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Environmental Requirements |
Core Environmental Performance Characteristics |
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3.1.1.1 Energy Measurement
Energy use should be measured and recorded on a minimum
quarterly basis. Total energy use should be broken down into
categories including, as a minimum: electricity, gas, renewable
electricity. This energy data must be specific to the applicant
and able to be audited by viewing receipts from their energy
supplier.
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GECS has reviewed copies of
electricity bills, energy tracking sheets and mileages for
Oddfellows’ company cars. It is a requirement of this Standard
that the environmental officer maintain the energy tracking
sheet in order to measure and regulate energy use. |
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3.1.1.2 Carbon Offsets
A minimum of 20% of the total energy used from non-renewable
sources must be offset by a GECA recognised carbon credit
provider.
GECA recognised carbon credit providers include:
- Landcare Carbon Smart
- Greenfleet
- Climate Friendly
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GECS acknowledges that Oddfellows
Pty Ltd has engaged in a carbon credit offsetting scheme with a
GECA recognised carbon credit provider, Climate Friendly, and is
compliant with the requirements of this criterion. |
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3.1.2.1 Lighting Routines
All non emergency lighting must be switched off after hours.
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Oddfellows switch off all
non-emergency lighting after hours. GECS has reviewed the
Oddfellows office Power Management Policy and found it to be
satisfactory and compliant with the requirement of this
criterion. |
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3.1.2.2 Light Bulbs
No incandescent light bulbs may be used. An exception is made
for applications where there is no low energy bulb on the market
for the fitting. Exceptions will be made in cases where the
tenant can prove they have no control over the systems in place.
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All the lights in the office are
of the fluorescent type, with exception to the lighting in the
some of the main meeting areas and lobby due to luminescence
issues. An exemption has been provided for this purpose.
Installations have been verified during site assessment. |
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3.1.3.1 Summer Cooling
Cooling systems must have their thermostats set at a minimum
temperature of 20°C for summer months.
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Following a review of Oddfellows
Power Management Policy dealing with cooling, GECS has found the
office under assessment to be compliant with the requirements of
this criterion; this was verified during site assessment. |
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3.1.3.2 Winter Heating
Heating systems must have their thermostats set at a maximum
temperature of 24°C for winter months.
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Following a review of Oddfellows
Power Management Policy dealing with cooling, GECS has found the
office under assessment to be compliant with the requirements of
this criterion; this was verified during site assessment. |
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3.1.3.3 Heating and Cooling
Routine
All heating and cooling systems must be switched off after
hours.
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All heating and cooling systems
are switched off after office hours as outlined in the power
management policy. |
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3.1.3.4 Water Heating
Instantaneous hot water systems (e.g., urns) involving hot water
storage must not be installed. Existing systems may be used, but
may only be replaced at end-of-life with energy efficient
alternatives, such as gas-preheaters or non-storage-based
systems.
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In the case that the
instantaneous hot water system currently installed in the
kitchen needs replacement, Oddfellows is committed to replacing
it with an energy efficient alternative, as advised by GECA. An
exemption has been provided on environmental grounds to maintain
the current system until replacement is needed. |
3.1.4.1 Use of Power Management Features
All appliances including computers capable of power management
must have these features switched on. Where possible a maximum
time of 15 minutes must be set for an appliance to be inactive
before it enters ‘suspend’ mode.
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GECS has reviewed the Oddfellows Power Management
Policy and found it to be compliant with the requirements of
this criterion. All appliances including computers capable of
power management have these features switched on with a 15
minute ‘suspend’ mode activation time. This has been verified
during site assessment. |
3.1.4.2 Appliance Routine
All computers must be shut off outside hours. Computers
performing a constant business function, such as servers, are
exempt from this requirement.
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All computers are shut off outside business hours
with the exception of computers performing a constant business
function, which are exempt from this criterion. |
3.2.1 Water Fittings
All water output fittings controlled by the service provider
must have a minimum 3 star water conservation rating as set by
the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA).
