Green Building User Guide

Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Green Building User Guide
Green building user guide enabling a sustainable future
Sustainability outcomes strategy
Green Building User Guide Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority
Sustainable Development 1987: Brundtland Report In 1987, the World Commission on Environment and Development (WCED), which had been set up in 1983, published a report entitled Our common future. The document came to be known as the Brundtland Report after the Commissions chairwoman, Gro Harlem Brundtland. It developed guiding principles for sustainable development as it is generally understood today. The Brundtland Report stated that critical global environmental problems were primarily the result of the enormous poverty of the South and the nonsustainable patterns of consumption and production in the North. It called for a strategy that united development and the environment described by the now-common term sustainable development. Sustainable development is defined as follows: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In 1989, the report was debated in the UN General Assembly, which decided to organize a UN Conference on Environment and Development.
Acknowledgements Cundall Pty Ltd Guide to revision B Tyrone Branigan Photo Cleland Bond, exterior and amenities Bruce Usher Cleland Bond Argyle Stores interior Green Building Council of Australia GBCA logos and guide review Disclaimer It should be noted that this document has been formulated using sound sustainable design practices. Schemes and regulations such as the Green Building Councils Green Star scheme have been used as a reference to formulate this guide. This guide, in no way constitutes a Green Star rating and Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority do not accept liability for incorrect application of this guide. The guide is intended to improve sustainable building construction and fitout practices beyond regulations outlined in the BCA. It does not intend to take the place or compete with Green Star rating scheme and is aimed at the lower end of the building construction market. If your tenancy fitout is achieving the majority of the encouraged credits within this guide it is thoroughly recommended that a formal Green Star agreement be entered into with the Green Building Council of Australia. The success and realisation of the proposed initiatives will be dependant upon the commitment of the design team, the development of the initiatives through the life of the design and also the implementation into the operation of the building. Without this undertaking the proposed targets may not be achieved. Printed on recycled paper. Free download from www.shfa.nsw.gov.au.
Report No: Revision: Date:
001 I Final 14/02/2008
Contents
1 2 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 5 5.1 6 6.1 7 7.1 8 8.1 9 9.1 10 11 12 Foreword Introduction How to use this guide Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) General Ventilation and air quality monitoring Indoor plants Daylight control Glare control Energy and greenhouse gas emissions General Lighting Air conditioning and ventilation considerations Energy provider Energy efficient equipment and operation Water usage and efficiency General Transport General Materials General Waste General Cleaning General Going carbon neutral Summary References 4 5 5 6 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9 10 12 12 15 15 17 17 18 18 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23
10.1 General
Foreword
The Green Building User Guide forms part of the enabling programme for Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authoritys sustainability outcomes strategy. The strategy contains targets focusing on the future sustainability of the Authority and its precincts, which are aligned to the way we conduct business. Our lead outcome statements being: > Carbon neutral in Authority occupied buildings, public domain and events, by 2010 > 80 per cent reduction in precinct wide carbon footprint, by 2020, with a 20 per cent reduction by 2012 > Socially inclusive for visitors, tenants and residents. The strategy sets targets addressing the four key priority areas below
The key point of difference for our sustainability targets is the fact the targets apply not only to our own operations but to everyone in the precincts. Therefore new partnerships both between the Authority and businesses and business to business, together with structured sustainability focused programs will be critical for success. This Green Building User Guide will directly assist and incrementally work towards the achievement of the following strategy targets: > By 2020, our precincts will have a reduced carbon footprint of 80 per cent from a 2000 baseline; with a 20 per cent reduction by 2012. > By 2020, our precincts will have reduced consumption of potable water of 80 per cent on a 2000 baseline; with a 20 per cent reduction by 2012. > By 2020, 80 per cent of waste generated precinct-wide will be diverted from landfill for recycling and composting. > By 2020, 80 per cent of products and materials procured within both our own operations and precincts will be derived from recycled materials or from other sustainable sources.
