Environmentally

Sustainable Design

Framework

2017

Contents

Contents .............................................................................................................2

1. Introduction................................................................................................3

2. Aim and scope ............................................................................................3

2.1. Aim ........................................................................................................3

2.2. Scope .....................................................................................................4

3. ESD Minimum Performance Requirements.......................................................4

3.1. Major projects - projects valued greater than $5 million.................................4

3.2. Capital projects - projects valued up to $5million ..........................................4

3.3. Building Maintenance & Minor Assets...........................................................5

4. The Capital Works Approval Process ...............................................................5

4.1. ESD entry points: capital works approval.....................................................5

4.2. ESD hold points: capital works design and construct .....................................7

4.3. Roles and responsibilities...........................................................................8

5. ESD Building standards ................................................................................9

5.1. Management............................................................................................9

5.2. Passive Design .......................................................................................10

5.3. Building Fabric........................................................................................11

5.4. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) .........................................12

5.5. Hot Water..............................................................................................13

5.6. Lighting.................................................................................................14

5.8. Renewable Energy ..................................................................................15

5.9. Water Efficiency and Stormwater ..............................................................15

5.10. Materials ............................................................................................16

5.11. Minor Asset – Furniture, Fit Outs and Loose Equipment.............................17

5.12. Waste ................................................................................................18

5.13. Transport ...........................................................................................18

5.14. Urban Ecology & Biodiversity .................................................................18

5.15. Innovation ..........................................................................................19

6. Related Policies and documents ...................................................................19

7. Monitoring, Evaluation and Review ...............................................................19

8. Definition of Terms used .............................................................................20

9. References................................................................................................22

1. INTRODUCTION

Brimbank City Council owns, operates and leases 180 facilities across the

municipality that are used by the community, staff and committees of

management. These facilities vary in size and function and include the

Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, Brimbank Operations Centre, two

leisure centres at Sunshine and St Albans, public libraries, community centres

and various sports pavilions.

The construction and use of Council’s facilities involves large consumption of

resources including energy, water and materials. This Environmentally

Sustainable Design (ESD) Framework aims to realise the significant

opportunities available to Council for utility cost savings and resource

efficiency gains.

Through the

Brimbank Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023

, Council

has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% of 2011

emissions by 2022/23. In 2015/16, Brimbank’s facilities contributed 38% of

total emissions and approximately $750,000 annually in electricity and gas

costs to Council. Brimbank’s

Sustainable Water Management Strategy 2013-

2023

also commits Council to reducing its potable water consumption across

all of its services to 181 ML by 2022/23. Council’s facilities consumed

approximately 347 ML of potable water in 2015/16.

ESD Minimum Performance Targets set through this Framework will

significantly contribute to Council reaching these environmental targets and

to demonstrate leadership and innovation in building performance.

2. AIM AND SCOPE

2.1. Aim

The aim of this Framework is to ensure ESD measures are consistently

incorporated into the construction and management of Council buildings

and facilities.

Incorporating ESD into Council buildings will deliver economic, social and

environmental benefits that include:



Budgetary savings through a significant reduction in operational

utility costs



More comfortable, healthier spaces for the community and more

productive work spaces for Council staff



Improved energy, water and resource efficiency and reduced waste



Safeguarding against the impacts of a changing climate and

resource scarcity



Demonstrated community and industry leadership by driving

innovation and exceeding benchmarks wherever possible.

2.2.

Scope

This ESD Framework applies to all new Council buildings, building asset

renewals and works undertaken through building maintenance programs.

The ESD Framework includes:

2.2.1 ESD Policy

that prescribes minimum performance requirements for

Major, Capital and Building Maintenance project works.

The ESD Policy is attached to this Framework as Appendix 1.

2.2.2 ESD Building Standards

specify minimum requirements for design

standards, construction, and materials and technologies for Council

buildings.

3. ESD MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Council’s ESD Framework adopts a range of minimum performance

requirements that encourage ESD outcomes, whilst providing flexibility

during design and construction for inclusion of ESD features.

3.1. Major projects - projects valued greater than $5 million

Examples of major capital projects include the Brimbank Community and

Civic Centre, Leisure Centres, Community Centres and Hubs.

The minimum ESD requirement for Major projects is:



5 Star Green Star Certification.

The Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Certification is a

comprehensive, national, voluntary rating scheme that evaluates the

environmental design and construction of buildings. 5 Star Green Star

Certification signifies ‘Australian Excellence’.

3.2. Capital projects - projects valued up to $5million

Examples of capital projects include sports pavilions and smaller

community facilities.

The minimum ESD requirement for Capital projects is:



Compliance with Council’s Buildings ESD Standards



Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) score of 60% or

higher, and



At least one item achieved in each of the BESS Categories.

The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is a web-based

platform for assessing the overall environmental sustainability of new

buildings or alterations. BESS is comprised of nine categories:

Management, Water, Energy, Stormwater, Indoor Environment Quality,

Waste Management, Urban Ecology and Innovation. A BESS score of 60%

is considered a ‘pass’. A BESS score of 70% is considered best practice.

3.3. Building Maintenance & Minor Assets

Examples include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)

replacement, lighting upgrades, hot water unit replacement, appliances

such as fridges and stovetops, furniture and finishes, and plumbing

fittings/appliances.

