NZGBC showcases sustainability with Green Star rating

[EMBARGOED TO 1800 HRS, WED 15 APRIL 2015]

NZGBC showcases sustainability with ‘New Zealand excellence’ Green Star rating

The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) today achieved a 5 Green Star rating for its own office fit-out – proving that a modest budget is no barrier to sustainability.

The NZGBC moved into its new office at 205 Queen Street late last year, and has since been putting the finishing touches to a fit-out that takes account of people, resources and the environment. A key aim of the new office is to provide a public showcase for Green Star interiors.

“Because of the choices we’ve made, our office uses less energy and water, and promotes health and productivity with great internal air quality,” says NZGBC Chief Executive Alex Cutler. “We’ve long advocated the benefits of sustainable offices, in terms of cost savings and positive impact on staff. Now we’ve taken our own medicine, and we’re loving it.”

The 5 Green Star Office Interiors rating, denoting New Zealand excellence, was signed off today. Although NZGBC certifies Green Star ratings, it was subject to the same independent, robust process all projects experience: two assessors worked on the submission, and an independent chair ran the assessment meeting.

The new office is designed to be a welcoming drop-in space for NZGBC members as well as a venue for events and training, helping raise the visibility of the 5 Green Star fit-out.

Green Star is New Zealand’s independent rating system that assesses buildings’ environmental aspects across nine categories (eight categories are used for the Interiors tool).

How the NZGBC achieved its 5 Green Star rating:

Energy – lighting was reduced (from 56 light fittings to 20) and re-designed with presence detectors; new lights are either high-efficiency lights or LEDs. The fridge, dishwasher and IT hardware are Energy Star rated. There is also a real-time energy monitoring display to help NZGBC track and improve energy efficiency.

Water – the dishwasher and hot-water dispenser were chosen for their high water-efficiency ratings.

Materials – office furniture and computers were reused; any new furniture or cabinetry is certified by a recognised eco label. Existing Green Tag-certified carpet tiles were supplemented with new low-VOC carpet made from recycled fishing nets. Walls and doors were painted with low-VOC, Environmental Choice NZ-certified product. Waste is separated and recycled, and food scraps are composted.

Indoor Environment Quality – the office features planter pots and two small climbing walls; species were selected to help filter particles and toxins from the air. A separate air-conditioning unit was installed to regulate the temperature and provide fresh air in the new training rooms. The photocopier room has a dedicated exhaust to remove toxins.

Emissions – NZGBC’s office is in a building with a 5 Green Star Design rating, which means the bathrooms already has low-flow water fittings. The insulation selected had zero ozone depletion potential and was certified by Environmental Choice NZ.

Innovation – two Innovation points were awarded. One was for exceeding the benchmark in the number of plants; the other was for providing learning resources, such as the energy-monitoring display and information cards around the office.

Management – construction and demolition waste was minimised and separated on-site, according to a strict waste management plan. Recycling is measured, and eco-friendly cleaning products are used. NZGBC also included environmental management clauses within their lease with the landlord.

Transport – NZGBC chose an office that was close to mass transport and many of its members.

Though they had a wide range of industry knowledge at their disposal, Cutler says working within their limited budget was still a challenge. “We’re very grateful to our fit-out sponsors, who helped with products and services to make our office a great place to work and for members to visit,” she says.

The companies that supported the fit-out are:
• Needs analysis – Jasmax
• Architect – Phil Smith, CASA
• Engineers – WSP
• Project management – RDT Pacific
• Contractor – Firma Construction
• Air conditioning – Temperzone
• Energy monitoring – Schneider Electric
• Wall partitions – Potter Interior Systems
• Acoustic barrier – Pyrotek Noise Control
• Carpet – Inzide Commercial
• Paint – Resene
• Melteca and Seratone – Laminex NZ
• Plants – Exotic Planters
• Lightshades – ECC
• Hot water dispenser – Merquip
• Tiles – Tileworks
• Appliances – Bosch
Even taking the value of sponsorship into account, Cutler says their budget was around the same level as that of other small organisations. “The key to an economical, sustainable fit-out is, don’t focus on bling – look for products that will pay for themselves in terms of energy savings and indoor environment quality.”

NZGBC is creating a case study and sample Green Star submission that others in the industry can use to help inform their own projects. Visit www.nzgbc.org.nz to find out more about its Green Star fit-out.

Penny Cole of WSP Ltd was the Green Star Accredited Professional.

ENDS

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