Green(ish) Star Rating

Green Star covers a number of categories that assess the environmental impact that is a direct consequence of a projects site selection, design, construction and maintenance. These categories are divided into credits, each of which addresses an initiative that improves or has the potential to improve environmental performance. Points are awarded in each credit for actions that demonstrate that the project has met the overall objectives of Green Star.(1)

However, the Green Star rating tool “does not apply to tenants or relate to anything other than the landlord. Indeed, the only controls on tenant practices are individual metering for water and power usage and a suggested green checklist for fit-out.”(2)

"You can't green a building without tenant support. The key to successfully greening an existing building is taking a partnership approach across owners, occupiers and building management,"(3) says Simon Cox, national director of real estate management for Colliers International.

This begs the question: Why does the cleaning industry not have a voice, given its value as part of a building’s sustainability practices. Green cleaning represents an outstanding return on investment by the economic benefits of reducing absenteeism, thus improving worker productivity.

1. See www.incleanmag.com.au/blog/ ‘Greyish-Green 6 Star status for Mirvac Shopping Centre’
2. See business.smh.com.au/business/occupants-drive-the-push-for-ecobuildings-20080725-3l16.html
3. See www.buildingservicesmgt.com/Articles/2003/02/BetterCleaning.html