The minimum ESD requirement for Building Maintenance is:



Compliance with Council’s Buildings ESD Standards

The specifications listed in the ESD Buildings Standards are broadly in line

with a Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) score of 60% or

above, representing ‘ESD Excellence’.

4. THE CAPITAL WORKS APPROVAL PROCESS

4.1. ESD entry points: capital works approval

Council’s process for approving the annual capital works program is shown

in Figure 1 below. A range of adopted Council strategies and plans support

and guide the capital works program, including: the Facilities Asset

Management Plan, Sports Facility Development Plan, Library Strategy and

proposed Community Facilities Development Plan.

Facilities Asset

Management Plan*

Sports Facility

Development Plan*

Library Strategy *

Proposed Community

Facilities Development

Plan*

Business Case

< $5m > $5m

Capital Works

Nomination and

Evaluation

System*

Capital

Works

Report

Capital Works

Steering

Committee

Assessment*

EMT Approval

& Council

approval

Figure 1 Capital works approval process (*ESD entry point)

Council’s Capital Works Steering Committee ensures the capital works

program aligns with Council’s strategic framework, being the Council Plan,

Strategic Resource Plan and Long Term Financial Plan.

There are three separate entry points for incorporating ESD within this

approval process. The first entry point is inclusion of ESD requirements

and targets within the various Council adopted Strategies and Plans, such

as the Sports Facility Development Plan and Library Strategy. This

approach strengthens the strategic levers for ESD inclusion.

The second entry point is via the Capital Works Nomination and Evaluation

System. This System captures project details as part of the capital works

bidding process. This includes the Business Case, Life Cycle Costing and

Risk Assessment. This System will be adapted in future years to better

capture ESD requirements and projected performance. In its current form,

ESD requirements will be highlighted via:

a. Input > Scoping Details > Site > Electricity/Gas/Water/Other



Cost saving estimates represented as negative $ figures (e.g.

$10,000 saved via Electricity per year would be inputted as “-

$10,000”)



‘Other’ operational savings to be inputted as “ESD”.

b. Input > Project Details > ‘Attachments’ section: relevant ESD

documentation to be attached (e.g. preliminary BESS report).

A further ESD entry point occurs through the Capital Works Steering

Committee (CWSC). The CWSC annually assesses all capital works bids

entered into the Capital Works Nomination and Evaluation System. The

CWSC will ensure ESD details have been submitted for relevant capital

works bids.

4.2. ESD hold points: capital works design and construct

Once a capital works bid is approved and adopted by Council, the project

moves to design, construction and post-construction review.

Design Brief

Tender *

Design Project

Control Group

Formed *

Detailed

Design

Quantity

Survey 1/2

Construct

Tender *

Construction

Practical

Completion

Hand Over

/Defect

Liability /

Final

Completion

Post

implementati

on review

Figure 2 Capital works design and construct process (*ESD hold point)

The hold points for prescribing ESD requirements are:



Design Brief Tender: stipulate ESD performance targets



Design Project Control Group: an Environment Department staff

member will be included with this group



Construct Tender: ESD requirements stipulated within the tender.

4.3. Roles and responsibilities

The delivery of this Framework and ESD minimum performance targets is the

responsibility of staff from across Council. Specific tasks and responsibilities

are provided below.

Role

Responsibilities

Internal Clients

(Leisure &

Community

Facilities,

Lifelong

Learning and

Community

Participation)



Identify relevant ESD Minimum Performance Requirement

and plan new projects that address the ESD Framework’s

objectives



Incorporate costs related to ESD into total design and

construction costs



Include relevant ESD information in the Capital Works

Nomination and Evaluation System

Capital Works

Steering Group



Ensure ESD requirements within the Capital Works

Nomination and Evaluation System comply with the

objectives of this Framework

Project Officer

(Facilities and

Major Projects)



Ensure ESD scope of works are incorporated into the

Design Brief tender



Ensure Design Project Control Group includes an

Environment Department Officer to support delivery of ESD



Ensure ESD requirements are incorporated into the

Construction Tender



Ensure ESD requirements are built as per the Construction

Tender

Building

Maintenance



Review Design Brief, participate in site meetings during

construction, and complete handover and provide support

during defects period



Ensure programmed works (renewals as per annual

condition audits) are compliant with ESD Building

Standards



Ensure ESD standards are applied where possible for

reactive maintenance

Environment

Department



Provide the Internal Client and Project Officer advice and

guidance on ESD at all project stages



Allocate an officer to the Design Project Control Group



Report on the implementation of the ESD Framework to

Council

Procurement



Modify standard tendering and quotation design

consultancy and construction template to include reference

to Council’s ESD Framework.



Ensure the evaluation criteria include ESD for design and

construction.



Ensure the evaluation panel allocates a weighting for ESD

5. ESD BUILDING STANDARDS

The ESD minimum standards outlined below apply to all capital works and

building maintenance project works. The requirements are deliberately

specific; they are written for direct insertion into tender specification

documents or for individual product selection specifications.

