GREEN STAR 5 OR 6. How to get the credits?
Key Strategies for Energy-Efficient Lighting Design
To align with GBCA’s Green Star criteria, your lighting design should focus on:
Maximising natural light: Daylight harvesting is a core strategy. By designing spaces to make the most of available sunlight, you can significantly reduce reliance on artificial lighting. This not only saves energy but also improves occupant wellbeing
Smart lighting controls: Implementing automated lighting control systems—such as occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and dimmable luminaires—ensures lights are only used when and where needed. These systems help maintain required lux levels while minimising unnecessary energy use, directly contributing to Green Star and NABERS Energy credits
Efficient luminaires and lamps: Select LED and high-efficiency luminaires that meet or exceed the energy efficiency index required by Australian standards. Upgrading from older T8 or incandescent lamps to modern T5 or LED solutions can deliver substantial energy savings and improved light quality
Surface reflectance and glare control: The GBCA’s Lighting Comfort credit encourages the use of matte finishes and high-reflectance surfaces to boost lighting uniformity and reduce glare. Ensuring ceilings and walls have a gloss factor below 20% and using baffles or diffusers on bare lamps are recommended best practices
User control and flexibility: Providing occupants with the ability to control lighting in their immediate environment (e.g., task lighting, zoned controls) not only improves comfort but is also recognised with additional Green Star points
Demonstrating and Documenting Compliance
GBCA requires that lighting compliance be demonstrated through either detailed modelling or in-situ measurements. Modelling should include all primary spaces, account for furniture and partitions, and justify any simplifications. Compliance with AS/NZS 1680.1:2006 for illuminance and uniformity is essential, and glare must be managed using methods such as the Unified Glare Rating (UGR)
Metering and sub-metering are also highly recommended. These systems allow building owners to monitor lighting energy use on a granular level, compare performance against NABERS Energy and Green Star benchmarks, and make data-driven improvements during commissioning and operation
Commissioning and Ongoing Performance
Proper commissioning of lighting control systems is critical. Engaging experienced professionals ensures your system is installed, integrated, and tuned for optimal energy efficiency and compliance with GBCA and NABERS Energy requirements. Regular reviews and adjustments are necessary to accommodate changes in building use, tenancy, or neighbouring developments
In summary:
To achieve energy efficiency and meet GBCA requirements in lighting design, focus on daylight harvesting, efficient luminaires, smart controls, glare reduction, and robust compliance documentation. These strategies not only help you secure Green Star ratings but also deliver long-term savings, sustainability, and comfort for building occupants