1 Introduction
The Green Building User Guide aims to maximise occupant wellbeing and to reduce the environmental impact of tenants and their operations within a building. This means that building occupants enjoy improved indoor environment quality and their use of the building results in less energy consumption and less waste being generated; which in turn causes less pollution and helps to minimise problems such as global warming. Although there are currently many ways in which a building can be designed and constructed in an ecologically sustainable manner, often the sustainability focus can be lost once the building has been occupied. Unless operated efficiently, a highly sustainable building can still perform poorly. This guide highlights some of the key ways in which the occupants and the building operation can be more environmentally sound, which will also result in higher levels of comfort, productivity and well-being for the occupants. Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authoritys building tenants already receive a comprehensive package of building guides from the Authoritys leasing team and the Green Building User Guide will form a part of this package. Building user guides for services such as HVAC, fire protection and other building specific information are also provided as a part of this package and therefore are not specifically dealt with in this document.
2 How to use this guide

This guide should be addressed not only at the initial stages of occupancy, but can also be consulted periodically to ensure that performance is maintained. The guide addresses the following topics: > Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) > Energy > Water > Transport > Materials > Waste > Cleaning > Going carbon neutral For each section a brief description is provided, highlighting the environmental considerations which are being addressed. In general, the guide aims to reduce the negative effects a building can have on the environment by improving practices of the building user. Direction is also given on how to implement each building user guideline. A central theme is the focus on reducing consumption of energy, water and natural resources, which also has the considerable benefit of reducing CO2 and other emissions.
3 Indoor environment quality (IEQ)

3.1 General This section addresses a range of building user guidelines which directly affect the health and well-being of both visitors and staff. Research has shown that improved IEQ can be directly attributed to occupant satisfaction as well as staff productivity. Statistical evidence indicates that poor indoor air quality is costing Australian businesses approximately $12 billion per annum (FASTS 2002). For additional information regarding productivity and IEQ see: www.aela.org.au/publications/Dollars_and_Sense.pdf. Indoor environment quality and human performance Lighting > Bright > Dim > Glare Productivity
Temperature > Hot > Cold
Sound > Noise > Disturbance
Indoor air quality > Acute > Chronic
Personal control
Vibration > Segmental > Whole-body
Valuing the intangibles of IEQ > Shoppers spend more (up to 40% just with daylight) > Patients can heal faster (1.5 days earlier on average) > Workers are more productive (211% productivity increase) > Better school grades (526% improved with good daylight alone). 3.2 Ventilation and air quality monitoring Maintaining a supply of fresh air to your indoor environment will help to keep occupants comfortable and content, as well as minimise sick building syndrome. There are several steps you can take in order to help ensure that the building is used in the most efficient manner in terms of ventilation. For example, you may often be able to substitute costly and environmentally damaging air conditioning for natural ventilation, especially with the coastal breezes enjoyed by much of the Authoritys property portfolio. These types of options are important to consider, as it has been found that buildings with air conditioning (AC) can use up to 10 times more energy than those naturally ventilated.
Some of the considerations to be taken in order to maximise ventilation performance include: > adjusting the air conditioning system thermostat down > switching off the air conditioning system > adjusting the quantity of outside air which is introduced into the system depending on the number of people on the floor, and > opening multiple windows to encourage cross ventilation and watching out for unwanted draughts. These points are discussed further in the energy consumption section. 3.3 Indoor plants Although the aesthetic benefits of indoor plants have been known for many years, it has recently been shown that plants are able to do more than filter carbon dioxide. It has been demonstrated that plants can also increase oxygen levels and remove pollutants such as formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds (VOC), benzene (a carcinogen) and n-hexane (a neurotoxin) which are emitted from commonly found objects and finishes in buildings, such as, paints, carpets, composite wood products, printer and photocopier equipment, and general pollution. Some of the most effective plants include the following: > Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum) > English ivy (Heder helix) > gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) > Janet Craig (Dracaena janet craig) > marginata (Dracaena marginata) > peace lily (Spathiphyllum mauna loa). It has been shown that philodendron, spider plants and the golden pothos are very effective in removing formaldehyde molecules, while the flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums are more efficient at removing benzene.
