Green Star FAQs

Yes, projects may target one (1) point for Visual Comfort - Views from relevant Green Star rating tools by using the following alternate compliance criteria: 

• 60% of the nominated area must demonstrate that a View Rating of 3 or greater is achieved. The View Rating may be found using the below methodology summarised from Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Performance and the Indoor Environment:
  • Sitting in a chair in each cubicle or space facing the computer monitor, the amount and quality of view visible within a 90 degree cone of the monitor is rated from 0=none to 5=largest, based on the below: 
    • A view rating of 5 almost completely fills the visual field of the observer seated at the cubicle. 
    • A view rating of 4 fills about one-half of the visual field. 
    • A view rating of 3 represents about one-half the size of a view 4, but still with a coherent view. 
    • A view rating of 2 represents a narrow and typically fractured view. 
    • A view rating of 1 represents a glimpse of sky or sliver of the outside environment. 
• Additionally the following guidance will apply:
  • View glazing in the contributing area must provide a clear image of the exterior, not obstructed by frits, fibers, patterned glazing, or added tints that distort colour balance. 
  • Include in the calculations any permanent interior obstructions. Movable furniture and partitions may be excluded.
  • Views into interior atria or similar Internal View (as defined in the Guidance section of 12.2 Visual Comfort - Views from Green Star - Design & As Built v1.2) may also be considered.

Documentation Requirements:

Please provide the following in your submission:

• Technical Report - 'Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker Performance and the Indoor Environment' published by the California Energy Commission
• Clear outline of what the View Rating is and the methodology used to calculate it.
• Simulation report demonstrating View Rating achieved for nominated area.
• A copy of this response.

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