Eco-label FAQ

Can my product get a Green Star rating?

No. Materials and products play an important role in the “greenness” of building. Green Star rates whole buildings, or interior fitouts, and while no individual building product or material can achieve a Green Star rating, the materials and products that are used in a building can contribute to that building achieving Green Star certification.

How does my product relate to Green Star?

Products and Materials relate to Green Star in two different ways:

Firstly, the use of environmentally friendly products is rewarded. That means products manufactured to reduce their environmental impact are rewarded, for example, paints, carpets and insulation that have been given the Environmental Choice “tick”. In addition steel and concrete with recycled content, and timber with environmental certification are also rewarded.

Secondly, your product may fit in if it contributes to the overall greenness of the building. Examples here include low-water flow fittings, highly efficient heating systems and even bicycle storage systems. In this case, it's how the product is used, not the way it was manufactured that’s important.

My product already has an eco-label that is not currently recognised by the NZGBC. What can I do to get my product recognised?

If your product has an eco-label that is not currently recognised by the NZGBC, please refer to the Product Certification area of the Green Building Council of Australia's website. This provides further details on how the product certification scheme providing the eco-label can apply for assessment against the GBCA Assessment Framework. A submission may be made by the product certification scheme or by another party on their behalf, provided the appropriate documentation can be supplied.

Is third party certification the only path for me to get my product recognised within Green Star?

In certain Credits, Green Star also recognises products and materials that feature other environmental attributes such as high percentages of recycled content, product stewardship schemes and ISO14001 or EnviroMark. Further information can be found on the Green Star Excel Tools.

How can I find out what the standard is for my product?

All the standards relating to products and materials are set out clearly in the Green Star tools. These are freely downloadable from this website. Familiarise yourself with these so that when a specifier asks you whether your product will help them get a Green Star rating - you’ll know the answer.

How do I know which eco-labels are accepted by the NZGBC?

Eco-labels that are currently recognised by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC) are listed on the Recognised Eco-label page of this website.

Are any new eco-labels being recognised by the NZGBC?

As an eco-label successfully passes the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) Assessment Framework, it is listed on the Recognised Eco-label page of this website.

What is the GBCA Assessment Framework?

The GBCA Assessment Framework for Product Certification Schemes was released in June 2009, as part of the GBCA's ongoing review of the Green Star environmental rating system for buildings.

The new Assessment Framework is the result of extensive dialogue with Green Star stakeholders in Australia, the appointment of an independent Expert Reference Panel and feedback from manufacturers and building industry professionals. The GBCA has developed the new Assessment Framework to:

  • clarify best practice benchmarks and establish expectations for manufacturers and suppliers of fitout products, as well as for the certification schemes that are recognised through Green Star
  • reduce the costs of product certification for manufacturers and suppliers
  • reduce the costs and commercial barriers associated with Green Star fitouts.

Want to find out more?

NZGBC runs special forums for its members who are in the business of manufacturing and supplying building products and materials. Join the New Zealand Green Building Council and find out more about the opportunities to promote your green product to a rapidly growing market.

 

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