3.4 Daylight control Although daylighting is a strong consideration in the design of the building, it also becomes the responsibility of the building user to ensure that adequate daylighting is maintained. The productivity, health and well-being of building users is improved if access to controlled daylight is maintained. Furthermore, efficient daylighting and glare control can keep AC usage and heating energy loads to a minimum. The following points address maintenance of internal daylight at an optimum level: > When a window is subject to direct sunlight (especially in summer) partially closed blinds (or closed perforated blinds) can be installed with occupant controls so that occupants can achieve comfortable lighting levels throughout the day. > When sunlight is not directly penetrating the windows, opening the blinds often helps to illuminate a room. This can help reduce the need for indoor artificial lighting which in turn reduces energy costs. 3.5 Glare control Related to daylight control, glare control is also an important area to note, with excessive glare affecting productivity, by causing distractions, headaches and discomfort, and generally hindering work output. Glare control measures include: > Noting the presence of glare on computer screens for example elevated glare levels or reflections (which may be due to sun shining on computer screens). If glare is evident, blinds should be drawn. If appropriate blinds are installed the use of artificial lighting should not be necessary.
Natural daylighting Cleland Bond, The Rocks
4 Energy and greenhouse gas emissions

4.1 General With climate change now a major issue, it is important that all building users do everything within their control to minimise their energy use. 4.2 Lighting In general, although efficient lighting is largely designed into a building, it is important that it is used responsibly and correctly. Lighting checklist Adjust blinds Check the internal blind height if the blinds are closed unnecessarily, you may over-use artificial lights. Turn off lights Lights should never be left on in unused areas/rooms. An effective way to achieve this is through the use of motion sensors or timer systems. See smart lighting controls below. Smart lighting controls Ensure that motion sensors or timer systems are installed in order for lighting to be automatically turned off after hours if no one is in the room or building. These types of systems can be set to automatically switch on lights when a room is in use, or turn off after a suitable time period, and can lead to energy savings of up to 15%. Light responsibly Although lights can often be used to effectively highlight displays and attract attention, you should try to avoid over-lighting. Over-lighting can result in excessive energy use; in addition, a by-product of lighting is secondary unwanted heat production, which then needs to be compensated for by using air conditioning, further increasing energy usage. Install signs Care should be taken to ensure that all lights are turned off at the end of the business day. Furthermore, you can install signs in areas where lights are not frequently used to remind others to switch off lights. This has been demonstrated to lead to energy savings of up to 15%. This is particularly important if you do not have motion sensors or timer systems. Use natural lighting Position desks and workstations needing more light nearest to the windows, to avoid excessive artificial lighting. Clean light fixtures Maintain clean light fittings and tubes. The dust and dirt build-up can cut light output by up to 30%, costing you more in energy bills. Install energy efficient lights If the building is not already fitted with efficient lighting systems, when a light needs to be replaced, switching incandescent lamps to higher efficiency compact fluorescent lights can save approximately 80% of energy used for lighting.
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> Investigate new fluorescent lighting technology. Furthermore, when a fluorescent lamp needs replacing, replace existing T8 lights, with T5 lights, which are smaller and more efficient. It is necessary to use an adapter for this and the design and lighting layout and fittings must be suitable, but the T5 light has higher luminance than the T8 light, so the change can potentially be very beneficial for both the lighting performance as well as the environment. As an example, if a typical retail tenancy of 100m changed the tubes in the fittings from T8 to T5, a saving of around 300 kWh or over $200 per year could be made. Important note: Ensure suitability of lighting layouts and fittings before changing T8 to T5 tubes.
Greenhouse effect
The Earth is covered by a blanket of gases which allows energy from the sun to reach the Earths surface, where some of it is converted to heat energy. Most of the heat is re-radiated towards space, but some is re-radiated towards the ground by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This is a natural effect which keeps the Earths temperature at a level necessary to support life.
