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

There were relatively small differences between the results from base and re-utilisation scenarios. This was inpart due to the limited number of credits chosen for comparison. The assumptions of no differences in inherentbuilding characteristics for those credits not under scrutiny for each material assessed did not align with thebasic premise of the GreenStar NZ rating tool which caters for fundamental differences in buildings usingoffsetting of credits in other categories to drive positive changes in behaviour.There are substantial rewards under the material category of the GreenStar NZ for recycled content of steel andconcrete and integrated fit out. These drivers do not account for the environmental benefits demonstrated byLCA that are not recycling driven. The presumption of GreenStar NZ and most green building rating systems isthat recycled materials will automatically result in reduced environmental burdens. This is not always the caseand a review of these aspects using LCA would be prudent where data and benchmarks are available.In the long run the integration of LCA tools into whole building assessment systems will yield significantbenefits, not only will it improve understanding and appropriate rewards for environmental performance, butonce established future LCA will be less complex and expensive. A paradigm shift is required away fromconventional wisdom and related procurement decisions toward minimisation of life cycle flows to and fromnature.Status Draft 16.07.2008Project NumberOur Ref − MWH Scion GreenStar Assessment PeerReviewFINAL.doc