This ruling supersedes the TC published April 2022

The project team must demonstrate that all outdoor lighting on the project complies with values set up in Table 3.2 and Table 3.3 of AS/NZS 4282:2023 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting. Project team should justify their choice of environmental zone as per Table 3.1 in AS/NZS 4282:2023.

Water efficiency should be incorporated into the anti-ligature sanitary fixtures. Pressure needs to be put onto manufacturers of the products to make water efficient products that suit the application to move the industry forward.

The current clause for credit 14 Thermal Comfort regarding Spaces where HVAC is not Fully Installed at Time of Submission refers to the NCC (the Australian Building Code) Section J.

As a clarification for New Zealand projects, the following amended clause will replace the original clause on page 150.

“Internal tenant loads including lighting and small power must be modelled using a notional fitout assuming the most energy intensive fitout allowable by the New Zealand Building Code Clause H1 Energy Efficiency and referenced New Zealand Standards (code compliance minima), or according to the lease agreement or tenant fitout guide.”

In lieu of a 'make good' lease clause between the building owner and the tenant(s), the project team may provide another suitable formal commitment that indicates the building owner will undertake those commitments and responsibilities. The formal commitment must be a separate legal agreement and/or a memorandum of understanding (MoU), and address all the credit compliance requirements.

Despite the difference between NZS4303:1990 and AS1668.4:2012 and the intentional preclusion of AS 1668.2 in New Zealand Building Code with regards to provision of outdoor air, Green Star still recognises both standards as valid references for calculating achievement of criteria 9.2 Provision of Outdoor Air. This is because Green Star rewards points for a rate 50% and 100% greater than the minimum required by these standards rather than policing on code compliance. Recognising both standards does not conflict with building code conformance however brings more flexibility to project teams. 

The responsibility for minimum code compliance rests with the designer and is governed by existing regulatory bodies, while the intent of the tool is to improve outdoor air rates over minimum requirements. 

In view of the above, we are clarifying that when the section for 9.2A Comparison to Industry Standards only refers to the AS 1668.2:2012, it should read “the recognised standards listed in 9.2.3”.    

A project team may target the credit criteria Localised Lighting Control for a base building targeting a Green Star - Design & As Built rating, by installing a DALI system within the base building, which can then be utilized by the tenant to deliver localized lighting control. Project teams must provide a Tenancy Fitout Guide (or similar) to the tenant, which contains relevant information about the DALI system.  

The default service life in all LCA calculations is to be 50 years (not 60) to align with NZBC and the DAB v1.1.1 Submission Guideline. 

The definition for Reference Projects is amended as below:
A hypothetical building of the same size, shape and floor area as the Proposed Building, but whose building fabric and building services characteristics are based predominantly on the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions as defined in this document.

Accredited Energy Modellers can use a producer statement instead of a full energy modelling report to demonstrate compliance for credit 14 Thermal Comfort,15 Greenhouse Gas Emissions and 16 Peak Electricity Demand Reduction. Note that the associated submission templates and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator will still need to be submitted.

Costs entered into the Sustainable Products Calculator can either include or exclude labour and transport. However, this must be consistent for all costs entered. As such, all individual product costs, and the project’s PCV, will either include or exclude labour and transport costs.Where project teams are provided with some costs that include labour and transport, and some that exclude it, it is acceptable to choose one approach (i.e. include or exclude these costs) and then adjust the non-conforming figures accordingly.As an example, the product costs available to a project team for loose furniture and floor coverings excludes labour and transport, but all other product costs include it. In this case, the project team could make educated estimates for the labour and transport costs associated with the installation of loose furniture and floor coverings and add these costs to the original values provided. If this kind of adjustment is performed, please describe the methodology and justification for these calculations in the credit’s Submission Template.