5.1. Management

Commissioning

Report



An Independent Commissioning Agent (ICA) is required for

all Major projects. Where an ICA is engaged, a

commissioning report from the Independent

Commissioning Agent must be provided prior to practical

completion of any Major project. This report will confirm

that the specified ESD minimum requirements have been

implemented and that systems are performing in

accordance with the design intent.



The ICA inspection process needs to be included in the

tender construction specification, along with the need for

the contractor to comply with any findings of non

compliance e.g. making good or reworking areas at the

Contractors own expense prior to practical completion

being granted.



If non-compliance is found there should be a requirement

within the specification to have a final commissioning

report prepared by the same consultant at the contractors

cost to confirm all rectification has been completed.

Building Users

Guide



Building Users Guide is provided to cover use and

behaviours that will ensure optimal environmental

performance of the building, as designed. To be developed

per project and provided to building occupants as part of

formal induction and made available on Council’s website.



ESD features and design strategies are labelled or

highlighted within the Building Users Guide.

Metering



Community Centres to include separate metering for the

different services being housed (for example kindergarten

separate from a maternal child health centre).



Where separate metering is cost-prohibitive or difficult,

install data loggers to ensure consumption for different

areas can be monitored.

Building

Management

Systems



Building Management Systems to allow sub-facility energy

and water use monitoring where applicable.

Peak Energy

Demand

Management



Passive design, BMS and on-site energy generation

systems optimised for minimisation of peak energy demand

during summer temperature extremes.

5.2. Passive Design

Energy

Modelling

Thermal and Energy Simulation at Schematic Design Stage –

undertake a preliminary energy simulation (building fabric and

services) to demonstrate:



25% or above improvement on BCA Section J Deemed

to Satisfy (DTS) requirements;



An optimised passive design approach



The predicted greenhouse gas emissions footprint of the

building



Documentation, such as a JV3 report (including

assumptions) and/or a preliminary Deemed-To-Satisfy

assessment including glazing calculator that

demonstrates that the minimum standards have been

achieved or exceeded.



Documentation is to include a summary of the building

fabric assumptions.

Winter Passive

Heating,

Cooling and

Ventilation



Optimised winter solar gain/summer shading.



Roof/ceiling/wall insulation total R-values above BCA

minimum requirements where added benefit can be

demonstrated through energy simulation.



Floor plan zoning based on heating needs (i.e. main

occupancy zones faced north).



Double glazing, heavy window covers (consider

automated run times) and snug pelmets included to

minimise overnight heat loss during winter/autumn.



Demonstrate integrated thermal massing for night-time

heat radiation / enhanced passive solar gain during day

– earth coupled slab / polished concrete etc.



High efficiency heat exchanger to achieve 75% or above

ventilation heat recovery.

Summer

Passive

Heating,

Cooling and

Ventilation



Fixed or adjustable external shading provided

throughout as appropriate.



Minimise direct solar gain.



Adjustable internal blinds provided as appropriate.



Pale and reflective roofing/wall and car park colour

palette to minimise summer heat retention



Effective cross ventilation - openable

windows/clerestories, ceiling fans, orientation to capture

dominant breeze



Where scale of project warrants an integrated BMS,

passive design strategy to be automated mixed mode

(i.e. ambient temperature set points to run natural

ventilation/cooling features, auxiliary heating etc.)

Where possible:



Use of night purge encouraged where secure solution

can be provided, and indoor/outdoor spaces to provide

summer heat respite



Use of deciduous plantings that interact with the

building envelope for shading purposes



Local Indigenous green roofs/walls encouraged that

enhance overall passive design strategy, are low

maintenance and suitable for local climate, light and

wind conditions.

5.3. Building Fabric

Walls, Roofs,

Floors, Glazing



Entire building envelope insulation R-value to be 25%

above BCA requirements, or meet the following R-values:



Walls R 3.5



Ceilings R 4. (Upper roof surface solar absorbance value

to be not more than 0.4)



Floor R 2.5



Vertical edge of any slab on ground R 1.25



Independent of R-value requirements all external walls,

roof and lightweight floors must have an approved radiant

barrier (i.e. Reflective Foil Laminate) installed that has a

NCC (National Construction Code) or a NFPA (National Fire

Protection Association) flammability rating.



All glazing in areas with active heating and cooling to be

double glazed and have glazing specifications of total

system (including frames) to be 10% above BCA glazing

calculator compliance, or meet the following two

requirements:



Glazing systems with a maximum (total system) U

value of 2.8.



Glazing systems with a minimum visual transmittance of

0.66.



For new buildings and renovations/extensions over

1,000

sqm

, JV3 modelling should be undertaken to demonstrate a

25% improvement against the reference building.

Ceiling fans and

heights



Ceiling heights to be a minimum of 2.7 metres so that

ceiling fans can be installed safely.

Daylight and

shading



Provide fixed exterior shading that prevents all direct

sunlight entering the building through glazing between the

beginning of October to the beginning of April between the

hours of 9am and 7pm. A shading analysis should be

provided to demonstrate compliance.



Provide adequate daylight for all spaces and demonstrate a

mean daylight factor of at least 2% through modelling or

through Daylighting Rules of Thumb by Harvard University.

Building

Sealing

Building Sealing is a requirement under BCA Section J4 Building

Sealing.



