Table 7: Commonly considered and potential short/medium term payback sustainable building options

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List of potential attributes	Potential operating cost improvement	Potential for productivity improvement	Symbolic ESD impact	Potential greenstar credits	Capital cost $/m2 range		Typical payback range (years)		Advantage where no financial payback
Management category
Independent commissioning agent	-	-		1	1	2	0	3	RR
Environmental management plan	-	-		3	0	2	Nil	Nil	MEI
Indoor environmental quality category
Central atria - increasing natural light penetration	-	-	-	2	19	48	PS	PS
Increased daylight penetration (through effective glazing design and sunshelves)	-	-	-	3	4	14	PS	PS
External shading devices to north façade (on low rise buildings)	-	-	-	1	4	12	10	15
Displacement ventilation	-	-		2	10	40+	5	15+
Low volatile organic compound containing paints		-		1	0	5	Nil	Nil	IIAQ
Low volatile organic compound containing carpet (wool or specific solution dyed products)		-		1	0	10	Nil	Nil	IIAQ
Energy category		-
Optimise glazing type	-	-		C	16	24	10	18
Increased wall, floor and roof insulation rating	-			C	2	6	5	10+
Advanced air conditioning options	-		-	C	50	75+	5	8+
High efficiency electric motors	-			C	1	2	5	10
Super pipework and ductwork insulation	-			C	3	7	5	10
Night purging through use of BAS controls	-			C	0	1	0	10	IIAQ
Occupancy sensors (selected areas) / lighting zoning	-			1	2	4	4	8
Lighting control system (selected areas)	-			C	2	4	4	10
Photovoltaic cells	-		-	C	8	14+	10	25+
Transport category
Provision of bicycle storage and change facilities for ease of use by employees		-	-	3	2	6	Nil	Nil	RE
Water category
Greywater collection, treatment, storage and use	-		-	5	15	30	12	25+
Materials category
Concrete with recycled content (green concrete)				3	3	6	Nil	Nil	MW
PVC reduction				2	1	3	Nil	Nil	MEI
Land use and ecology category
Minimise ecological impact and maximise enhancement of site for new and existing buildings			-	4	PS	PS	Nil	Nil	MEI
Emissions category
Minimise neighbourhood light pollution				1	0	1	Nil	NIl	MEI

Notes:

The figures stated are taken from various projects, both in sizes and locations. They represent an average cost for the attributes stated, taking into account all associated works required.
The costs and payback periods are provided as a guide only. Any business case must be reviewed on its own merits.
The figures have been compiled from a number of projects to provide a general overview of the likely ecologically sustainable development (ESD) opportunities available to clients considering new developments.
It should be noted that the operating cost saving has been calculated on an individual basis, and that the cumulative effect of incorporating ESD attributed may be less than the sum of the individual parts calculated.
The Greenstar credits are provided as on indication only and would be assessed by an accredited Greenstar Assessor on a project-by-project basis.
The items are those which have been considered repeatedly in the early design stages of projects.
The table examines each of these attributes in terms of potential operating cost improvements, potential productivity gains, impact on symbolic ESD, and the indicative Greenstar credit available. Anticipated capex ($/m2) and typical payback periods (years) are also provided for each item.
It is noted that some ESD initiatives naturally fit together and frequently support the case for other attributes.

Legend:

RR = Reduced risk IIAQ = improved indoor air quality MW = minimises waste MEI = minimises environmental impact

PS = Project specific C = contributes to energy improvement / greenhouse reduction with potential of 15 credits

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