Niche Construction Management has recently become a Green Star Accredited builder. This allows Niche to now carry out projects to the Green Star standard, benefiting both the environment and our clients.

Green Star is a nationally recognised standard in 'green' building that provides a points based system to evaluate the environmentally friendly rating of new projects and already completed ones. Green Star was established to promote the benefits and raise awareness of building to an environmentally friendly standard and, with 11% + of Australia's CBD office buildings already Green Star certified, is becoming more and more important in the building industry.

Niche Construction Management understands that environmentally friendly projects are the future of responsible building in Australia and the world as we face fresh environmental challanges in the coming years. The team at Niche are therefore constantly striving to lead the pack in a constantly evolving industry.

The advantages of building to a Green Star standard are not limited to the obvious environmental contribution that is made when building 'green'. There are many other ways that the client can benefit, including:

• Lower operating costs
• Higher investment return
• Greater tenant attraction
• Enhanced marketability
• Improvements in productivity
• Providing staff and tenants a healthier place to live and work

The way that the Green Star standard is awarded is through the active environmentally friendly implementation of the following categories:

• Management
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Energy
• Transport
• Water
• Materials
• Land Use and Ecology
• Emissions
• Innovation

Each category is weighted and awarded points. The total points awarded then represent the final rating system of a building or project. Points are also awarded to innovative ideas that revolutionise the green building industry. Finally a star rating out of 6 is given, depending on the final score. 6 Stars signifies 'World Excellence' in environmentally friendly design and/or construction. 5 Stars represents 'Australian Excellence' in the industry, whilst the lowest available reading of 4 Stars represents 'Best Practice' in building and/or design.

Environmental responsibility is a growing issue in Australia and the building industry plays a major part in how we carry out our duty to the environment. Niche Construction and its team are concious of this fact and are ready to assist you fully in your future Green Star accredited project.

For more information please visit the Green Building Council of Australia website or call our team on 02 9114 9774.