New offices are now obligated to follow Green Star rating to meet environmental standards. But what is the regulation for the existing buildings which make up 98% of Australia`s buildings and contribute 23% to our total footprint?
As Australia’s political parties slug it out over the best way to manage carbon emissions and the global economic crisis, the Green Buildings Council of Australia (GBCA) is missing a gigantic opportunity to lead the debate in regards to the ‘greening’ of our built environment with the higher Green Star rating for existing buildings – buildings which make up 98% of Australia’s building stock.
A renewed focus on retrofitting old, existing buildings brings an opportunity to reduce our nation’s overall greenhouse gas emissions, create more productive work environments and cut our operating costs. As one example, Australia’s existing building stock contributes some 23% to our total carbon footprint – let alone our energy costs. Yet, we are still intent on shiny, new buildings.
The Green star scheme
New offices are now obligated to adopt Green Star ratings as business as usual. As a result, we have witnessed the meteoric rise of new green buildings. In 2009 we should reach the 100th Green Star certification. The same cannot be said of Australia’s existing building stock. Why not? Most likely because there is no extra incentive for tenants to update an existing over building a new one. Most tenants prefer the ‘branding’ advantages associated with a new building and even more with a new ‘green’ building.
While new green buildings are a remarkable leap forward in a short time, this is not enough. Ideally, to meet the challenges of climate change, we shouldn’t be building any more new buildings. However, this is just not practical. Instead, what we can do is encourage the market to refurbish and reuse existing buildings. To make what’s old, new again – and green.
The GBCA’s success with this rating system for new green buildings shows their ability to encourage innovation in the property industry. It is time for the GBCA and the Property Council of Australia to revisit the industry standards and the Green Star rating scheme. Tenants, and therefore building owners, are already demanding improved environmental standards, regardless of whether a building is old or new. What we are missing are the industry drivers (Green Stars) for a marked improvement in the resource efficiency (both energy and materials) of our existing buildings. We are missing the industry recognition or ‘branding’ advantages for the retrofitting and refurbishment of our existing buildings. GBCA and regulators could provide clear leadership on this.
New regulation for a sustainable solution
As a suggestion, the following changes to both voluntary schemes (Green Star) and building regulations would drive significant change in our built environment – and its ultimate sustainability:
Introduce new 7 and 8 Green Star ratings specifically for refurbished buildings operating at the highest levels of performance (e.g. carbon neutral for 8 star rating)
Provide incentives for zero waste and renewable/re-used resources (including the use of ‘green power’)
Advocate for biodiversity incentives such as a green roofs and green façades (more points than is currently allowable under the existing scheme)
Promote programs and green offsets in biodiversity planting in our cities.
The building industry is well-positioned to rise to a 7 and 8 Green Star rating challenge. It is also realistic to assume that one day all our buildings (new and existing) will be green – but to get there, and in time to adapt to both climate change and our declining economy, we need our regulators to upgrade their ratings.
Green directory of eco-friendly Australian businesses. This green directory is providing you all details about environmental companies around Australia. Find the green business around your place.
