Green Star FAQs

Yes. 

The GBCA does recognise 'Carbon Neutral Certified' electricity authorised under the National Carbon Offset Standard. This approved carbon neutral electricity is recognised on a 3:1 ratio. That is, for every three energy efficiency points, one point can be claimed for the procurement of carbon neutral electricity on a long term contract.

For example, if a project team achieves 12 points in energy efficiency, the project can claim up to 4 points for Carbon Neutral Certified electricity procurement. 

The following conditions apply:

• The electricity product must be ‘Carbon Neutral Certified’ (e.g. Real Utilities, Energy Australia’s Go Neutral, Powershop) under the National Carbon Offset Standard.
• The rules for contracting Carbon Neutral Electricity (length of contract and procurement issues) are the same as for renewable electricity.
• This reward applies to all versions of Green Star – Design & As Built, Green Star – Interiors and Green Star – Communities. A different set of rules applies to Green Star – Performance. Legacy rating tools cannot claim this benefit as off-site renewables are not recognised.
• The reward will be revised under Green Star Future Focus. It is not accepted under Green Star Buildings. 

In the case where there is a combination of both GreenPower and approved Certified Carbon Neutral Electricity supply, the project team is still limited to the number of energy efficiency points for accumulating the Green Power or Carbon Neutral Electricity and that will be scaled based on the percentage supply.

For example:

-          The project achieves 10 points in energy efficiency

-          The project signs up to 50% GreenPower on a 10 year contract, they are awarded 5 points

-          The project procures Certified Carbon Neutral Electricity for the other 50% of electricity supply, they are awarded a further 1.7 points

For further information about how renewable energy and carbon offsets are considered in Green Star, and why renewables are preferred in Green Star, please refer to Climate Positive Buildings and Our Net Zero Ambitions, accessible through Green Star Resources.

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