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Business View Australia - September 2015 79
are
singly
g the
ge of
ial
ability
theearly emphasis on the
environmental benefits of green
building such as kilos of carbon, litres
of water and tonnes of waste evolve to
consider economic benefits such as
payback periods, cost savings, asset
values and vacancy rates.
As we’ve matured, we’ve expanded our
thinking to recognise and reward social
return on investment such as shared
value, improved productivity, health
and wellbeing, and skills development.
The 30-odd project teams working
with us to achieve Green Star –
Communities ratings, the local
governments achieving Green
Star ratings for their community
centres and libraries, the
state governments certifying
healthcare facilities and the
school principals educating
a
whole
generation
of
environmentally literate students
are committed to building
communities that are diverse, fair,
inclusive and sustainable.
Today, we are increasingly talking
the language of social sustainability –
about how our buildings benefit people.
Our next great challenge is to put a
value on the social capital to be gained
from green building.
We will continue to adapt Green Star
so that it remains robust and relevant.
Why? Because everyone should have
the opportunity to learn in a green
school, work in a green office, or live in a
green home – and because Green Star
is the mechanism to help us create and
define sustainable places for everyone.
PERTY DEVELOPMENT