Last month, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) launched the pilot phase for its Green Star Industrial program—the world’s first green building rating tool designed specifically for the industrial facility sector.
The new program is based on GBCA’s Green Star green building rating tool and includes many of the standard credits in the base program, in addition to a dozen or so sector-specific credits, including:
 For more on green industrial facilities, see our November 2008 report "Industrial-Strength Green" |
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• Designated smoke-free break areas for employees. One credit is awarded for projects that incorporate a designated no-smoking break area. The space must be at least 430 sf and include indoor and outdoor components. The outdoor space must be 30% landscaped and provide sun and wind screens.
• Close proximity to major cargo transport services. Up to two points are awarded for projects that are within six miles of a major cargo service—including airports, seaports, railway stations, or rail yards—and within three miles of a major freeway entrance/exit.
• Natural ventilation to counteract build-up of indoor pollutants. Up to three credits are available for projects that include naturally ventilated spaces or mechanically assisted naturally ventilated spaces at rates greater than the national standard for mechanical ventilation. Additional credits can be attained by implementing enhanced ventilation approaches in indoor dock loading bays and garages.
• Reduced industrial process water use. Up to five points are available for projects that reduce discharge into the municipal sewer system based on an average-practice benchmark through approaches like black water treatment.
• Minimal noise pollution. One credit is awarded for projects that minimize noise penetration through the building envelope.
The tool also includes benchmark calculators for energy consumption, public transportation, potable water use, sewage use, land use, and landscaping. Each project must meet minimum conditions for each of these components.
More information: www.gbca.org.au/green-star/rating-tools/green-star-industrial-pilot/1761.htm
