The following documents may help specifiers make informed decisions about sustainable materials and methods.
Specifying for Green Star Buildings using NATSPEC
Specifying for Green Star Buildings using NATSPEC was developed by NATSPEC in collaboration with the GBCA. It allows specifiers and designers to align the relevant standard construction specifications available from NATSPEC and the Minimum Expectations of Green Star Buildings, for inclusion in contract specifications.For each instance where a Green Star Buildings credit is sought, the relevant NATSPEC text should be included in the specification worksections. Specifying for Green Star Buildings using NATSPEC lists all NATSPEC worksections that include Green Star Buildings references. Generally, these references are included in the worksection as Normal style text or as a prompt, followed by guidance text.
A project team seeking Green Star Buildings accreditation and using a NATSPEC specification should first ensure that the Optional style GREEN STAR clause in NATSPEC worksection 0171 General requirements is changed to Normal style text. Individual worksections should then be reviewed for Green Star Buildings content.
Following are examples of how Green Star can then be specified in NATSPEC worksections:
Specifying using NATSPEC Normal style text:
Specifying for Green Star Buildings using NATSPEC lists all NATSPEC worksections, including Commissioning and Tuning requirements, for example. If worksection 0902 Electrical design and install is included in the specification, then the Normal style text in the subclause Operation and maintenance manuals targets the Building Information requirement within the Minimum Expectation level of the Verification and Handover credit in Green Star Buildings. Note that the subclause may not necessarily include all the requirements for that Green Star Buildings credit and additional text may be required.
Specifying using NATSPEC prompts:
For example, in NATSPEC worksection 0201 Demolition, by referring to the Green Star guidance text in subclause Demolished material diverted from landfill and specifying the Minimum percentage of demolition waste not sent to landfill prompt as 80%, then part of the Green Star requirement for Construction and Demolition Waste Diversion is satisfied.
For further information on Green Star Buildings, contact the Green Building Council of Australia www.gbca.org.au.
Contact NATSPEC for any queries relating to Specifying for Green Star using NATSPEC.
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Specifying for Green Star Buildings Using NATSPEC Version 1.2 GBCA worked with NATSPEC to create alignment between the standard construction specifications available from NATSPEC and the Green Star Buildings requirements. |
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Other Relevant Documents
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A paper on the importance of specifications, specification methods and the structure of technical information, using the AUS-SPEC and NATSPEC systems, specifying ESD and suggested standards for use by offices of different disciplines. |
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NATSPEC TECHreport - 01 Specifying ESD This TECHreport outlines the principles of Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) and their application to building specifications. It includes guidance for incorporating ESD provisions into each NATSPEC worksection. |
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NATSPEC TECHnote DES 14 - Environmental rating schemes for buildings There are national environmental rating schemes in place in Australia that can be used to understand how efficiently a building is operating as well as measure and reduce its impact on the environment. |
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NATSPEC TECHnote DES 026 - Living walls and roofs This TECHnote highlights design and construction issues for consideration and suggests suitable NATSPEC worksections for the documentation of living walls and roofs. |
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NATSPEC TECHnote PRO 005 - Formaldehyde - indoor air quality Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC). It is a naturally occurring organic chemical in the form of a pungent, colourless gas at room temperature which is found at low concentrations in the environment. |
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