All windows and doors sealed and weather-stripped.



All exhaust fans to be fitted with self-sealing dampers.

5.4. Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

HVAC

Technology

Mechanical heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) equipment,

settings and sizing integrated with overall passive design strategy

Preference heat pump technology for heating and/or cooling

instead of natural gas. Equipment to have Coefficient of

Performance (CoP) and Energy Efficiency Ratios (EER) within 15%

of the most efficient equivalent capacity unit available i.e. Most

efficient equivalent capacity unit has a COP of 3.5 then an

acceptable equivalent capacity unit would be no lower than COP 3

(calculated as 3.5 x .85).

All natural gas boilers specified to include fully modulating

condensing technology at or greater than 96% net efficiency.

Where continuous 100% fresh air is required (i.e. Gymnasiums),

Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning systems will employ closed

loop heat exchange technology with conversion efficiency greater

than 75%.

Economy

features

Design plans must demonstrate that Heat Ventilation and Air

Conditioning (HVAC) has been sized according to building load

requirements

Motorised and fully modulating economy dampers to be fitted to

all integrated Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

systems (packaged or split ducted) with 100% outside air

capability.

All air handling unit (AHU) fans to include Variable Speed Drive

(VSD) technology capable of being controlled by non-original

equipment manufacturing (OEM) external direct digital controllers

(DDC). Fan or pump motors to be direct drive. Belts and pulleys

are not to be used.

All heat pumps to employ variable refrigerant flow (i.e.

Electronically Controlled variable Thermostatic Expansion (TX)

valves or variable speed refrigerant flow/compressors)

Centralised HVAC systems to include after-hours manual switches and be

zoned to individual fan coil units where feasible to minimise after-hours

consumption.

Commissioning

Commissioning of Heat Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

systems to include adherence to Brimbank's Indoor Thermal

Comfort Policy requirements, including restricted temperature

control (excluding wet areas and activity rooms) and restricted

run time parameters, via a direct digital Building Management

System (BMS) where appropriate.

Split systems other than split ducted (hi wall, cassette, under

ceiling) will include Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM)

wired wall mounted controllers with administrator lock out

capabilities of hi and low temperature, fan speed, run time.

Infrared remote controllers (IRCs) are not to be used.

5.5. Hot Water

Hot Water

Technology

Council has a preference for high efficiency electric hot water

systems that can link to existing or future solar PV. Where gas

boosted hot water is required, this will be acceptable only with

agreement by the Project Manager or Building Maintenance

Coordinator.



Preference for high efficiency electric hot water heat pumps

to be used. Hot Water heat pump technology to have

Coefficient of Performance (CoP) Ratio 85% or better than

the most efficient equivalent capacity unit available.



Hot water system gas boosters to be high efficiency and

employ condensing technology at or greater than 96% net

efficiency (including manifolded arrays where staged

multiple units are required).



Hot Water storage systems with integral natural gas

boosting be avoided.

Pipe insulation



All hot water piping (flow and return) above 25mm Outside

Diameter (OD) shall be insulated with pre formed sectional

glass wool or polyester insulation, having a maximum

thermal conductivity of 0.036 W/m2.K at 20°C mean

temperature. All exposed pipe work insulation shall be

sheathed with 0.5mm thick zinc anneal sheet metal or

approved equivalent. All sheathing shall be installed in a

manner that resists entry of water and UV light.



All hot water pipes (flow and return) 20mm Outside

Diameter (OD) or less shall be fully insulated with Armaflex

FR 13mm or approved equivalent. All exposed pipe work

insulation shall be sheathed in a UV protective coating, i.e.

foil tape or equivalent coating. All sheathing shall be

installed in a manner that resists entry of water and UV

light.

Note: Pre-lagged (Kemlag or Polylag) pipe not to be used.

Control

Systems



Ring main hot water systems will include a digital time

clock control mechanism that:



prevents hot water circulation during non-occupancy hours.



starts ring main at least one hour prior (or greater if

required for occupational and health and safety

requirements) to building occupancy to circulate any

accumulated bacteria through 60 degree water to kill any

Legionella bacteria.



Preference for connection to a Building Management

System (BMS) or building security system.

5.6. Lighting

Daylight

Modelling

Employ use of natural light to minimise artificial lighting – e.g.

skylights, clerestories, atrium etc.

Daylight optimisation modelled for community centres,

kindergartens, regularly occupied buildings etc.

Artificial

lighting

efficiency

benchmark

Artificial lighting is 6W or less per m

averaged across the

building net floor area (at maximum wattage)

Technology

LED technology exclusively for all lighting, including external car

park lighting

Illumination

Lighting illumination power density (IPD) target of no greater

than 5 watts/m

average across the building (indoor lighting).

Low upward light spill ratios (i.e. no deflected or up lighting

unless agreed by project team and meets above target) with

colour rendering index (CRI) 80 and above.

Design lux levels of between 240 minimum and 280 maximum for

general lighting unless otherwise specified, combined with task

lighting (e.g. desk lamps, directional spotlights, built in

workstation lighting etc) in specific areas when higher lux levels

are required (indoor lighting). Lower lux levels (80) for corridors,

walkways, store rooms, etc.

