Green Star is a comprehensive, national, voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings. The Green Star - Multi Unit Residential v1 rating tool was launched by the Green Building Council of Australia in July 2009 to promote the design and construction of high-performance green residential developments.
Green Star credits are awarded in 8 different categories and the total number of credits achieved determines the Green Star Rating. Allocation of credits in each category address:
- Management - the adoption of sustainable development principles from project conception through design, construction, commissioning, tuning and operation
- Indoor Environmental Quality –the HVAC system, lighting, occupant comfort and pollutants
- Energy – the reduction of greenhouse emissions from building operation by addressing energy demand reduction, use efficiency, and generation from alternative sources
- Transport - reduction of demand for individual cars by both discouraging car commuting and encouraging use of alternative transportation.
- Water - reduction of potable water through efficient design of building services, water reuse and substitution with other water sources (specifically rainwater).
- Materials - resource consumption through material selection, reuse initiatives and efficient management practices.
- Land Use and Ecology - a project's impact on its immediate ecosystem
- Emissions - point source pollution from buildings & building services to the atmosphere, watercourse, and local ecosystems
The Green Star - Multi Unit Residential v1 Rating Tool is a spreadsheet that addresses the options in each of these categories.
4 Star Green Star Certified Rating signifies 'Best Practice' in environmentally sustainable design and/or construction
5 Star Green Star Certified Rating signifies 'Australian Excellence' in environmentally sustainable design and/or construction
6 Star Green Star Certified Rating signifies 'World Leadership' in environmentally sustainable design and/or construction