If a curtain meets all the same requirements as what is required for blinds/screens in 12.1B, it would be deemed to comply 

The requirements of 11.4 may be achieved in the office spaces by providing a mixture of general non-dimmable ceiling lighting and local dimmable task lighting provided the task lighting is installed either as part of the base build or as part of an integrated fit-out.  The local dimmable lighting must also be able to be turned on or off as per the requirements of the 11.4 in the Submission Guidelines.  Where 11.2 is also being targeted then the requirements of 11.2 must be achieved alongside the recommendations for general and local lighting set out in AS1680.2.2-2008 Appendix E with the general lighting on and the local task lighting at its maximum illuminance. Note this applies to office spaces only

The percentage of compliant products is calculated by volume (paints, adhesives and sealants) and area (carpets), not its cost. For example, at least 95% of all internally applied paints, adhesives, sealants (by volume) or carpets (by area) meet the total specified VOC limits. Note: Projects do not need to provide any cost related evidence.

The process outlined below replaces a previous TC, with a requirement for all concrete mixes to have a product specific EPD, or have a carbon footprint within 5% and cement content within 0.5% of an existing EPD.

• A pre-verified tool for generating LCA self-declarations / Environmental Data Sheets such as the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) tool, may be used. The tool must be pre-verified with the EPD international system.
• A Companies’ internal quality management systems provides a first check to ensure that primary data input into the GCCA tool match mix designs. Product data sheet to be signed off by chartered engineer or equivalent to confirm mix design and properties.
• The Concrete NZ Readymix Concrete Plant Audit Scheme (NZPAS) samples annually a proportion of company Environmental Data Sheets, and reports findings to the NZGBC. Note that the NZPAS is in turn audited by Bureau Veritas, an internationally recognised auditing firm.
• The self-declared Environmental Data Sheet bearing the GCCA logo (or other pre-verified tool), is submitted as part of the Green Star submission. 
• Any producer of an Environmental Data Sheet has to demonstrate that they have received training in the use of the calculator. 
• The NZGBC may undertake spot audits of the verification system.

Note that any product using the above method will receive a weighting score of 0.5 in the Sustainable Products credit, equivalent to that of an Industry wide EPD. 

The current LCA credit requires both LCA producers and peer reviewers to be LCA practitioners who should be either:

1. An individual or organisation who have produced, co-produced and/or independently peer reviewed at least five LCA studies in the past three years; or
2. A person who is qualified as an “LCA Certified Practitioner” (LCACP) through ALCAS / LCANZ / ACLCA.

Since many high quality LCA software options are available in the NZ market, many LCAs are being created using such software by a person who is not an LCA practitioner. In this case, as long as the peer review is conducted by a person that fulfils the above requirements, it will be deemed compliant with this requirement.

Note that if the project land has been planned for high density development by central or local governments, the project is still considered to be compliant with the conditional requirement as the project itself is not changing, transforming, or converting its land-use and primary production purposed.

Projects can use a maintenance factor as calculated using AS/NZS 1680, since AS/NZS 1680 is considered a best-practice lighting design methodology, and that the generic 0.8 maintenance factor is not necessarily relevant or beneficial for all projects and lighting designs.  

Project teams may calculate the maintenance factor for their luminaries according to this standard and should provide a summary/justification of these calculations and inputs for assessment.  The project team should include supporting documents for the inputs which may include: 

• Luminaire specific factors such as Lamp Lumen Maintenance Factor, Lamp Survival Factor, IP rating, luminaire type; 
• Reference to the relevant data from AS/NZS1680; 
• Description of the use of the space and its atmospheric impact (clean, dirty, etc); and 
• The planned luminaire cleaning maintenance programme or the inclusion of cleaning requirements within the tenants fit-out guide.   

Where inputs for the calculation of the maintenance factor are uncertain then projects must continue to use the 0.8 maintenance factor.  Projects may also choose to continue to use the 0.8 maintenance factor if they wish.

The structural element volume approach used in Green Star legacy rating tools may be used in place of the gross building volume approach to demonstrate compliance to 19B.3.2 Structure Reuse for projects registered under Design & As Built v1.0

The current clause regarding applicable climate zones for Prescriptive Thermal Comfort Requirements refers to NCC (the Australian Building Code) Climate Zones.

As a clarification for New Zealand projects, the following amended clause will replace the original clause on page 148 for Design and As Built and page 126 for Interiors.

