Credit Interpretation Request

A Credit Interpretation Request is submitted to the GBCA if a project team wishes to advocate for an alternative yet equivalent method of meeting the Aim of Credit. Each Technical Manual outlines a number of options for meeting the Aim of Credit, but if the project team has developed a alternative design solution or an alternative form of documentation it may wish to submit a CIR. Each CIR is reviewed by 2 members of the Technical Advisory Panel to determine if the solution meets the Aim of Credit. If the CIR is granted, it will be made available to every registered Green Star project and be incorporated into subsequent versions of the Green Star rating tools.

Example:
Man-4 'Commissioning - Commissioning Agent' CIR Ruling No. 1
The Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) to deem independent commissioning agent(s) sufficiently independent if they report directly to the building owner or the owner's designated representative, even if they are paid by the contractor, is granted.

How to submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)

In order to prepare a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) the project team must be confident that they can demonstrate an alternative yet equivalent method of meeting the Aim of Credit in the Technical Manual.

Please note the following before submitting a CIR:

• A CIR can only be submitted by a registered Green Star project.
• A CIR must be submitted by the project contact as each project is only entitled to a limited number of CIRs.
  Additional CIRs will be charged at $400 (+ GST).
• A CIR must advocate for an alternative yet equivalent form of documentation or design which meets the Aim of Credit.
• Changes to benchmarks will not be condsidered. If a project believes a change in benchmark is warrented, they may submit formal feedback. Read more about the GBCA Stakeholder Feedback Process.
• Green Star rates building attributes, NOT operations. If your request is operational, it will be denied.
• Please check all previously issued Technical Clarifications & CIR Rulings to ensure your query has not already been answered.
• Each CIR must contain all the supporting evidence required for making a ruling; insufficient evidence will result in the CIR being denied. Supporting evidence can include previous correspondence with the GBCA, mechanical drawings, contractual agreements etc. Any resubmission of a CIR will be considered a new CIR and the project team will be charged accordingly.

Download and complete the Green Star Credit Interpretation Request Form and email to your GBCA Case Manager.

If you have any questions about completing this CIR form; please contact your GBCA Case Manager directly.