Enhanced greenhouse effect

Human activities particularly burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas), agriculture and land clearing are generating more greenhouse gases. Greater concentrations of greenhouse gases will trap more heat and raise the Earths surface temperature.
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4.3 Air conditioning and ventilation considerations Air conditioning, heating and cooling energy typically accounts for up to 40% of business energy bills (see Australian Greenhouse Office, link below). Due to the large amount of energy consumed, there are several actions that can be taken to maintain an environmentally sustainable building and achieve lower energy bills. Some of these considerations depend on the level of access to the air conditioning settings if this is the case discuss options with the building facilities supervisor. There is an order of preference that can be followed to reduce energy consumption: > Reduced use > More efficient use > Renewable use Natural ventilation is always preferable in terms of occupant health, comfort, energy saving and CO2 reduction. > Open windows and doors. Open combinations of windows and doors in order to obtain cross ventilation. This is far more effective than opening a single window > Stop draughts in winter. Although healthy natural air circulation is encouraged, try to avoid unwanted draughts in winter. These can nullify any efforts made to heat a room, as the air is literally swept outside. Artificial ventilation options: > Adjust set point temperatures according to seasons. In summer adjust air conditioning levels within your area, for more relaxed temperature control. Allow the set point for room temperature to rise to 24C, 25C or 26C in the summer. Also encourage a cooler dress code, so fellow building users are not overheated. The result of this is that on a hot day the AC system will not have to work as hard, therefore saving electricity. A 1C increase in the set point for temperature can equate to a 10% savings in total energy consumption for the whole tenancy. This type of initiative was recently supported by the Japanese Government with the Cool Biz campaign, and resulted in a 460,000 ton reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions over the summer months. An incidental benefit of this is a reduction of the burden on the energy supply system, for example the grid, particularly during times of peak demand. > Adjust level of outside air coming in. If possible, consider adjusting the level of outside air that is introduced into the air conditioning cycle, depending on the number of people who are present on each floor. Less people means less airconditioning needs, so it may be possible to significantly reduce the amount of outside air being brought in, even on a temporary basis, eg if there are less people present than usual. > Turn off air conditioning. It may be possible to completely turn off the air conditioning when it is not needed. This could be on cooler days, after hours, or when natural ventilation is adequate. Through careful control of air conditioning, considerable financial savings can also be made. For example, for a retail tenancy of 100m turning of the air conditioner at exactly close-of-business rather than one hour later can give an annual energy cost saving of approximately $250 depending on fitout type and AC units. Important note: Ensure that heating and cooling are never operating at the same time and that neither system operates while windows are open, as this is equivalent to trying to air-condition or heat the outdoors. For more information on heating, ventilation and air conditioning go to: www.greenhouse.gov.au/challenge/publications/factsheets/fs2.html.
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4.4 Energy provider Once all avenues have been exhausted to reduce energy consumption and utilise renewable energy it is encouraged that 100% of the remaining bought electricity for the tenancy is provided by a renewable source, such as through a green energy provider. 4.5 Energy efficient equipment and operation The energy used by office equipment and appliances (particularly computers) makes up approximately 20% of the total energy used in commercial buildings. Therefore, operating efficient office equipment can significantly reduce your energy usage and costs. There are other benefits to this, including reduced noise and heat output.
