the current Innovation Challenges have been picked up in the
credits adequately? Are there any gaps?
• Are there any emerging strategic trends that should be considered for an Innovation
Challenge?
• Do you support the proposed Innovation Challenges to be developed in the future?
Innovation challenges
147