Green Star FAQs


FAQ F-00539
Can a product carbon footprint declaration (PCF) be used as evidence for a product's emission factor?

Yes. In line with NABERS Embodied Carbon Rules version 2.1, the preferred emission factor data for a specific material is derived from an independently or third party-verified process LCA. This can be an EPD, a carbon footprint declaration (e.g. a PCF) or a Climate Active Product Certification.
A PCF can be used as evidence for a product’s emission factor in the:
  • Upfront Carbon Emissions credit in Green Star Buildings v1
  • Upfront Carbon Reduction credit in Green Star Buildings v1.1 (This will be outlined in further detail in the upcoming Upfront Carbon Calculation Guide)
  • Upfront Carbon Reduction credit in Green Star Communities v2 (This will be outlined in further detail in the upcoming Upfront Carbon Calculation Guide)
  • Upfront Carbon Reduction credit in Green Star Fitouts v1 (This will be outlined in further detail in the upcoming Upfront Carbon Calculation Guide)

The following conditions must be met (as per the NABERS Embodied Carbon Rules version 2.1 rules):

  • It is compliant with ISO 14067 or PAS 2050
  • It is equivalent in boundary to EN 15804 or ISO 21930
  • It refers directly to the material either by a unique product name or code
  • It is independently verified. To be considered independent, the verifier must not be involved in defining the scope or conducting the LCA study. (This is in line with ISO 14071, the international standard for LCA review processes.)
  • It is dated within five years before the last delivery of the product to site.
Product-specific emission factors cannot be used generally to refer to materials that have similar characteristics. This applies to both the proposed and reference building (as relevant to the chosen pathway).





Rating Tools

This FAQ is related to the following Rating Tools, Categories or Credits:

  • Green Star Buildings v1 / Positive / 24 Upfront Carbon Reduction
  • Green Star Buildings v1.0 / Positive / 24 Upfront Carbon Reduction
  • Green Star Buildings v1.1 / Positive / 24 Upfront Carbon Reduction
  • Green Star Communities v2 / Positive / 22 Upfront Carbon Reduction
  • Green Star Fitouts v1 / Positive / 27 Upfront Carbon Reduction
  • Green Star Performance v2 / Positive / 24 Upfront Carbon Reduction


Disclaimer

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  • provided as additional technical assistance for Green Star users.
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