Entertainment Centre Car Park Roof, Darling Harbour, 7 kW photovoltaic array
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Top considerations for building users for energy efficiency 1 Activate ENERGY STAR settings. For equipment that is already set up in the office or room, see if ENERGY STAR settings can be activated. There may be an energy saving option on almost every piece of equipment. It may be necessary to contact a specialist, or an IT company to help. 2 Enable sleep mode. Photocopiers and similar equipment should also be equipped with sleep enabled functions. 3 Turn off computers and other office equipment. Even if ENERGY STAR functions are not implemented, computers and other equipment should be turned off when not in use, particularly for longer periods, such as overnight and weekends. You can encourage this by putting up signs, or verbally reminding others to turn off equipment or have an electronic message to appear on shutting down computers and so on. 4 Turn off at the switch. When equipment is not used for prolonged periods of time, it should not only be switched off, but also turned off at the power point. In many cases, it is possible for electronic equipment to still use energy if not switched off at the wall. Wherever there is a pilot light or some kind of LED display, energy is being used. 5 Use double-sided printing. When photocopying or printing, you should use the double-sided / duplex print option this will help reduce the energy used when printing as well as the energy used to produce the paper and reduce paper costs (it will also save felling more trees, and use of chemicals and water in the manufacturing of the paper). 6 Recycle and buy recycled ink cartridges. Recycle used ink and toner cartridges and use re-manufactured or refillable cartridges when old ones run out. This reduces the energy used for the production of these items, and helps to save resources and reduce the waste going to landfill. 7 Turn off appliances. Ensure that cooking appliances are turned off after use. This particularly applies to systems that incorporate a heating element, such as grills and warmers, as they use more energy. 8 Use energy efficient appliances. Ensure that you choose an energy efficient model when buying any new electrical appliances. It is possible to research different types of electronic equipment and their efficiency levels (often measured by the internationally used Energy Star system, which rates the efficiency of an electronic product), before purchasing. Buy the appliance with the highest rating that you can. The saving in electricity may outweigh any potential additional cost in buying the appliance. 9 Use green electricity. Switch to using renewable energy. This helps to prevent the problem of global warming, by usi ng electricity which is generated from renewable sources. The average Australian consumer of renewable energy prevents up to 8 tonnes of greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere per annum.
For more information on energy efficiency and ratings for electronics, go to: www.greenhouse.gov.au/education/tips/home.html www.energystar.gov.au/about/australia.html. For more information on renewable energy, go to: www.acfonline.org.au/articles/news.asp?news_id=1020.
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5 Water usage and efficiency

5.1 General With the constant improvements in energy and water saving technology, water efficiency is often designed into a building in the early stages. However you must follow certain practices in both new and older buildings to ensure that maximum water efficiency is maintained. This is of particular importance to regions which are susceptible to water shortages. Much of Australia regularly suffers drought conditions and low water levels. The following points are very important for saving water: > Fix leaks. Ensure all leaking tap fixtures are promptly fixed. Leaking taps will add to your water bills, and waste vital water supplies. > Educate. Use signage and communications to encourage overall water saving practices by all building users. > Continuously improve. Study and improve practices that involve high water use. > Shorter showers. If shower facilities are used, installing a timer or a note encouraging shorter showers can be highly effective. > High efficiency devices. When any new appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers are provided, ensure high efficiency models are chosen wherever possible. Always aim to install appliances with a minimum four star water efficiency rating or higher whenever possible. The water efficiency of a product is often measured through the Water Efficiency and Labelling and Standards Scheme (WELS). This involves allocating a number of stars for a product out of a maximum efficiency of six possible stars. Businesses are also encouraged to join industry or government sponsored initiatives, aimed at reducing end user consumption It is estimated that through this scheme, Australians could save up to $600 million in water bills by 2021, and reduce water consumption by 610,000 mega litres more water than in Sydney Harbour! For more information on water efficiency appliances, as well as access to a database of water efficiency rated appliances go to: www.waterrating.gov.au. For more information on general water saving tips, go to: www.savewater.com.au/index.php?sectionid=1 www.greenhouse.gov.au/challenge/publications/factsheets/fs6.html.
