Thermally treated timber may be recognised through an innovation application for a large proportion of thermally treated timber used in a project.  

To target this innovation, project teams will need to define a percentage benchmark for the thermally treated timber used in construction. In order to define the benchmark, project teams are required to: 

• Describe briefly the assumptions behind the benchmark, and any process that was used to establish them.

• If existing data was used, or a literature review was performed, this must be included. If the assumptions rely on previous experience by the project team, including professional estimates, this must be stated.

• Describe the process being undertaken to ensure the defined benchmarks are being met.

• Demonstrate that the benchmarks were achieved in the project’s As Built submission. For some projects, this may be able to be demonstrated at Tender stage, for the project’s Design submission.

The current definition for Eligible Project in the section of Glossary refers to the NCC (the Australian Building Code) usage classification.

As a clarification for New Zealand projects, the definition is amended as below:

“Eligible Project - Any New Zealand-based new build or major refurbishment project of any eligible typology (see above for NCC Building usage classifications and relevant New Zealand Building Code Clause A1 Classified Uses), with a minimum occupancy of 1FTE, and meeting all other eligibility criteria available on the NZGBC website, may target a Green Star NZ – Design & As-built Certified Rating using the Submission Guidelines and this Addendum Document as guidance.”

Can projects target the 6.1 Green Cleaning Policy credit from Green Star - Performance under the Innovation category?

Yes. Projects pursuing a certification under Green Star - Design & As Built, Green Star - Interiors may target credit 6.1 Green Cleaning Policy from Green Star - Performance v1.2 under the Global Sustainability credit.

One (1) point is available where all compliance requirements for credit 6.1 Green Cleaning Policy from the Green Star - Performance v1.2 submission guidelines are addressed. This is on the condition that the Green Cleaning Policy must be implemented for a minimum of 10 years.

Projects may demonstrate compliance with the 'lift idle and standby energy' requirement from the Vertical Transportation criteria by demonstrating that the following energy saving features have been incorporated in the lift specification:

• Energy efficient Gearless AC Machines with regenerative VVVF drives;
• Low energy LED lighting;
• Shutdown of non-essential lighting, screens, etc. when on standby; and
• The lift idle and standby energy performance level is at least level 3 in accordance with ISO 25745-2

This guidance is based on industry feedback that most lifts cannot currently achieve performance level 1 in accordance with ISO 25746-2 for lift idle and standby energy.

Documentation Requirements:

Please provide the following in your submission:

• Schedule identifying all vertical transportation systems installed in the building, and the manufacturer and model of each.
• Extract(s) from the commissioning report demonstrating (through supporting evidence) that the vertical transportation systems have been commissioned and operate as intended by the design.
• Documentation showing the lift idle and standby energy performance level is at least level 3 in accordance with ISO 25745-2
• A copy of this TC.

In the Appendix for Non-Innovation claims, the Submission Guidelines state that improving on the benchmark for Construction and Demolition Waste: Percentage Benchmark will not be awarded an Innovation. This is contradictory and incorrect. 

The Innovation point is available to be awarded. The last line of the Submission Guidelines regarding Construction and Demolition Waste: Percentage Benchmark can be ignored.   

Are ducted split system fan coil units (DX split/VRF/VRV) required to provide access to both sides of fan coil units?

No, project teams do not have to provide access to both sides of coils for cleaning and maintenance purposes of such systems, provided the following conditions are met:

1. Design teams may provide access to the upstream side of fan coil units where the coils are protected by a filter rated at MERV 8 or higher and:

• Provide heating only; or,
• Provide cooling only with the coil assembly no more than 4 rows deep; or,
• Provide dual heating/cooling with the coil assembly no more than 4 rows deep

and

2. For fan coil units or air handling units located within a ceiling void, in addition to the above criteria, the project team must fully demonstrate safe access for cleaning and maintenance. This may include:

• Access panels in unit / ductwork is in close proximity to the coil to be cleaned.
• Access panels in the ceiling below the unit is in close proximity to the unit / ductwork access panel.
• The upstream surface of the coil must be accessible within 1m of the ceiling panel.
• For projects where a wall-mounted unit is installed, the project team must demonstrate that access is provided to one side of the coil for cleaning and maintenance purposes. The project team must also demonstrate:
• The filter system used can achieve the same outcome as MERV 8 filter and;
• Coil assembly is no more than 4 rows deep.

Documentation Requirements:

Please provide the following in your submission:

• Evidence that all moisture-producing and debris-catching components such as cooling coils, heating coils, humidifiers and filters in the air handling unit are able to be sufficiently cleaned and maintained through single sided access.
• Section drawing demonstrating any ceiling units can be safely reached through the ceiling access panel.
• Plan drawing showing 100% of the upstream surface of the coil is accessible within 1m of the ceiling panel, allowing for obstructions.
• A copy of this response.

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.”