Environmental Impacts of Multi-Storey Buildings Using Different ...

Timber Plus ProjectGreen Star Rating Scheme.The New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) have recently implemented a rating scheme for officebuildings based largely on an existing Green Star rating scheme already successful in Australia. This schemeassesses new office buildings on areas which impact the natural environment and awards stars for areas ofachievement.The areas assessed by the NZGBC Greenstar Office Rating scheme are many and diverse, from the locationof the building in relation to public transport facilities to the energy use of the building. The areas that relate totimber use within the building are more limited however and are as follows¹:-Ref. Title Aim of Credit Credit Criteria Summary PointsAvailableIEQ-13 VolatileOrganicCompoundsIEQ-14MAT-8FormaldehydeMinimisationSustainableTimberTo encourage andrecognise projectsthat reduce thedetrimentalimpact onoccupant healthfrom finishesemitting internalair pollutantsTo encourage andrecognise projectsthat reduce theuse offormaldehydecomposite woodproducts in orderto promote ahealthy indoorenvironment.To encourage andrecognise thespecification of reusedtimberproducts or timberthat has beensourced fromcertifiedenvironmentallyresponsible forestmanagementschemes.Up to three points are awarded where it isdemonstrated that various finishes meet thebenchmarks for low Volatile Organic Compound(VOC) content. One point is achieved for eachcriterion below that is achieved:95% of all painted surfaces are low-VOC paintsOR no paint is used;All carpets are low-VOC OR no carpet is installed;and/orAll adhesives and sealants are low VOC OR noadhesives/sealants are used.One point is awarded where it is demonstratedthat:All composite wood product is low emissionformaldehyde; ORNo composite wood product used.Two points are awarded where it is demonstratedthat all timber and composite timber productsused in the building and construction works arerequired to be sourced from either a combinationof the following:Post-consumer recycled timber; orForest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified timber.Locally sourced timber should be used unlessthere are demonstrable benefits from importing. Ifthe material cost of timber represents less than0.1% of the project’s total contract value then thiscredit is “Not Applicable”.312Page 4 of 21 May 2008