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GECS has reviewed a copy of Oddfellows Water
Saving Policy which stipulates that all water output fittings
controlled by Oddfellows must have a minimum 3 star water
conservation rating as set by the Water Services Association of
Australia (WSAA). Compliance to the requirements of this
criterion has been verified during site assessment of all water
fittings. |
3.2.2 Water Leaks
No apparent water leaks (from taps or bathrooms) should be
present on site.
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An automatic irrigation system is in place in the
office garden, which has been inspected during site assessment
to ensure compliance with local water-restrictions, as well as
efficient operation (without leaks). Oddfellows Water Saving
Policy stipulates that necessary maintenance should be performed
as soon as possible in the case of water leaks. GECS has also
reviewed recent maintenance invoices in relation to pending work
that is to be completed. On this basis GECS and has found
Oddfellows to be compliant with the requirements of this
criterion. |
3.3 Waste
3.3.1 Data Collection
A waste data sheet must be maintained by the office and planned
to be stored for a minimum of 3 years that measures at least 98%
of waste generated by mass. An example of a product flow data
sheet can be found in the appendix.
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The office under assessment makes use of
recycling bins; waste is separated into paper, glass and
plastic. The bins are emptied twice weekly by a private company.
All paper waste from the office is recycled through these bins.
GECS has reviewed a copy of Oddfellows Waste Management Policy
and found it to be compliant with the requirements of this
criterion. The policy stipulates 98% of waste generated by mass
will be measured and a waste management data sheet will be
maintained regularly by the Environmental Officer. |
3.3.2 Specific Waste Collection
IT equipment, office equipment, printing ink or toner refills
and fluorescent tubes or any other materials with hazardous
content must be collected for reuse or recycling if possible or
appropriate disposal by the manufacturer or a local collector
with an established and verifiable chain of custody.
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Equipment which leaves the service of the office
is usually sold on. Alternatively, IT equipment is often
recycled internally. A number of private companies provide
recycling services to Oddfellows, and these requirements have
been satisfied in the above criterion 3.3.1 Data Collection. In
addition, a service agreement with a waste contractor has been
reviewed as further evidence of compliance with this criterion. |
3.3.3 Paper Recycling
At least 70% of waste paper must be collected for recycling
where this waste stream represents more than 1 tonne per year.
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Paper recycling is undertaken by a private
contractor for the Oddfellows office. Under the current
Oddfellows Waste Management Policy, each person or section has
their own paper recycling bin, and each person or section is
required to follow the appropriate paper separation rules as
outlined in the Policy. Furthermore, Oddfellows uses A4 and A3
paper that is 100% chlorine free bleached and made from 100%
post-consumer waste paper. If Oddfellows uses more than 1 tonne
of paper in a year, the Waste Management Policy requires that at
least 70% of this paper be collected for recycling. |
3.3.4 Double Sided Printing
Printers capable of double sided printing must have this set as
the default method.
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During site assessment, GECS verified that 1
printer in the office is set to double-sided printing as the
default option; however other printers require constant
single-sided printing as a matter of professional format. This
is acceptable under the requirements of this criterion. |
3.4.1 Procurement System
A procurement system should be established which includes all
products purchased by the company in a year with a total mass
greater than 50 kilograms. This system should define the
product, source, quantity, cost and environmental credentials.
The procurement system should also contain all materials marked
as hazardous.
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GECS has reviewed a copy of procurement policy in
relation to environmental requirements and preference, as well
as a copy of a data sheet including categories for the type of
product, source, quantity, cost and environmental credentials
for all product purchases over 50kg. The procurement system
allows for the integration of the environmental officer into any
major procurement initiatives. |
3.4.2 Environmental Preference
Procurement systems must give preference to environmentally
preferable products. Environmentally preferable products are
those credited by GECA or other third party environmental
certification schemes delivered by non-profit, non-industry
entities.
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These requirements have been dealt with in the
above criterion 3.4.1 Procurement. GECS has reviewed the green
procurement policy and has found Oddfellows to give preference
to environmentally preferable products; Oddfellows will give
preference to GECA certified products. |
3.4.3 Paper Purchasing
All paper purchased must be at least 50% recycled fibre and be
Elemental Chlorine Free or be certified by GECA except where the
function is not performed by the paper, e.g. archival.