“This option can be applied in climate zones 1-3, as identified on the climate zone map in NZS 4243.1:2007 Figure A1 – Climate Zones, except for the following regions which are required to demonstrate compliance via thermal modelling:

• The central plateau of the North Island

• Queenstown Lakes, Mackenzie, Western Waitaki, Central Otago

We are issuing this clarification to ensure projects follow the intent of the GHG credit for industrial projects. As stated in GHG Emissions Calculation Guide HVAC Simulation Parameters Table “The intent of this requirement is that the Reference Project generally achieves the same level of service as the Proposed Project.”   

There is a potential misinterpretation of the Calculation guide for the “HVAC Simulation Parameters” (table 26) which increases the Reference building energy consumption unfairly. 

To clarify the Reference project must achieve the same space temperature conditions as the proposed project for greater than 98% of occupied hours. Alternatively, the analysis can be undertaken on the basis of both the Proposed and Reference project achieving a PMV of between -1 and 1 for 98% of occupied hours across 95% of the floor area.  

In addition, the “Reference project HVAC systems” section (14.4.2) defines system coverage and zoning of the Reference building and this is to be the same as the Proposed Building. This is further reinforced through a requirement for the same operating profiles. 

Note: Even if a simulation set point of 18-26°C is used, the Reference project HVAC system would still need to be sized in accordance with the HVAC System Design Parameters which must be based on the Proposed Project “room design temperature”. 

We strongly suggest Modellers read the GHG Emissions Calculation Guide in its entirety for a clear energy modelling report with the understanding that the intent of the GHG credit is to have a more energy efficient project compared to the industry norm. 

This TC is immediately effective for all projects using the GHG Emissions Calculation Guide irrespective of the project registration date.

The use of default Design Occupancy from Green Star Legacy tools is not an acceptable method of calculating Design Occupancy for speculative developments.  For speculative developments it is common for the developer / client to provide a Building Performance Specification or similar document which outlines the development’s requirements for the design team. The Design Occupancy referred to in the Building Performance Specification or similar should be used consistently as the basis for calculations for all relevant credits.

The following alternative Compliance Requirements can be used and applied holistically for Credit 1.1 Green Star Accredited Professional:

1. GSAP engagement from Green Star registration, or within one month following (rather than from schematic design);

2. GSAP certificate validity from Green Star registration to construction completion; and

3. GSAP involvement. To demonstrate GSAP involvement there must be at least one GSAP that:

• is part of the team delivering the Green Star certification from registration to completion;
• is listed as a ‘Project Contact’ for the purpose of communication with NZGBC; and
• Provides advice, guidance and support from project registration through to certification, by ensuring the project team has access to the information covering Green Star principles, structure, timing and process including:
  • eligibility
  • environmental categories
  • points allocation and scores
  • documentation and compliance requirements
  • technical questions
  • certification process
  • Green Star branding and marketing rules

• deliver at least one workshop addressing the topics above; OR the GSAP plans the Green Star submission and targets with the project team using the Submission Planner, Submission Guidelines and/or other relevant information;
• participating in meetings/workshops with the design and construction team; Note: the GSAP does not need to attend all design and construction meetings. However, if the GSAP does not attend they are responsible for reviewing the meeting minutes to ensure appropriate Green Star advice, guidance and support is provided, to support the Green Star certification process.
• reviewing all documentation for compliance; and
• be responsible for the preparation and execution of the Green Star submission(s) for certification.

The GSAP involvement tasks outlined above may be carried out by more than one GSAP. The GSAP role can be shared by multiple professionals involved in the project. This is acceptable as long as each GSAP individually meets the requirements above (apart from the workshop requirement) and this role has been fulfilled continually from registration to practical completion.

Documentation Requirements - at Design Review, and As Built Stage:

• Submission template
• GSAP Certificate(s)
• Letter of appointment of a GSAP from Green Star registration, or within one month following, with scope of works
  • as per Compliance Requirements OR as per the above GSAP involvement.
• Sample minutes or other written correspondence of the GSAP with the design and construction team, addressing the GSAP involvement.
• Letter from the client confirming the GSAP satisfactorily fulfilled their engagement responsibilities as per the scope of works.

