Area Definition Ruling

Purpose

Each Green Star rating tool generally includes references to different area definitions. These areas are defined in the glossary, and within each credit.

The multiple area definitions are necessary because each credit addresses different impacts based on the space that is being assessed. For example, the 'Daylight' credit addresses the impacts on spaces that are occupied by the same person for a long period of time, meaning that corridors generally are excluded. However in the 'Greenhouse Gas Emissions' credit the energy impacts of the whole building is assessed, so the corridors would be included.

The area definition ruling service is available to assist teams in understanding how Green Star should be applied within a particular project. This ruling is an optional service included in the Green Star certification fee for registered Green Star projects. It will assist teams looking for a higher degree of certainty as to how each area is defined and which parts of the project should be included within each Green Star credit for assessment. The ruling may also be used to highlight areas in which compliance with particular credit criteria may require an alternative approach to that listed in the Technical Manual. In this instance the GBCA can advise the project team whether a separate CIR containing more detailed information should be submitted to give added certainty to the project team.

Rules

If the project is not registered or building design change and an additional area definition ruling is required, a fee of $400 (excl GST) will be charged to the project.

An area definition ruling can be withdrawn by the GBCA or by the Certified Assessors if:
- The building layout has changed from the time of the area definition ruling to the time of the assessment
- The information provided at the time of the area definition ruling was proven to be incorrect or misrepresentative of the building

Submitting an Area definition ruling application

Submission Template

GBCA's area definition ruling submission template must be used for any area definition rulings. The submission template requires project teams to do an assessment of their project; nominate the areas for each section of the building.
Download the Submission template .

Marked up drawings

Plan-view schematics of the project must be provided. These should be marked-up in accordance with the space type classification to be used for Ene-1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions. For example, the foyers and corridors on each level should be highlighted to correspond with a legend for 'Common Spaces'. Note: If there are many levels in your project with repetitive floor plans, only marked-up schematics of representative floors need be provided.

Green Star Project manager

The ruling request should be submitted to the GBCA through the Green Star Project Manager, and marked up drawings should be included.
Go to the Project Manager

The response from the GBCA will either:
- Confirm the proposed area definitions
- Request some changes to the proposed area definitions
- Request further information to complete the ruling.