Control

Systems



Lighting control to be linked to building management

systems and/or security system.



Occupancy Passive Infrared sensors (PIR) in all areas with

ad hoc usage patterns (i.e. change rooms, toilets, meeting

rooms, storerooms, medical rooms, individual offices, plant

rooms, etc.)



Sensors to be installed above entry(s) to rooms facing the

activity area of the room, unless otherwise specified.

Sensors not to be positioned to face doorways.

5.8. Renewable Energy

Renewable

Energy Systems



Where possible, 100% of electricity demand met via

rooftop solar PV. Minimum 60% of demand to be met by

rooftop solar or other onsite renewable energy source (Can

include predicted energy grid export as part of

demand/generation calculation)



Gas demand minimised or eliminated, via solar thermal

where applicable (Flat Plate)



Solar PV/battery storage options to be provided as part of

concept design

5.9. Water Efficiency and Stormwater

Fixtures and

fittings



Shower heads: 3 star WELS, 6L/min flow rate



Shower taps: push button time delay variable temperature

mixing valve (i.e. Enware TFC790925 or approved

equivalent).



Toilets: 5 star WELS



Urinals: 6 star WELS, sensor operated



Taps: 6 star WELS, push button



Wash-down hoses: commercial high pressure water

efficient triggers

Washing

machines /

dishwashers /

other

appliances



Minimum 5 star WELS

(See Equipment section for Energy Ratings)

Rainwater

tanks



Rainwater harvesting system to supply toilets, urinals,

laundry, garden irrigation, etc. Match roof capture area and

tank size to expected use. The Tankulator tool

(http://tankulator.ata.org.au/) can help size tanks

appropriately to expected use.

Stormwater

quality



Design the stormwater management system to achieve

Best Practice stormwater management. A rainwater

harvesting system (see rainwater tanks above) and/or

raingardens may be required. Best Practice stormwater

management can be demonstrated by either achieving a

100% score in Melbourne Water STORM tool or MUSIC

modelling.

(http://storm.melbournewater.com.au/).



Consider permeable paving in all landscape plans and

ensure maintenance schedules reflect paving requirements.

Landscaping

Irrigation

Systems

Where landscape irrigation is required, systems are to be

automated (rain shut off, time-clock automated) and integrated

with rainwater / stormwater storage.

5.10. Materials

External

surface finishes



Light materials with Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) in

accordance with the Green Star criteria for the heat island

effect are to be used for roof and external facade to reduce

urban heat island effect and reduce cooling load (Roofing

material preference: Colorbond Coolmax or approved

equivalent)

Timber (not

minor assets)



All timber used to be FSC certified or re-used/recycled.



The use of tropical hardwoods such as Merbau, Mirabow,

Ipil, Kwila, Vesi are not permitted under any

circumstances.



Where possible, all engineered wood products, including

major fit outs to comply with E0 standard for formaldehyde

levels. Where no E0 Product is readily available criteria

within the Green Star Formaldehyde Minimisation credit

can be applied.



The use of laminated timber structural members

(plantation) will be given precedence over native hardwood

structural members



Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) structure options to be

provided during concept design (low embodied energy).



Preference fit for purpose bamboo or recycled hardwood for

hard flooring

Poly Vinyl

Chloride (PVC)



To reduce environmental and health impacts for building

users internal fit out plastics (e.g. vinyl flooring and carpet

underlays) should exclude PVC. Where PVC is used apply

Best Practice Guidelines for PVC in the Built Environment

by specifying eco-labels (e.g. Global-Mark Certified) that

comply with the Green Star PVC credit. A Material Safety

Data Sheet is a means of verifying that a product does not

contain PVC.

Internal

surfaces and

finishes



Low Volatile

Organic

Compound (VOC) office furnishings,

flooring and internal coatings (i.e. paints, adhesives and

sealants) in accordance with the Green Star Tool, e.g. VOC

limits for different products such as 16g/L for paints &

undercoats, 65g/L for sealers



Plasterboard with recycled content.



Preference interface carpet squares or equivalent for soft

flooring

Other



All other finishes Good Environmental Choice Australia

(GECA) or Eco-specifier Certified.



Where demolition is involved, maximise opportunities for

re-use of materials on site and/or recycling of waste off

site.



Maximise opportunities for the use of recycled materials.



Specify materials with a long life (durability).



Specify materials that can be readily recycled at the end of

their life cycle.

5.11. Minor Asset – Furniture, Fit Outs and Loose Equipment

Timber



All timber used to be FSC certified or re-used/recycled.



The use of tropical hardwoods such as Merbau, Mirabow,

Ipil, Kwila, Vesi are not permitted under any

circumstances.



Where possible, all engineered wood products, including

office furniture and fit outs to comply with E0 standard for

formaldehyde levels. Where no E0 Product is readily

available criteria within the Green Star Formaldehyde

Minimisation credit can be applied.