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6 Transport
6.1 General Although this does not take place inside the building, there are several ways a building user can contribute to higher levels of sustainability in this area. Cars contribute significantly to CO2 emissions as well as many other seldom-mentioned toxic pollutants that are damaging to human health and the environment. Reliance on the car also reduces the amount of basic everyday exercise vital to good health. Studies have shown that car-reliant societies appear lower on the scale in terms of quality of life as they are unfriendly, unequitable, divisive and impact negatively on children. Promoting sustainable travel helps to reduce the number of cars on the road and therefore greenhouse gas emissions. It helps to reduce car congestion in and around the work area, as well as having a huge range of other benefits that may not be immediately obvious but are definitely worthwhile. Consider the following actions: > Actively encourage public transport to and from work for staff and employees. This could include company incentives such as season tickets, providing information about public transport routes etc. > Where possible, encourage walking or cycling to work. Again, this helps to reduce the emissions of the building users as well as promote a healthy lifestyle due to increased levels of physical activity. Encouragement can again be in the form of incentives such as loan of bikes, and the provision of bicycle racks. > Make arrangements with fellow building users for carpooling. Often this has the added benefit of allowing the car to use the bus (or multi-passenger) lane. > Investigate options around specialised parking spaces for small engined or preferably alternatively fuelled vehicles, pool cars, official car-share scheme cars, etc. For more information on public transport in Sydney, go to: Transport Infoline website: www.131500.com.au.
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7 Materials
7.1 General When you are adding new areas or furniture to your building space, it is your responsibility to try to use materials which have a minimum effect on the environment. For example, many of the materials often used emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are toxic substances that can become airborne at room temperature. Although these are of a greater concern in the building construction and fitout stage (when most of the decisions involving materials are made), there is a need to be aware of the following considerations when any new object or structure is added to the building: > Always ask whether new or replacement goods are actually needed. Then decide whether other items could be reused as there may be something suitable already around, or something may be easily obtained second hand. It may also be the case that the need can actually met in some other way. > Opt for goods with a high content of recycled material. > Try to minimise the amount of products you use and choose items that do not contain large quantities of materials to reduce depletion of resources. Less is more! > Never buy timber products that are not FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) certified or equivalent (check the criteria) as they may come from old growth forest or rainforest, potentially destroying our heritage, depleting vital habitats and losing biodiversity forever. > Avoid use of PVC as this has shown to have harmful manufacturing processes and implications of end use on health are unquantified, particularly when associated with food. Disposal of PVC is still a large problem and avoiding or minimising its use is an easier way to resolve this issue. > Choose office furniture and workstations with a modular design. This means they can be fitted together in a number of ways to fulfil a number of purposes and because they are adaptive, do not have to be replaced when requirements change. > Minimise volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions by using low-VOC or VOC-free paints and glues. > Use organic and natural products rather than artificially manufactured ones. > Use products that have manufacturing processes that are less harmful to the environment.
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For more information on implementing sustainable materials, go to: www.greenhouse.gov.au/yourhome/technical/fs30.htm Investigate Ecospecifier a green building data and knowledge database which helps to simplify the process of choosing environmentally sound materials and products: www.ecospecifier.org.
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8 Waste
8.1 General Resource NSW recently conducted a waste audit on nine buildings in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong and found that up to $500,000 per year in paper purchasing costs could be saved if just half of the paper used was double sided. By implementing an efficient waste management strategy within your tenancy significant cost and environmental savings can be made. The waste hierarchy is a system of preference relating to how waste is dealt with, as follows: > Reduce. Reduce the amount used, and therefore have to get rid of. > Reuse. Reuse whatever possible so there is less to dispose of (and also less to buy). > Recycle. Ensure the rest gets recycled for reuse on a wider scale. One of the key ways to improve your waste management system is to ensure consistent recycling. The following are ways in which recycling can be easily integrated into everyday practices in every building. > Minimise waste. Encourage efficient strategies to minimise waste produced: > Print double sided and drafts on reused paper. > Distribute more recycling bins than ordinary refuse bins so people have to work harder to throw things away than to recycle them. > Provide recycling bins for all materials in central areas such as kitchenettes. > Post signs. One of the most efficient ways to encourage recycling is to post clear signs in areas where recycling should take place, such as providing corresponding signs in a kitchenette area with separate bins for paper, plastic and rubbish. > Nominate someone. Always have a dedicated person or team to take responsibility for the waste management in any building space or area. > Have a policy in place. There are numerous items that can be recycled in businesses, such as paper, cans, glass, plastic containers, print toner cartridges. Ensure that a policy is in place for all these items and that everyone is aware of and follows this policy.
