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

Timber Plus ProjectRef. Title Aim of Credit Credit Criteria Summary PointsAvailableMat-12 Non-carpetfloorcoveringsTo encourage andrecognise theselection of floorcoverings that areindependentlyverified to beenvironmentallypreferable.One point is awarded where it can bedemonstrated that 90% or more of the non-carpetfloor coverings (i.e. parquet, wooden planks,laminate and linoleum) used are independentlycertified as having lower environmental impactthan non-carpet floor coverings, as verifiedthrough a materials certification body recognisedby the NZGBC (e.g. NZ Environmental Choice).1Inn-1InnovativeStrategiesandTechnologiesTo recognise thespread ofinnovativeinitiatives forcommercialbuildingapplications thatimprove adevelopment’senvironmentalimpact.If carpets are not part of the project’scontract/lease then this credit is “Not Applicable”.Up to 5 innovation points are awarded at thediscretion of the NZGBC Technical Review Group,where it is demonstrated that an innovativestrategy or technology has a significantenvironmental benefit. The application will beassessed by the NZGBC against the followingcriteria:Does the application have systematic,investigative and experimental activities as part ofthe innovation? ORHigh levels of technical risk associated with it, forthe purposes of acquiring new knowledge(whether or not for a specific technical purpose) orcreating a new or improved material, products,devices, processes or services? ANDWhat is the environmental benefit of theinnovation?More than one innovation can be submitted,however the maximum points available for anyone building assessment under the Innovationcategory is five in total.5Total points achievable through wise use of timber 12It can be seen from the above table that the Timber Plus building has the opportunity to earn 7 points as adirect result of the correct use of timber. A further award of a maximum of 5 points is potentially available dueto the innovative and experimental nature of the timber structure. A 5 star NZ excellence rating requires aminimum of 60 points and a 6 star world excellence rating 75 points.It is possible to gain one additional point through the sensitive selection of the surface finishing treatments(paints or stains). Mat-10 requires a minimum of 95% of these coatings to be low VOC ratings throughout thewhole project – not just timber finishes. It is important that this potential is not compromised by therecommendations of this report, therefore we have recommended low VOC coatings wherever it is practicable,not only in the interior.Note 1:Note 2:Intumescent coatings may be required as instructed by a Fire Engineer. These coatings arenot yet available in low VOC formulae and this may render the achievement of the MAT-10credit impossible.There is currently no allowance made in the Greenstar rating scheme for stains or clearfinishes. It is our understanding that the imminent update to the rating tool will approvestains and clear finishes that meet the requirements of the Enironmental Choice labellingscheme. Wherever we have specified clear finishes and stains these have met theserequirements as far as possible.Page 5 of 21 May 2008