5 minute read
by Elham Monavari, Senior Manager Operations Transformation GBCA
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Healthier homes with Green Star
Elham Monavari, Senior Manager - Operations Transformation Green Building Council of Australia
We’ve always known that our homes are a key contributor to carbon emissions which is why in April this year, the Green Building Council of Australia released a new rating tool to the market, Green Star Homes. In Australia, our residential sector accounts for 57% of greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment (13% of national emissions). Reducing these emissions has been a driving force for the GBCA but we’re also determined to improve the health and financial impacts that come from our homes. That’s why a Green Star Home is designed to be a comfortable, healthy home that doesn’t cost the earth, while also being highly efficient, fossil fuel free and powered by renewable energy.
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Positive
Fully electric, airtight and efficient home powered by renewables.
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Healthy
Ventilated, comfortable, with products that are better for you.
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Resilient
Water efficient, climate change ready.
A positive home is one that is energy efficient and powered by renewables. This means it has been built to generate sufficient renewable energy to power estimated regulated loads as well as estimated appliances and plug loads. It does not use gas.
These requirements cover:
Thermal Performance Window Systems Airtightness Hot Water Energy Efficient Appliances Renewable Energy Home User Guide A healthy home has been built to be well ventilated to prevent the growth of mould. It has also been built to minimise the entry of pollutants. It is thermally comfortable and uses materials that are low or non-toxic. High quality lighting has been installed.
These requirements cover:
Air Quality Moisture Management Light Quality Material Toxicity A resilient home is one that has been built to be better than Code at withstanding natural disasters and future climate change conditions such as bushfires, flooding and extreme heat. The home also considers its effect on the broader climate by reducing water use and its impact on the community.
These requirements cover:
Water Use Heat Resilience Resilience Essentials
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Most of our homes are too hot in summer and too cold in winter, making them very expensive to keep comfortable. But since we spend 90% of our time indoors, and two thirds of this time is spent in our home, this discomfort can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health. That’s why a Green Star Home is designed to be a comfortable, healthy home that doesn’t cost the earth.
Advanced ventilation system
reduces mould as well as carcinogenic pollutants by up to 75% and pollen pollutants by 99%
Lighter–coloured roof
keeps home cooler and can reduce your energy bills by up to 34%
Highly efficient water fixtures
will save you $463 per year on water bills
No gas cooking or heating
removes fossil-fuels from the home, reducing the liklihood of asthma symptoms by up to 42%
Solar panels
help save at least $800 on energy bills per annum
Double-glazed windows
are 50% more effective at reducing heat transfer, keeping home warmer in winter and cooler in summer
High quality LED lights
provide ‘flicker free’ consistent lighting reducing eye strain and risk of headaches
Increased insulation
reduces heat loss in winter by up to 25% and heating and cooling costs by up to 30% What’s In 02
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What are the benefits of designing and building a Green Star Home?
There are two steps to certifying a home.
The first is the Design Assessment, which involves submitting the design for assessment with GBCA. If it meets the Green star Homes requirement it will be awarded as Green Star Designed. This award entitles the builder to use the Green Star Designed logo prior to construction.
The second stage is certification of the finished home. This is a formal process where the home is awarded a rating following an independent, third-party assessment of the project’s submission against the requirements of the rating tool.
Green Star Homes is the only independent sustainable homes certification available in Australia. Through certification, you receive:
• A trusted mark of quality and assurance that only the Green Star trademark can provide • A point of difference in the market, allowing you to stand out • A clear set of standards you can apply, knowing that you are in line with contemporary and leading practice when it comes to sustainability • The ability to showcase your products and organisation as committed to doing the right thing • The opportunity to have your organisation and products showcased.
We rely on input across the sector
In developing Green Star Homes we have worked closely with many organisations across the sector. Our Early Access partners (Stockland, Mirvac, LendLease, Metricon, Rawson Homes, Chatham Homes, Ingenia Communities, Development Victoria, Landcom and a collaboration with the Australian Passive House Association) have been the first adopters of Green Star Homes through our pilot program. This has helped to ensure the Standard sets a robust framework that industry can engage with and start using.
The banking sector has also shown its support with the Commonwealth Bank announcing its new Green Loan Offer, offering lower interest rates for Green Star certified homes and the GBCA has teamed up with Jamie Durie for his Seven Network TV series ‘Growing Home’ which will give a behind the scenes look at how Jamie uses the Green Star Homes standard to achieve his dream of a truly sustainable home.
Since launching Green Star Homes GBCA has already seen a big uplift in consumer demand. We’re excited to see our vision for sustainable homes starting to take shape.
To get involved or to find out more please go to www.gbca.org.au
