USG
Sustainability Table
USG Guide for Green Star NZ Rating Tool
USG
Ceilings and Green Star NZ Rating Tool
As populations grow and natural resources are depleted ever more
rapidly, consumers have become increasingly aware of the need to
conserve energy, manage the use of raw materials, reduce waste and
safeguard against pollutants. In response, many developers and
owners now demand buildings with materials and technologies that
will help save energy, preserve the integrity of the surrounding
land, and assure a clean, healthy indoor environment.
The most widely accepted national guidelines for environmentally
conscious building is Green Star NZ, developed by the New Zealand
Green Building Council. As a founding member since 1993 of the
United States Green Building Council (USGBC), and members of both
the Australian and New Zealand councils, USG is committed to
helping architects and builders create structures that efficiently
meet the needs of occupants while also protecting the surrounding
environment.
| Where USG Acoustical Ceiling Products May Assist in Gaining Green Star NZ points.. | |||
| Green Star NZ Category | Credit Name | USG Product Group | Products that May Assist in Qualifying or Credit |
| Indoor Environmental Quality | Indoor Air Quality | USG Acoustical Ceiling Systems | All USG products are low emitters of VOCs and formaldehyde and meet the most stringent requirements for emission. |
| Daylight, electrical lighting levels | USG Acoustical Ceiling Systems | Using high Light Reflectance (LR) ceiling materials such as USG’s acoustical ceiling panels (LR of .76 to .89) can reduce required luminaries of design space, therefore energy consumption, and improve the quality and quantity of natural light. | |
| Internal Noise levels | USG Acoustical Ceiling Systems | USG manufacture high performance acoustical ceilings tiles that deliver high NRC – Noise Reduction Coefficient (related to the reverberation time of a material) levels, while maintaining excellent CAC – Ceiling Attenuation Class (measurement of the sound transmission of a material) values. These tiles can assist acoustics engineers to maintain the correct acoustic level. | |
| Energy | Lighting | USG Acoustical ceiling Systems | Ceiling panels with high light reflectance (LR) can reduce the number of light fixtures needed, curbing energy consumption. |
| Materials | Shell and Core or Integrated Fitout | USG Acoustical ceiling Systems | USG Donn Brand suspension system with its patented Quick Release Clip (QRC) makes it easy to disassemble and reuse. |
|
Ceilings and, Recycled Content & Reused Products |
When used with a durable cast acoustical ceiling tile you have a system that can be reused in the future. | ||
| Steel | USG Ceiling Suspension Systems | USG Donn Brand suspension system with its patented Quick Release Clip (QRC) makes it easy to disassemble and reuse. | |
| USG Steel Stud Partitions | USG Steel Studs are manufactured locally using NZ Steel, can be demounted and re-used and are fully recyclable | ||
| Green Star NZ Tools |
Currently, the Green Star NZ rating tools are: For more detailed information on how USG can help achieve points on this specific tool, refer to the corresponding guide available from www.greenusg.co.nz, www.nzgbc.org.nz or by contacting your local USG representative. |
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| Where USG products help with a Holistic Approach to ESD | |||
| Area | Title | USG Product Group | Products In Keeping With ESD Principals |
| Indoor Environmental Quality | Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) | USG Acoustical Ceiling Systems | All USG products are low emitters of VOCs and meet the most stringent requirements for emission. |
| USG Steel Stud Partitions | No emissions from steel compared to treated timber | ||
| Formaldehyde Minimisation | USG Acoustical Ceiling Systems | USG offers a wide selection of standard ceilings that satisfy stringent IEQ requirements and guidelines related to VOC and formaldehyde emissions. More than 20 ceiling families deliver zero- or low-emissions performance. | |
| USG Steel Stud Partitions | No emissions from steel compared to treated timber | ||
| Mould Prevention | USG Acoustical ceiling Systems | USG address the issue of mould and microbial growth by providing acoustical ceiling tiles treated with a USG-patented antimicrobial treatment that provides broad spectrum control for mould/mildew. | |
| USG Steel Stud Partitions | Steel does not support mould or mildew growth if subjected to damp or wet conditions | ||
| Materials | Recycled Content | USG Acoustical ceiling Systems | USG Ceiling products are high in recycled content, while maintaining a high durability index or life expectancy. |
| USG Steel Ceiling Suspension and Steel Stud Systems | USG steel products are manufactured locally using primarily local manufactured NZ Steel, can be demounted and re-used and are fully recyclable | ||
| USG Fiberock (branded in NZ as GIB Toughrock) | USG steel products can be de-installed and reused in other areas where practical | ||
| Reuse | USG Steel Ceiling Suspension and Steel Stud Systems | USG steel products can be de-installed and reused in other areas where practical | |