Green Star (Australia)

Green Star is a voluntary environmental rating system for buildings in Australia. It was launched in 2003 by the Green Building Council Australia.

The system considers a broad range of practices for reducing the environmental impact of buildings and to showcase innovation in sustainable building practices, while also considering occupant health and productivity and cost savings.

Nine categories are assessed with the Green Star tools: [ [http://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/rating-tools/ Green Star Rating Tools - Rating Tools - Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) ] ]
* Management
* Indoor environment quality
* Energy
* Transport
* Water
* Materials
* Land Use & Ecology
* Emissions
* Innovation

Controversy

There has been controversy over a proposal to expand the Forest Certification of timber and composite timber products. [ [http://www.gbcaus-watch.org/content/view/29/41/ GBCAus-Watch - Forest Certification ] ]

There has also been concern over various aspects of the timeframe for awarding of the certification, transfer of properties once awarded, and termination rights. [ [http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=59652 Article looking at the application process on Mondaq.com ] ]

References