Can energy metering of distinct uses be based off electricity demand rather than energy?

Yes. In regard to energy meters for Metering Distinct Uses or Floors, NZGBC approves the criteria to be amended to "where the electrical load for a single item exceeds 5% of the total electricity (power) demand for the project, or 100kW, it must be individually metered". 

This is based on the understanding that the overarching metering strategy for Green Star is to ensure that all significant loads are individually metered.

Carpet underlay should be included as flooring for the purpose of the credit criteria Responsible Materials: Permanent Formwork, Pipes, Flooring, Blinds and Cables"

For the Nominated Area, toilets and end-of-trip facilities should be defined as Tertiary spaces.

Climate Adaptation Plan:

If an organisation or corporation has a Climate Adaptation Plan process in-house, that process needs to be referenced by the project covered under the organisational Climate Adaptation Plan. The compliance requirements outlined under 3.1.5 Implementation of the Climate Adaptation Plan must be addressed on an individual project level.

Risk Assessments:

The National Climate Change Risk Assessment (NCCRA) guidelines is recommended for New Zealand project teams to undertake risk assessments to achieve this Green Star credit.

The assessment of climate change related impacts needs to be considered for the rated building’s design and construction only. It should not go beyond the boundary of the rated building

The exhaust ventilation flow rate for a print and/or photocopy room must be at least 5l/s/m2 AND at least 10% greater than the supply rate of air. This ensures the space is negatively pressurised and pollutants do not escape to neighbouring areas. 

For bike parking, staff bicycle spaces do not need to be separate from general public spaces, provided they are secure.

Visitor spaces do not need to be under cover.

The NZGBC notes that the stratospheric ozone depletion potential (ODP) of many materials has decreased in response to the Montreal Protocol. As a result, the capacity to demonstrate improvement in this category has substantially decreased, impacting the total points achievable in the  Life Cycle Assessment credit. The NZGBC allows project teams to now exclude the ODP impact category from the life cycle assessment. For projects using the Life Cycle Assessment Calculator, the rows for the ODP impact category can be left blank so that it is not included in the calculation of points for the credit. 

Skylights are not considered external for the Light Pollution credit. Where luminaires are mounted within an atrium or skylight, these must be included as an external light source. 

Building systems that are part of the day to day operations of the building must be included within the scope of the credit criteria 'Building Systems Tuning' / 'Fitout Systems Tuning' / 'Project Systems Tuning' Building systems regardless of static or seasonal operational settings need to be reviewed and tuned accordingly so that they operate to their full potential and as designed, therefore meeting the aim of the credit. 

80% of all individuals that work on site for at least 3 days, representing a contractor or sub-contractor, must receive training to comply with the requirements of the Knowledge of Sustainable Practices.

The time period selected for measuring Internal Noise Level should be representative of the source as in line with the NZS2107:2016. For clarification – naturally ventilated spaces might have a longer time period then a continuously operating mechanically ventilated space.

Where the submission guidelines make reference to note 3 of Table 1 AS/NZS 2107:2016, the NZGBC clarifies that this is a minor discrepancy in the submission guidelines. The reference should be made to note 1 of Table 1 AS/NZS 2107:2016.

This is to clarify that light pollution to existing neighbouring buildings within campus may be excluded from the criteria for light pollution to neighbouring bodies.

Concrete sealers applied on site can be classified under the category of ‘Primer, Sealer and Prep Coats’. Glazes and sealants applied offsite will be excluded from the associated category and credit as outlined in the submission guidelines. 

NZGBC recognises 'FSC Mix' certification. The full cost (100%) of the 'FSC Mix' certified product may be used to demonstrate compliance

How do I calculate C&D Waste points when delivering an integrated Interiors project within a Design & As Built building?

