Have you ever wondered how your property could be more environmentally friendly while saving you money? Green Star ratings can help with that. Created by the Green Building Council of Australia, these ratings aren’t just certificates – they’re a plan to make your building healthier, more efficient, and more valuable.
What’s a Green Star Rating?
Think of Green Star as a report card for how environmentally friendly a building is. It looks at things like:
- How much energy the building uses
- How efficiently it uses water
- How healthy the indoor air is
- What transport options are available nearby
Buildings get between 4 and 6 stars. A 4-Star building has good sustainable features, while a 6-Star building is among the best in the world.
Why Should You Care About Green Star Ratings?
Better for the Planet
Green Star buildings make a real difference for the environment. According to the Green Building Council of Australia, certified buildings typically:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 62%
- Use 66% less electricity compared to average Australian buildings
Better for Your Wallet
Living in a green property means lower utility bills every month. Research shows that energy-efficient buildings can cut power bills by 30-40% compared to regular buildings.
Plus, buildings with high sustainability ratings are worth more money. A 2022 report by the Property Council of Australia found that green buildings are typically worth 3-7% more than similar non-green buildings.
Better for Your Health
Green buildings are healthier places to live. Research from the World Green Building Council shows that sustainable buildings usually have:
- Better indoor air quality
- More natural light
- Better access to green spaces
These features can reduce sick building symptoms by 20-40% and make people feel better overall.
Can You Make an Existing Building Greener?
If you already live in a strata complex, you might wonder if going green is worth it. The good news is that upgrading existing buildings can save you money in the long run.
Energy Upgrades Pay Off
Energy improvements are usually the best place to start. Here’s why they make financial sense:
- Energy-efficient lighting systems typically pay for themselves within 2-3 years
- Solar panel installations often break even within 5-7 years
- After that, it’s all savings for owners and tenants
How to Pay for Green Upgrades
Your body corporate doesn’t need to raise levies dramatically to fund green improvements:
- Environmental Upgrade Agreements (EUAs) in several Australian states can help secure financing
- Government rebates and incentives can lower the upfront costs
- The Australian Government’s Energy website lists current rebates
- State programs like Victorian Energy Upgrades offer specific incentives
Smart Steps to Take
You can approach going green step by step. Many strata properties (also known as body corporate or owners corporation) start with changes that give the biggest impact for the least money, such as:
- Replacing hallway and common area lights with LEDs
- Installing solar panels on the roof
- Upgrading to energy-efficient hot water systems
- Improving insulation and windows
- Installing smart energy monitoring systems
Getting Everyone on Board
To convince other owners to invest in green upgrades, successful committees typically:
- Share clear numbers about expected energy savings
- Point out how property values might increase
- Talk about improved comfort and living conditions
- Discuss how the building will reduce its environmental impact
Real Results
The evidence for upgrading is strong. A study by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage found that similar buildings achieved average energy savings of 29% through targeted improvements.
How to Get Your Building Green Star Certified
Ready to explore certification? Here’s how to start:
- Check if your building qualifies using the Green Building Council’s criteria
- Find experts who are Green Star Accredited Professionals to help you
- Plan your green strategy, focusing on energy, water, and materials
- Gather the documentation that shows how your building meets Green Star requirements
- Submit your application for assessment by independent experts
How This Fits with Australian Building Rules
While Green Star certification is voluntary, it helps meet many Australian building regulations, especially for energy efficiency. The National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) also provides similar ratings, and many buildings get both certifications.
Beyond the Rating: Creating a Green Community
The most successful green strata properties don’t just upgrade their facilities – they create a culture of sustainability.
Consider:
- Setting up a sustainability committee
- Organizing educational sessions for residents
- Creating a community garden
These activities build community while reinforcing the value of your green investments.
By embracing these green principles, your property won’t just be talking about sustainability – you’ll be living it. And in today’s world, that’s something worth investing in.
To learn more about Green Star Ratings contact Watt Utilities or speak to your community management team. To discuss your property’s strata management needs or receive a FREE management proposal contact our friendly team. We also offer more helpful resources and community living news in our FREE newsletter.