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9 Cleaning
9.1 General Everyday cleaning in every business can be resource intensive and toxins that have a detrimental effect on the environment can be distributed via cleaning products. Every year, millions of litres of cleaning fluids go down our drains and pollute rivers and waterways worldwide, harming wildlife and damaging the ecology and ultimately human health. There are also studies linking many everyday cleaning products to bad health such as asthma and respiratory conditions; the longer term and combined effects are less well known but may be even more damaging. The following practices can be integrated into your operations: > Switch to eco friendly products. There are many environmentally friendly cleaning products on the market. Switch your conventional cleaning products for environmentally friendly versions. Check that the products themselves really are better for the environment by reading the product information provided. > Minimise waste. Do not over-use products when cleaning. Ensure that only the necessary amount is used to do the job. > Post signs. One of the most efficient ways to encourage good cleaning is to post clear signs to promote efficient practices in areas where cleaning is most prevalent > Nominate someone. Have a dedicated person or team to take responsibility for the cleaning of any building space or area and provide appropriate instruction and training. > Change typical business practices: > Check the current method of cleaning is the most environmentally friendly. For instance by sweeping an area instead of hosing down, many litres of water could be saved. > Wherever possible avoid cleaning late at night and after hours cleaning where lights and air-conditioning will be left on until and during the cleaning time. > Ensure air-conditioning is switched off at the end of the working day. > Ensure lights are switched off once cleaning is completed.
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10 Going carbon neutral

10.1 General Throughout this user guide, operational methods have been included which aim to reduce the environmental impact of running a building. Although these methods should be considered a primary course of action, it is now possible to go further by offsetting your remaining carbon emissions not covered by efficiency measures or a green electricity tariff. The global economy produces about 25 billion tons of CO2 per annum Encouraging the goal to become carbon neutral throughout the workplace is a mid-tolong term action, involving an analysis of every aspect of the businesses operation. Furthermore, it should be noted that at this stage there is no regulation of carbon offsetting organisations, so care must be taken when selecting an organisation to offset emissions. The main environmentally focused non-government organisations or a government environment website should be able to provide information on legitimate organisations offering carbon offsetting services. The Australian Government Department of Climate Change runs a program to approve abatement suppliers under the Federal Governments Greenhouse Friendly Scheme.
Carbon Reduction Institute 2007
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11 Summary
This Green Building User Guide has outlined numerous considerations which can help maintain a more sustainable building. This results in a building which has: > less impact on the environment, > improved occupant wellbeing, > improved occupant productivity, and > lower operating costs through lower energy and water bills. Although sustainable building design and construction is a significant factor in reducing energy consumption and emissions, it remains important for building users to act responsibly and encourage others to do so too. Accordingly it is important to actively research and implement new practices that improve building performance and occupant practices.
12 References
Indoor environment quality Biofilter technology: Dr Ronald Wood, Innovative Plant Technology: www.plantscleanair.com Plant biofilter experiment: NASA study: www.zone10.com/tech/NASA/Fyh.htm. Energy and greenhouse gas emissions Air conditioning and ventilation: Australian Government, Department of Climate Change: www.greenhouse.gov.au AC setpoint temperatures: Cool Biz. Japanese Ministry of Environment, Government of Japan: www.env.go.jp/en/press/2005/1028a.html Lighting: fluorescent lighting efficiencies: Lightcorp www.lightcorp.com/FAQs.cfm. Water usage labelling and efficiency High efficiency devices: Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme Australian Government: www.waterrating.gov.au. Waste Waste management and resource recovery: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/waste. Cleaning Environmentally friendly cleaning solutions: www.ecoshop.com.au/asp/why_should.asp.
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Level 6, 66 Harrington Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000 PO Box N408, Grosvenor Place NSW 1220 T 02 9240 8855 F 02 9240 8855 www.shfa.nsw.gov.au

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Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority Green Building User Guide