Internal

surfaces and

finishes



Low Volatile

Organic

Compound (VOC) office furnishings,

flooring and internal coatings (i.e. paints, adhesives and

sealants) in accordance with the Green Star Tool, e.g. VOC

limits for different products such as 16g/L for paints &

undercoats, 65g/L for sealers

Equipment

Efficiency

standards



Equipment used in fit out to be within one star rating of

best available technology for energy and water efficiency.

i.e. fridge / freezer / dishwasher (4 star water rating and

3.0 star energy rating) / oven / cook top / range hood/ hot

water urns



Water efficiency of appliances can be determined by using

http://waterrating.gov.vic.au/consumers/index.html



Energy efficiency of appliances can be confirmed on the

website www.appliancesonline.com.au with performance

ratings based on information provided on the website

www.energyrating.gov.au

Hot Water

Appliances



Under sink boiling hot water units programmed to shut

down after-hours or according to occupancy schedule.



Consider rainwater integrated solar hot water system for

sports pavilion showers

5.12. Waste

Waste during

construction*

Waste minimisation plans to be provided to Council before

commencement of construction – targeting at least 80% (by

weight) of building waste reused or recycled.

Building Maintenance will continue to take waste from reactive

and programmed works to Operations Centre for sorting and

recycling.

Operational

Waste

All facilities (excluding toilet blocks) to be provided with

comingled and organics waste recycling facilities. The spatial

and operational requirements of waste reuse and recycling

should be considered in the design of the building and where

appropriate integrated into the building fabric and site layout.

For example if organics or comingled waste recycling is

identified as viable for a facility, the facilities equipment

schedule should include allocation of appropriate internal or

external space and the required infrastructure

5.13. Transport

Sustainable

Transport



Covered bike area to accommodate on ground bicycle parking

in excess of the BESS recommended number (with Bicycle

Victoria’s Bicycle Parking Handbook).



Exceed planning scheme requirements for employee and

visitor bicycle parking by at least 50%. See:

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/vpps/52_34

.pdf



Continuous and accessible travel to the bike parking area.



End of trip facilities, such as showers and lockers, are provided

for employees and visitor cyclists



Car parks to include motorbike spaces



Consider charging point for e-vehicles



Where possible, allowance for at least 2 single-phase sub

circuits (40 Amp capacity) on switchboard to allow for e

vehicle recharging.

5.14. Urban Ecology & Biodiversity

Communal

Spaces



Where appropriate, at least the following amount of

common space measured in square meters:

o

1m² for each of the first 50 occupants

o

Additional 0.5m² for each occupant between 51 and

250 m²

o

Additional 0.25m² for each occupant above 251 m²

Vegetation



At least 10% of the total site area is covered with

vegetation, and located to minimise urban heat island

effect



Siting, orientation and view lines take into account site

specific context



Where site is in proximity of conservation zone, habitat

corridor links to be included in landscape plan

5.15. Innovation

Innovation



Items or initiatives are defined as ‘Innovation’ if they

improve environmental performance but are not recognised

elsewhere in these Buildings ESD Standards because they

are new to Victorian Councils or go well beyond the best

practice standard in BESS. Examples include incorporating

of green roofs, green walls and facades, or food production

areas, or installation of utility consumption display for

building users.



Final acceptance of proposed ‘Innovation’ Items or

initiatives are at the discretion of the Project Manager

6. RELATED POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS

a. Sustainability Policy

b. Procurement Policy

c. Indoor Thermal Comfort Policy

d. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Strategy

e. Sustainable Water Management Strategy

f. Capital Works planning documents

g. Building User Guide Template (to be created)

7. MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW

A review of overall implementation of the ESD Framework will occur every two

years.

DEFINITION OF TERMS USED

Term

Definition

Environmentally

Sustainable Design

(ESD)

Design, construction and management practices

that achieve or exceed ‘best practice’ standards

for buildings, infrastructure, transport,

landscaping and streetscapes.

Daylight factor

A measure of indoor brightness of diffuse daylight

within a space. It is defined as the ratio of the

luminance of a point in a building to the

unobstructed outdoor illuminance under the same

sky conditions. It is usually measured at the

height of the horizontal work plane.

Some examples of acceptable mean daylight

factors for various spaces include: 3% for

conference rooms, 2% for offices, 1% for

circulation areas. Acceptable daylight modelling

software include Radiance, LumenMicro, DaySim

etc. or similar methods.

Daylighting Rules of

Thumb

Simple equations for evaluating adequacy of

daylight levels in a building developed by Harvard

University including:



Ensuring the window to wall ratio (WWR)

required to achieve adequate daylight is

below 80%. It is unlikely that a building with

a vertical sky angle of less than 25 degrees

can achieve adequate daylight. A vertical sky

angle is the angle in the vertical plane

between the centre of glass of the external

window to adjacent obstructions (balconies,

neighbouring buildings (existing, proposed,

structure plans, whichever is most relevant).



Ensuring room depth does not exceed 2 x

window head height (WHH) to the floor and is

appropriate to the room width, material

reflectivity. It is unlikely that room depth

would be more than 7 metres or the width

less than 3.5 metres.



Ensuring glazing provided to a space is

sufficiently sized. As a rule glazing should be

at least 10% of the total interior surfaces

(ceilings, walls including windows, floors);

this would be significantly more than the

Building Code Requirement for windows to be

sized to at least 10% of the floor area of the

room.

