Existing Office Buildings now able to be rated by Green Star NZ

New Zealand's existing buildings are now eligible to be rated by Green Star NZ, as the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) expands the Office 2009 tool to address the unique opportunities available to our existing building stock, from 1 July 2009.

One rating for all office buildings!

Download the guidelines for rating existing buildings

The latest version, updated 30 June 2009

"This addition to Green Star will encourage and reward building owners who include green building features in their decision-making when they are undertaking refurbishments," says Jane Henley, NZGBC Chief Executive.

"We're pleased to be able offer the building owners a level playing field with this new rating tool, as it allows owners and tenants alike to compare new buildings with existing buildings under the same tool."

The expanded Office 2009 tool will help building owners measure their building and any improvements to it on a consistent scale with new buildings. It provides owners with guidance and opportunities when developing their building upgrade plans and aims to maximise the efficiency of buildings while minimising environmental impacts.

The expanded Office 2009 tool is aiming to give existing buildings an opportunity to be recognised for implementing sustainable design features as they go through their 7 – 10 year refurbishment cycle. It will also offer buildings the chance to examine where they can make minor improvements to achieve a rating.

In developing the rating tool, the NZGBC undertook testing of a cross-section of buildings, and found that well-designed existing buildings with efficient HVAC systems, a well designed façade and some good indoor environment features, such as daylight levels and thermal comfort, were able to achieve a 4 Green Star rating with no upgrade work.

To achieve a 5 Green Star rating most existing buildings would need to undertake some upgrade work, for example installing rainwater collection, cyclist facilities for staff, or upgrading lighting systems.

Any building completed prior to April 2007 (when Green Star NZ launched) is considered an 'existing building' under the new tool.

Existing buildings are addressed in the Green Star – Office 2009 tool according to how they are designed to perform. The NZGBC looks forward to making the jump from rating existing buildings under this tool, to rating their ongoing operations or performance, with a new tool that will rate how a building actually performs in use, in terms of such things as energy and water use. Work will begin this year on developing a Green Star tool that will measure the operations or performance of buildings this year, says Ms Henley.

Existing office buildings will be able to register to achieve a Green Star rating under the Office 2009 tool from 1 July 2009, and a supplement to the Office 2009 Technical Manual detailing the applicable credits under the tool will also be made available then.

Green Star NZ - Rating Existing Buildings in Summary

  • The Green Star NZ - Office 2009 rating tool has been expanded to include rating existing office buildings as they are or if they are undergoing significant refurbishment.
  • Any building completed prior to April 2007 (when Green Star NZ launched) is considered an 'existing building' under the new tool. This time threshold is fixed and based on the launch date of Green Star NZ
  • The expanded tool recognises the environmental benefit of re-using and upgrading our existing building stock; it provides building owners with guidance and opportunities when considering their upgrade plans, helping to drive upgrades that consider the social, environmental and economic benefits of utilising green building practises and materials.
  • Buildings have been shown to produce more than 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions, an important green house gas (GHG) that contributes to global climate change. Green buildings can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 35%, compared to traditional buildings. Furthermore, green buildings can reduce energy use by 30-50%, reduce waste output by 70%, and reduce water usage by 40%.

The expanded Green Star - Office 2009 rating tool was developed by the New Zealand Green Building Council with thanks to sponsorship funding from AMP NZ Office Trust, Davis Langdon and Kiwi Income Property Trust.

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

The PILOT Projects

National Bank Centre for Kiwi Income Property Trust

The National Bank Centre is one of two PILOT projects under the expanded Office 2009 tool. It is located on an entire block, at one of the city's busiest pedestrian intersections, Queen, Victoria, Darby and Elliott streets.  The property was completed in 1990 to high specification, with sustainability features such as double-glazing, quality air-conditioning and waste recycling facilities. The centre comprises two prominent towers of 17 and 22 levels with a recently refurbished podium lobby and basement loading dock and carparking.  The landmark property has a distinctive glass façade, high quality construction materials and services.

As part of the overall building refurbishment, Kiwi Income Property Trust have commenced a number of sustainability orientated upgrades such as improved shower facilities, energy efficient lighting and materials specifications with a target of achieving a 5 Green Star rating.

Other planned upgrades to the building will include changes to:

  • lighting and flooring
  • ceiling tiles
  • installing bike racks
  • operational improvements
  • building control upgrades
  • equipment upgrades

 

No. 1 The Terrace, AMP NZ Office Trust

 "We are seeking a Green Star Rating for Existing Buildings for No.1 The Terrace because we believe that it will clearly measure, assess and rate the building's sustainable and successful approach to energy efficiency, functionality and innovation (which is what we as a building owner and developer aspire to for all ANZO's portfolio of buildings).  

However there's more to it than that.  Ethics coupled with efficiency can define a high performing organisation and many leading organisations are using their work places to meet a range of financial drivers and to secure competitive advantage.  Undisputedly, we are all moving in the direction towards a holistic approach to running an organisation - where corporate responsibility to employees, the community and the environment is increasingly expected by stakeholders."

Rob Lang CEO - AMP NZ Office Trust