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44 In fact, the benefits available if a building that meets these standards is constructed, include a reduction of 66% in electricity cost as com- pared to the average Australian city building. The construction process also uses 51% less potable water against what would have been consumed if minimum industry requirements had been followed. Wide acceptance of this standard has resulted in 550 projects totalling eight million square metres having received Green Star certification. Currently, over 20% of Australia’s CBD office space is certified green. Climatic conditions across the country vary widely and many area have a harsh environ- ment. Due to this factor, it is even more impor- tant to conserve energy and water resources. Australia’s construction industry, which has vast experience in operating in these condi- tions, has developed skills and techniques that have given it the expertise to create resource-