According to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Australia was one of the first countries in the world to establish a Green Star rating system and it is reaping a wide variety of benefits.
Green Star is national voluntary environmental rating system that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings and its effect on communities, it was established in 2003. Despite its young age, according to GBCA chief operating officer, Robin Mellon it is growing rapidly. In 2007 there were only 26 global green building councils, seven years on that number has grown to almost 100.
The GBCA conducts research on Green Stars’ benefits on many levels–environmental, health and business.
According to the GBCA’s research, Green Star-certified buildings use 66 percent less electricity than non Green Star-certified buildings. Green Star-certified buildings also produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions and use less water.
The health benefits that Green Star-certified hospitals reap include better patient care which leads to increased bed turnover and faster recovery in patients.
Businesses and corporations whose buildings are Green Star-certified also reap the benefits of increased productivity, reduced staff-absenteeism and reduced staff turnover.
More information on Australia’s Green Star revolution and its benefits can be found here.