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NEXT GENERATION OF GREEN STAR
Wednesday 8 December 2010: Two revised credits have been integrated into
all Green Star tools, heralding a new chapter in the history of Australia’s national,
holistic rating system for buildings.
According to the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA’s) Director of Green
Star, Andrew Aitken, the revised credits “represent a first step in developing the
next generation of Green Star tools. These revised credits are just the first of
many that will be incorporated into each Green Star tool – eventually resulting in
a single, easy-to-use online rating tool that can assess all building types,
regardless of their space use.”
Green Star undergoes regular refinements based on feedback from industry and
learning outcomes from each assessment. After significant research and industry
consultation, the GBCA developed two revised credits which assess stormwater
(Emi-5) and commuting mass transport (Tra-4).
The two revised credits were released in May as part of the Green Star –
Industrial v1 rating tool. Feedback from industry was sought, which indicated
that these credits should be integrated into all other Green Star tools.
“By including the revised credits in all existing Green Star tools, we are not only
improving the tools, but moving towards a common approach to rating all
building types,” Mr Aitken says.
The ‘Stormwater’ credit, which replaces the ‘Watercourse Pollution’ credit, will
reward projects that use the most innovative products and scientifically-advanced
processes available.
“Green Star now encourages the application of approaches currently used at the
forefront of the stormwater management industry, notably those of Water
Sensitive Urban Design,” Mr Aitken says.
“These approaches manage stormwater not simply as a waste product, but also
as a resource. The credit recognises the environmental benefits of either treating
stormwater pollutant loads prior to discharge, or for using the stormwater on site,
or a combination of both.
“The revised credit recognises the role that buildings play in being producers,
rather than just consumers, of resources,” Mr Aitken says.
Another example of Green Star’s evolution is the revised Commuting Mass
Transport credit, which in its new format will require less supporting
documentation and support a consistent assessment approach to mass transport
systems.
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RELEASE
“New benchmarks in the revised transport calculator are based on population
density at the building location, which means that Green Star can better address
the varying transport needs of urban and regional centres,” Mr Aitken explains,
adding that a simplified method of collecting timetable documentation has also
been developed.
The revised credits will be supported with templates and sample submissions to
help project teams meet best practice benchmarks and prepare for Green Star
assessment.
Current projects registered to achieve Green Star ratings can use either the old or
revised credits. Any project registered after 1 January 2011 will be required to
use the revised credits.
“The Green Building Council of Australia is committed to ensuring Green Star’s
long term relevance to industry. This means supporting Green Star’s evolution to
a single rating tool that sets the standards for the development of not only new
buildings, but existing buildings too, and not just for single structures or fitouts,
but for entire communities,” Mr Aitken concludes.
About the Emi-5 – ‘Stormwater’ credit
This credit replaces the 'Watercourse Pollution' credit. The revised credit features
new benchmarks and reduced documentation requirements. In addition, the
‘Stormwater’ credit encourages the application of approaches currently used at
the forefront of the stormwater management industry, notably those of Water
Sensitive Urban Design. These approaches manage stormwater not simply as a
waste product, but also as a resource. The credit recognises the environmental
benefits of either treating stormwater pollutant loads prior to discharge, or for
using the stormwater on site, or a combination of both.
About the Tra-4 - 'Commuting Mass Transport'
The Commuting Mass Transport Calculator determines the number of Green Star
points achieved in the Tra-4 Commuting Mass Transport credit. Points are
awarded based on the number and frequency of transport routes, as well as the
distance from the building to the station or stop. New benchmarks in the revised
calculator are based on population density at the location of the building. A
simplified method of collecting timetable documentation has also been developed.
In addition, the revised transport calculator will ensure that frequency of
transport services are assessed for the same peak periods in all Green Star tools.