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43 B uilding activity can lead to pollution in the immediate vicinity and also contribute to degrading the larger envi- ronment. Fortunately, there are a number of established practices and processes that can be implemented during con- struction, which serve to minimise this damage. The Australian construction sector has extremely clear and accurate guidelines on building environmentally sustainable structures and their implementation has resulted in the devel- opment of skills and techniques within the building industry, which have led to reduced energy consumption and cutting down on the volume of waste material. The Green Building Council of Australia is at the forefront of the effort to encourage sustainable building practices across the country. It has established a Green Star rating scale which provides direction to builders in their effort to adopt ecologi- cally friendly practices. Construction companies are motivated to adopt the Green Star rating system as it also results in low- ering operational costs and increasing asset value.