Group Proposal

We will develop a framework for a new tool through the analysis of the Green Star, which is Australia's trusted mark of quality for the design, construction and operation of sustainable buildings, fitouts and communities. Why we choose green star is first, the system lowers the operating costs. Green buildings are built for high energy and water efficiency, so they are cheaper to operate. Also green buildings consistently outperform non-green buildings in terms of comfort and productivity.  Natural light, fresh air and access to views of the outdoors, as well as control over individual workspace temperature and lighting, can directly affect productivity.  Green star provides a healthier place to live and work as well. According to the OECd’s Environmentally Sustainable buildings report (2003), illness from indoor air pollution has become one of our most acute building challenges – with building materials, ranging from paints to carpets – leading to occupational health issues. Last, building green demonstrate the corporate social responsibility. (Choosing Green Star is a way to save money, create a healthy place for people, minimise your environmental footprint and build a better future for us all.) Launched by the Green Building Council of Australia in 2003, Green Star is Australia's only national and voluntary rating system for buildings and communities.

Our built environment is currently the world's single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and also consumes around a third of our water, and generates 40 per cent of our waste.

By referring to the Green Star – Retail Centre v1 rating tool, it has many credits in common with the other Green Star tools available, but has also been made unique to the retail centre sector.

In the further steps, we will identify the key ‘sector specific’ credits that differentiate the Green Star – Retail Centre v1 rating tool from other Green Star tools in:

• Waste and Recycling Management Plan;

• Building Management System;

• Car Park Ventilation; and

• Trip reduction – Mixed Use;

• Materials

• Emissions

More specific aspects will be interpreted in those sections.

We intend to develop an improved system that focus on the area of local retails by referring to the current green star rating system, that will have slightly different sectors than Green Star Rating system and will more appropriately consider the specific considerations in local retails. A case study of Westfield Sydney will be analysed.