The Daylighting Rules of Thumb can be found at

http://www.gsd.harvard.edu/research/gsdsquare

/Publications/DiffuseDaylightingDesignSequenceT

utorial.pdf

Independent

Commissioning

Agent (ICA)

Commissioning is the process of putting building

services systems into active systems. This

includes testing and adjusting HVAC, electrical,

plumbing and other systems to assure proper

functioning and adherence to design criteria, and

instructing building representatives in their use.

An ICA’s role is to advise, monitor, and verify the

commissioning and tuning of the nominated

building systems throughout the design, tender,

construction, commissioning and tuning phases.

They will peer review services designs, conduct

site inspections of works at critical stages and

commission the works prior to practical

completion to ensure the actual performance

meets the intended design performance.

The role(s) can be fulfilled by one or multiple

persons, provided they are suitably qualified and

are independent of the design and construction

team(s) and are engaged directly by the

client/building owner and reports directly to the

owner (or owner’s representative).

MUSIC Modelling A model that predicts the performance of

stormwater quality management systems using

the licensed MUSIC software available for

download at

http://www.ewater.com.au/products/music/

STORM Rating

An assessment of stormwater runoff and on-site

treatment against best practice targets, using the

free STORM calculator, available online at

http://storm.melbournewater.com.au/

JV3 Modelling

JV3 is a modelling approach for non-residential

buildings to meeting Section J requirements of

the Building Code of Australia (BCA).

U Value

A measure of heat transfer that is commonly

used for windows. The lower the U-value, the

lower the heat transfer (lower heat loss).

R Value

A measure of heat transfer that is used for

insulation. The higher the R-value, the lower the

heat transfer (lower heat loss)

Volatile Organic

Compounds (VOCs)

Chemical compounds based on carbon and

hydrogen structure that are vaporised at room

temperatures. VOCs are one type of indoor air

contaminant. These chemicals are found in paints

and other building products. They are known to

cause health problems including asthma and

other respiratory ailments. In higher

concentrations VOCs can have acute and long

term effects on the central nervous system and

some are suspected of causing cancer.

Formaldehyde

A resin used as an adhesive, surface coating,

foam or in the manufacture of laminates and

sandwich panels. Formaldehyde can present a

health hazard from off-gassing. It is a known

carcinogen as well as being an irritant. It can

cause birth defects, can affect the immune

system and can cause fatigue.

Stormwater

Stormwater is water created by precipitation

(rain) that can soak into the soil (infiltrate), be

held on the surface and evaporate, or runoff and

end up in nearby streams, rivers, or other water

bodies (surface water).

WELS

Australia's water efficiency labelling scheme.

WELS requires certain products to be registered

and labelled in accordance with the National

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act

2005. See

http://www.waterrating.gov.au/

Poly Vinyl Chloride A common building material mostly used for

pipes and electrical cables. The production of PVC

requires toxic chemicals and heavy metals and

can cause pollution. PVC also is a Volatile Organic

Compound, which is an indoor contaminant.

Micro-generation Small-scale generation of electricity/heat power.

Ring Main

Pumped hot water circulation system.

Manifold array

Multiple hot water boosters connected by a

common manifold.

Split System

Air conditioning with separate indoor and outdoor

units.

Lux

Illuminance per area.

9. REFERENCES



Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) http://www.bess.net.au/



Green Building Council of Australia Green Star – Design and As Built Tool

v1.1 http://new.gbca.org.au/green-star/rating-system/design-and-built/



Victorian Planning Provisions Cl.52.34 Bicycle Facilities

http://planningschemes.dpcd.vic.gov.au/schemes/vpps/52_34.pdf

Appendix 1:

Environmentally

Sustainable Design

Policy

2017

Appendix 1

Environmentally Sustainable Design Policy

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

The purpose of this policy is to articulate Brimbank City Council’s approach to the

consistent incorporation of environmentally sustainable design (ESD) into the

construction and management of Council’s buildings and facilities.

This Policy prescribes minimum ESD performance requirements for all major,

capital and building maintenance project works.

This Policy forms part of Council’s ESD Framework that specifies minimum

requirements for design standards, construction, materials and technologies in

Council buildings.

This Policy relates to buildings that are owned, leased or managed by Council. It

does not apply ESD standards for residential or commercial buildings through the

statutory planning scheme.

POLICY STATEMENT

Brimbank City Council owns, operates and leases 180 facilities across the

municipality that are used by the community, staff and committees of

management. These facilities vary in size and function and include the Brimbank

Community and Civic Centre, Brimbank Operations Centre, two leisure centres at

Sunshine and St Albans, public libraries, community centres and various sports

pavilions.

The construction and use of Council’s facilities involves large consumption of

resources including energy, water and materials. This Environmentally Sustainable

Design (ESD) Framework aims to realise the significant opportunities available to

Council for utility cost savings and resource efficiency gains.

Through the Brimbank Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023, Council has

committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% of 2011 emissions

by 2022/23. In 2015/16, Brimbank’s facilities contributed 38% of total emissions

and approximately $750,000 annually in electricity and gas costs to Council.

Brimbank’s Sustainable Water Management Strategy 2013-2023 also commits

Council to reducing its potable water consumption across all of its services to 181

ML by 2022/23. Council’s facilities consumed approximately 347 ML of potable

water in 2015/16.

