GBCA Launches New Rating Tool

 FM Innovations strongly believes that Sustainability issues will grow rapidly in importance and play a major role in commercial differentiation and the viability of facilities and the companies that operate them or operate in them...

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has launched an updated version of its world-leading green star rating tools.The new versions are now called Green Star – Office Design and Green Star – As Built.

GBCA chief executive, Romilly Madew, said that with Australia's aim to position itself as a world leader in sustainable design, the revised tool will continue to drive the industry and make green building standard practice.

The council introduced the Green Star tools in 2004 to recognise and reward environmental leadership, particularly in the reduction of carbon emissions, energy and water usage.

Green Star – Office Design assesses the environmental attributes of new office buildings, or additions and major refurbishments to existing buildings, while Green Star – Office As Built validates the construction and procurement of office designs.

New Zealand and South Africa have since adopted GBCA's Green Star rating system, proving its significance at a global level.

The recent update is the third version of these tools released within the last four years. According to GBCA, the changes reflect the growing importance of fighting climate change and are a response to industry demand and key stakeholder feedback on how to ensure ongoing industry best practice. 

A number of benchmarks have also been increased to represent changing national concerns, including water and energy use. Reuse of water is now essential to achieve full credits under the water category, while greater greenhouse gas emission reductions are necessary to gain full credits in the energy category.

“The Green Star tools are driven by the market and the Green Building Council of Australia continues to revise its tools ensuring they remain relevant and robust," said Ms Madew.

The new version of the rating tools will also include new credits to encourage smarter sustainable design and to incorporate international innovation, including design for disassembly, reuse of materials and dematerialisation.

Article content from www.fmexpress.com.au
We recommend fmexpress as a source of industry information