THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING DESIGN Environmental sustainability involves making responsible decisions by reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable building design is a multidisciplinary research endeavour that involves the participation of architects, engineers, developers, owners, contractors, suppliers and tenants. But with temperatures rising, energy-draining equipment are further releasing higher greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbating the problem. With rising temperatures, demand for air conditioning is skyrocketing – just when we need to be looking at more energy efficient methods of cooling our buildings. Some important facts to consider: ■ Buildings are responsible for about 40% of CO 2 emissions. iii The goal of the World Green Building Council is to reduce the building and construction sector’s CO 2 emissions by 84 gigatons and achieve net zero emissions buildings by 2050. iv ■ The Australian Government highlights that in a simple 12m 2 room, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually sit at 15kg for ceiling fans vs 160kg for split-system air conditioning. v ■ A 2020 report valued the HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) market at USD$57.8 billion (AUD$78 billion) in 2020 and predicted it would reach USD$82.5 billion (AUD$111.3 billion) by 2026. vi ■ Global demand for air conditioners will triple by 2050. vi ■ By 2040, 70% of Australia’s coal-fired power stations will be 50 years or older. vii ■ Age, obsolete technology and the high proportion of power generated from coal explain why Australia’s electricity is one of the most polluting in the OECD. This information highlights the negative impact on climate change from the increased use of air conditioning.
Nowhere is this trend more prevalent than in Australia, which has a long way to go to catch up to ‘greener’ countries like Sweden and New Zealand. However, we do have two ratings systems that help building designers and owners to reduce their impact: the Green Star Rating System and NABERS . These certifications ensure buildings comply with environmental regulations. Getting their tick of approval is important for building designers, operators and occupants. Buildings that don’t meet high sustainability standards incur greater costs over time through greater power consumption and can attract a negative public image through their increased carbon footprint. Benefits of using Big Ass Fans to achieve Green Star/NABERS rating: ■ Better energy efficiency making it more attractive to tenants. ■ Reduced operational costs through reduced HVAC. ■ Less ductwork equals improved aesthetics and lower material costs. ■ Helps work towards a carbon neutral business. ■ Fans are highly durable with a long lifespan and minimal maintenance. ■ Cooler, more comfortable. environment.
SUSTAINABILITY/GREEN RATING TOOLS IN AUSTRALIA Green Star Rating System – The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is Australia’s leading authority on sustainable buildings and communities. It developed the voluntary Green Star Rating System to validate sustainability initiatives of the design and construction phases of eligible projects. It is an internationally recognised rating system that delivers independent verification of sustainable outcomes throughout the life cycle of the built environment. NABERS – The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) is a nationwide system issued by the NSW government. NABERS is mandatory for all new buildings over 2,000 square metres and buildings that are for sale or lease. Each NABERS star corresponds to an energy usage and greenhouse emission threshold. So if energy usage of a building is reduced, their NABERS rating improves. NABERS star ratings give building owners a competitive advantage with prospective buyers, renters and tenants.
1 STAR 2 STAR 3 STAR 4 STAR 5 STAR 6 STAR
Minimum Practice
Average Practice
Good Practice
Best Practice
Australian Excellent
World Leadership
Performance
Design & As Built Interiors Communities
The Green Star rating scale
1 STAR Making a Start
2 STAR Below Average
3 STAR Average
4 STAR Good
5 STAR Excellent
6 STAR Market Leading
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