ESD Minimum Performance Targets set through this Framework will significantly

contribute to Council reaching these environmental targets and to demonstrate

leadership and innovation in building performance.

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS BEING USED

Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD):

Design, construction and

management practices that achieve or exceed ‘best practice’ standards in

resource efficiency and environmental impact for buildings, infrastructure,

transport, landscaping and streetscapes.

Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS):

web-based platform for

assessing energy and water efficiency, thermal comfort and overall

sustainability of new buildings or alterations. BESS is comprised of nine

categories: Management, Water, Energy, Stormwater, Indoor Environment

Quality, Waste Management, Urban Ecology, Innovation.

Green Star Certification:

a comprehensive, national, voluntary rating scheme

that evaluates the environmental design and construction of buildings

administered by the Green Building Council of Australia.

MINIMUM PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Council’s ESD Framework adopts a range of minimum performance requirements

that encourage ESD outcomes, whilst providing flexibility during design and

construction for inclusion of ESD features.

Major projects - projects valued greater than $5 million

Examples of major capital projects include the Brimbank Community and Civic

Centre, Leisure Centres, Community Centres and Hubs.

The minimum ESD requirement for Major projects is:



5 Star Green Star Certification.

The Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Certification is a

comprehensive, national, voluntary rating scheme that evaluates the

environmental design and construction of buildings. 5 Star Green Star

Certification signifies ‘Australian Excellence’.

Capital projects - projects valued up to $5million

Examples of capital projects include sports pavilions and smaller community

facilities.

The minimum ESD requirement for Capital projects is:



Compliance with Council’s Buildings ESD Standards



Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) score of 60% or higher,

and



At least one item achieved in each of the BESS Categories.

The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is a web-based platform

for assessing overall environmental sustainability of new buildings or alterations.

BESS is comprised of nine categories: Management, Water, Energy, Stormwater,

Indoor Environment Quality, Waste Management, Urban Ecology and Innovation.

A BESS score of 60% is considered a ‘pass’. A BESS score of 70% is considered

best practice.

Building Maintenance & Minor Assets

Examples include heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) replacement,

lighting upgrades, hot water unit replacement, appliances such as fridges and

stovetops, furniture and finishes, and plumbing fittings/appliances.

The minimum ESD requirement for Building Maintenance is:



Compliance with Council’s Buildings ESD Standards.

The specifications listed in the ESD Buildings Standards are broadly in line with a

Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) score of 60% or above,

representing ‘ESD Excellence’.

ESD BUILDING STANDARDS

ESD Building Standards are detailed in Council’s ESD Framework. The Standards

prescribe building requirements for the following areas:



Management



Passive design



Building fabric



HVAC



Hot water



Lighting



Renewable energy



Water efficiency and stormwater



Materials



Minor Asset – Furniture, Fit Outs and Loose Equipment



Waste



Transport



Urban Ecology & Biodiversity



Innovation

Applying the ESD Building Standards

The ESD Building Standards apply to:



Capital projects: new building projects valued up to $5 million. Capital

projects are required to meet 5 Star Green Star Certification.



Building maintenance: Brimbank City Council has a large existing building

stock. To ensure a manageable transition to a more sustainable building

stock, the ESD Building Standards will apply when building upgrades or

renewals occur.

In some instances the ESD Building Standards may be difficult to achieve. Where

this is so, Council will aim to achieve the best possible outcome. Special

considerations may exist for:



Heritage Buildings



Buildings leased (not owned) by Council.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITY

The delivery of this Policy is the responsibility of staff from across Council.

Specific tasks and their responsibilities are provided in the table below.

Role

Responsibilities

Internal Clients

(Leisure &

Community

Facilities,

Lifelong

Learning and

Community

Participation)



Identify relevant ESD Minimum Performance Requirement

and plan new projects that address the ESD Framework’s

objectives



Incorporate costs related to ESD into total design and

construction costs



Include relevant ESD information in the Capital Works

Nomination and Evaluation System

Capital Works

Steering Group



Ensure ESD requirements within the Capital Works

Nomination and Evaluation System comply with the

objectives of this Framework

Project Officer

(Facilities and

Major Projects)



Ensure ESD scope of works are incorporated into the

Design Brief tender



Ensure Design Project Control Group includes an

Environment Department Officer to support delivery of ESD



Ensure ESD requirements are incorporated into the

Construction Tender



Ensure ESD requirements are built as per the Construction

Tender

Building

Maintenance



Review Design Brief, participate in site meetings during

construction, and complete handover and provide support

during defects period



Ensure programmed works (renewals as per annual

condition audits) are compliant with ESD Building

Standards



Ensure ESD standards are applied where possible for

reactive maintenance

Environment

Department



Provide the Internal Client and Project Officer advice and

guidance on ESD at all project stages



Allocate an officer to the Design Project Control Group



Report on the implementation of the ESD Framework to

Council

Procurement



Modify standard tendering and quotation design

consultancy and construction template to include reference

to Council’s ESD Framework.



Ensure the evaluation criteria include ESD for design and

construction.



Ensure the evaluation panel allocates a weighting for ESD