Fixed Benchmark Pathway (22A)

Projects teams delivering a Green Star rated Interiors project within a Green Star Design & As Built rated base building may aggregate the base building and fitout construction and demolition waste to determine the maximum waste allowance based on the combined GFA and NLA.

Up to one (1) point for the base building (GFA) and up to three (3) points are awarded for the fitout (NLA) where the construction and demolition waste going to landfill meets a fixed benchmark, defined in kilograms of waste per square metre in the Construction and Demolition Waste Fixed Benchmark pathway.

Points are awarded based on the maximum waste allowance calculated using the combined GFA and NLA:

(GFA x targeted waste benchmark) + (NLA x targeted waste benchmark) = cumulative waste total.

Points are awarded in accordance with the waste benchmarks for a typical building, and typical fitout as per the table below;

Design & As Built (base building) Interiors  (fitout)

Please note only one innovation point is available and that points may be pro-rated in between benchmarks.

Percentage Benchmark Pathway (22B)

Projects teams delivering a Green Star rated Interiors project within a Green Star Design & As Built rated base building may aggregate the base building and fitout construction waste when targeting a percentage benchmark. Up to one (1) point for the base building (GFA) and up to one (1) point for the fitout (NLA) is awarded where at least 70% of aggregated base building and fitout waste, generated during construction and demolition, has been diverted from landfill (waste reported in kilograms) as defined in the 22B Construction and Demolition Waste - Percentage Benchmark pathway.

Documentation Requirements:

• Compliance Verification Summaries from waste contractor(s) and waste processing facilities.
• Disclosure Statement from waste contractor(s) and waste processing facilities.
• Demolition or site drawings.
• Cumulative waste report.
• Calculations based on the total GFA and NLA demonstrating compliance with the fixed waste benchmarks for base building and fitout (22A) OR Calculations demonstrating compliance with the percentage benchmark (22B)
• A copy of this response.

For project that applying the built phase rating, an expired product certification will be accepted provided it expired after the date the final design specification was issued. In this instance, the project team is required to provide a dated specifications/drawing (and evidence this was the final issue) showing that the product was specified whilst the eco-label certification was current.

For industrial warehouse projects located within an industrial estate, where the site boundary is shared with an industrial or commercial development, compliance with the Light Pollution to Neighbouring Bodies may be demonstrated by meeting the standard AS/NZS 4282:2019 Control of the obtrusive effects of outdoor lighting. In this circumstance, the credit requirement to meet the above standard at the site boundary does not apply. 

If the adjacent lot to the project is a residence (house, apartment, hotel, hospital or aged care), an environmentally sensitive area or the zoning is unknown, this approach may not be applied and requirements of the credit for AS/NZS 4282:2019 must be met at the boundary of the site. 

It is expected that the designers of the outdoor lighting should limit the obtrusive effects as far as practicable whilst meeting the safety requirements of the outdoor working space i.e. ensure that all lights have a high mounting height to provide controlled light distribution in a downward direction (i.e. narrower beam).

The Healthcare Guidance does not explicitly allow for specialist medical light fittings to be excluded from this credit. However, the guidance does say that “where a space has a clinical functional requirement, which contradicts the requirements listed in either the Submission Guidelines or the Healthcare Guidance documents, the clinical requirement shall always take precedence. Clinical spaces are considered Not Applicable within most of the Indoor Environment Quality category”. Specialist medical light fittings are part of the clinical requirements, therefore can be excluded from assessment for this credit.

Points for credit 17B.4 can be awarded independantly of each other. There is not a requirement to achieve the point for providing cycling facilities to the building’s regular occupants as a prerequisite for the the point to be awarded for providing cycling facilities to the building’s visitors.

GBCA has vetted and added the CRI Green Label Plus Indoor Air Quality Testing Program to the GBCA “Exposure to Toxins Product Certifications Schemes Index.”   Any product that has a current and valid CRI Green Label Plus certificate complies with the Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) limits as stipulated in Credit 13 of Design & As Built NZv1.0, Design & As Built NZv1.1 and Green Star Buildings NZ.  

The Enviromark Diamond framework is accepted as a compliant Environmental Management System for projects valued at over $25 million.