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These requirements have been dealt with in the
above criterion 3.3.3 Paper Recycling. GECS has reviewed the
green procurement policy and the details of all paper products
used. GECS has also reviewed copies of paper delivery dockets
showing continuity of supply and providing evidence of the use
of recycled paper in the office. |
3.4.4 Appliance Purchasing
All appliances purchased must be accredited by GECA or be Energy
Star compliant or equivalent.
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GECS has reviewed a copy of Oddfellows’ Green
Procurement Policy and IT Procurement Policy, which state that
all appliances purchased must be accredited by GECA or be Energy
Star compliant or equivalent. Oddfellows complies with the
requirements of this criterion. |
3.5 Working Conditions
Cleaning and maintenance requirements only apply when the tenant
is in charge of the cleaning contract or cleaning arrangements.
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It is understood that the office cleaning is
contracted. This criterion is not applicable to the Oddfellows
office. |
3.5.1 Facilities Maintenance
A facilities maintenance policy must be in place. Any
contract/arrangement must comply with Commonwealth Cleaning &
Hygiene Standards.
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GECS has reviewed copies of cleaning services
invoices for 2007 as well as service agreements. Facilities
maintenance is carried out by subcontractors as required. GECS
is satisfied that Oddfellows office meets the requirements of
this criterion. |
3.5.2 Cleaning Products
Cleaners shall be required to use low toxicity and low
sensitising cleaning products, or those certified by GECA.
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Oddfellows will take every reasonable step to
ensure that subcontracted cleaning companies use low toxicity
and low sensitising cleaning products, or those certified by
GECA. This is also a requirement of the Oddfellows’ Green
Procurement Policy. |
3.5.3 Chemical Exposure
The exposure of staff to chemicals must be lower than the
requirements set for OH&S by the National Industrial Chemicals
Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) or another relevant
regulatory body.
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The requirements of this criterion have been
dealt with in the above criterion 3.5.1 Facilities Maintenance
and 3.5.2 Cleaning Products. |
3.6.1 Environmental Manager
An individual must be in charge of environmental management for
the office.
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GECS has received confirmation that an
Environmental Officer has been put in charge of environmental
management in the Oddfellows office, and GECS has reviewed a
list of relevant duties that are the responsibility of the
Environmental Officer. |
3.6.2 Environmental Goals
The defined environmental goals established by this standard
must be readily accessible to staff and clients.
GECA requires that the environmental goals as outlined in the
waste, power and water management policies are easily accessible
by staff and that particular goals relating to power saving and
recycling are understood.
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Oddfellows have demonstrated a commitment to
staff understanding of environmental goals in the office. This
is evident following a review of the staff induction program,
the “Cool Change” office initiative which incorporates readily
accessible stickers/signs that are placed around the office, as
well as a comprehendible staff handout that clearly outlines
waste, power and water management policies. |
3.6.3 Education of Current Staff
All current staff must be educated in how to use the
environmental systems put in place for this standard.
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This requirement has been dealt with in the above
criteria 3.6.1 Environmental Manager and 3.6.2. Environmental
Goals. GECS is satisfied with the staff training programs that
deal with the use of environmental systems put in place and
regulated by the Environmental Manager at Oddfellows. |
3.6.4 Education of New Staff
New staff must be educated in how to use the environmental
systems as a part of their introduction to the workplace.
Education must be followed up to ensure that workers understand
the environmental systems in place.
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GECS has reviewed a copy of the staff
induction/training policy as evidence of compliance with the
requirements of this criterion. |
3.6.5 Environmental Prompts
Where temporary staff or customers come into contact with
environmental systems, prompts must be in place to explain their
use.
Compliance with this criterion can be established by showing
that adequate information is available where temporary staff are
likely to come in contact with a Oddfellows environmental
system. For example information on power management and
recycling could be posted at key locations around the office.
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GECS has viewed copies of the prompts that are
posted at key locations around the office, which serve to guide
new, existing and temporary staff in the policies and procedures
of environmental management. This has also been verified during
site assessment. |
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