Green Star FAQs
Can a nominated area be considered 'naturally ventilated' if it contains mechanical equipment that does not supply air?
Yes. Nominated areas within a conditioned space can be considered naturally ventilated if the mechanical equipment does not draw air from the atmosphere but instead from the nominated area/room to condition temperature. This definition can be applied for the purpose of the Natural Ventilation pathway, in the Provision of Outdoor Air criterion (9.2C in Green Star - Design & As Built and 8.2C in Green Star - Interiors). This includes units such as split systems or variable refrigerant volume (VRV) systems where air is conditioned via recirculation rather than through a supply of outdoor air.
Nominated areas where air is only supplied via passive means (such as windows) that include equipment mentioned above are classified as 'naturally ventilated'.
Nominated areas which have both passive ventilation and mechanical equipment with the provision to supply outdoor air are defined as 'Mixed-Mode Ventilation'. This includes contiguous spaces separated by doors and/or windows.
Nominated areas within a project with different modes of ventilation that have distinct spatial boundaries are not considered mixed mode and can demonstrate compliance separately.
All compliance requirements remain as per the submission guidelines.
This FAQ is related to the following Rating Tools, Categories or Credits:
- Green Star - Design & As Built v1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 9.2 Indoor Air Quality - Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Design & As Built v1.1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 9.2 Indoor Air Quality - Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Design & As Built v1.2 / Indoor Environment Quality / 9.2 Indoor Air Quality - Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Design & As Built v1.3 / Indoor Environment Quality / 9.2 Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Interiors v1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 8.2 Indoor Air Quality - Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Interiors v1.1 / Indoor Environment Quality / 8.2 Indoor Air Quality - Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Interiors v1.2 / Indoor Environment Quality / 8.2 Indoor Air Quality - Provision of Outdoor Air
- Green Star - Interiors v1.3 / Indoor Environment Quality / 8.2 Provision of Outdoor Air
These FAQs are:
- provided as additional technical assistance for Green Star users.
- optional and free to use on Green Star projects.
When used on Green Star projects, make sure to:
- state the FAQ number on the Submission Template.
- click on "Download" to save the FAQ.
- include the PDF in the submission.
The GBCA reserves the right to add or remove FAQ at our discretion.
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