by Shane Henson — October 25, 2013—After more than two years of industry engagement, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has launched a rating tool developed to improve the efficiency and environmental sustainability of Australia’s existing buildings.
The Green Star—Performance rating tool is the result of the collaborative efforts of Australia’s property and facilities management industries, which have worked together to create a consistent, holistic method of measuring existing buildings, says the GBCA.
Australia reportedly has almost 25 million square meters of office stock, and the average age of these buildings is 27 years. The organization holds that most of these buildings were constructed for as little money as possible, and with little thought given to issues such as energy efficiency.
According to the GBCA, the Green Star—Performance will enable building owners and managers to identify pathways to improve the environmental and financial sustainability of their assets over time. The launch of the rating tool was held at the iconic Sydney Opera House, itself 40 years old this month, which is said to be aiming to achieve one of Australia’s first Green Star—Performance ratings.
The GBCA adds that Green Star—Performance ratings are delivered in a simple and easy-to-use online format. Assessment is reportedly quick and easy, so gaining a Green Star—Performance rating will be a cost-effective and efficient process.
Romilly Madew, the GBCA’s chief executive, expects the new tool to be a game changer within the industry.
“We have spent more than a decade focused on the design and construction of new and retrofitted buildings and their interiors, and now have more than 620 Green Star-rated projects around Australia, with a further 480 registered to achieve certification,” said Madew. “While we are very proud of each and every one of these buildings, Green Star—Performance will help us tackle the far greater challenge of improving the efficiency of our existing building stock.”
Daniel Grollo, chair of the GBCA, is also excited to offer the new tool to Australia’s building and facilities managers.
“Whether the building is a school, shopping center, hotel or hospital, Green Star—Performance will help owners and managers to identify and upgrade building performance in areas such as energy, water, waste reduction and indoor environment quality,” said Grollo.
