Green Star and ESD Engineering

Green Star and ESD Engineering: Your Partner in Sustainable Design

Organica's commitment to sustainable development is not just a service we offer; it's a passion that drives us. Our team stands as a centre of experience in the realm of Green Star and ESD Engineering. We understand that navigating the complexities of Green Star certification can be daunting, and we're here to make that journey smoother and more achievable for your project.

Navigating the Green Star Certification Pathway

The Green Star certification process can be daunting, but a Green Star certified project is valuable to the market, and certification brings many financial and environmental benefits. Green Star certification is managed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It is a comprehensive, desktop assessment conducted by independent 3rd party assessors who are industry peers. It's a pathway we have navigated many times. With a history of over 300 Green Star assessments as an auditor for the GBCA, and our roles as a GBCA Technical Panel Member and Green Star Faculty Member, we bring a depth of knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the certification process.

why work with us?

Over 300+ Successful Projects and Still Counting

A Record of Excellence

Our journey in the sustainability sector is marked by over 300 Green Star audits and a portfolio of award-winning projects designs. We bring this wealth of experience to your project, ensuring a high standard of excellence and achievement.

Comprehensive Sustainability Integration

We go beyond just point scoring in Green Star, incorporating a wide array of sustainability aspects into your projects. From innovative water-sensitive designs to cutting-edge energy-efficient solutions, we ensure your project is a benchmark in sustainable development.

Tailored Strategies for Unique Challenges

We recognize the distinct challenges and goals each project presents. Our team is dedicated to developing bespoke strategies and solutions that align seamlessly with your specific sustainability objectives.

about us

Collaborative Partnership for Sustainable Futures

Organica Engineering’s approach to Green Star services is tailored to the unique sustainability goals of each project. We offer in-depth support throughout the Green Star certification process, from initial registration to final assessment. Our expertise encompasses sustainable design, greenhouse gas reduction, water usage efficiency, and effective Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD) management plans.

We see our clients not just as customers but as partners in the journey towards a more sustainable future. Whether you are managing a new development or seeking to retrofit existing properties, we bring a collaborative approach, ensuring that your vision for sustainability is realised in every aspect of the project.

approach

Discover how we make a difference to your project

  • Sustainable Design Integration: Drawing from our experience in projects like the Knox Regional Netball Centre, we integrate sustainable design principles that not only meet but exceed Green Star requirements.
  • Energy and Water Usage Reduction: Leveraging our work in projects such as the Bayswater Early Years Hubs and the Mulgrave Reserve Pavilion, we implement strategies to significantly reduce occupant bills as well as greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.
  • ESD Management Plans: Our experience in developing dozens of ESD management plans for projects such as the Springvale Business Park project and the Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve demonstrates our capability to create comprehensive ESD strategies.
  • Green Star Submission and Auditing: With a track record of over 300 Green Star audits, we offer unparalleled expertise in preparing and auditing Green Star submissions, ensuring a smooth certification process.
  • Training and Education: Reflecting our educational roles at the GBCA and also RMIT and Melbourne Universities, we provide training and workshops to empower your team with sustainable practices and Green Star knowledge.

Embark on your journey towards Green Star certification and sustainable excellence. Contact us to discuss how we can assist you in achieving your sustainability goals. Together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable future.

Our Services

At Organica Engineering, we understand the importance of integrating sustainability into every stage of a project, especially during the design and construction of new buildings. With our expertise in energy modelling and extensive knowledge of energy efficiency standards, we are confident that our tailored approach will provide unparalleled value for your new building.

Schematic Design Building Modelling

-Prepare a building energy model, allowing JV3 energy reports, thermal comfort modelling plus renewable energy and daylight modelling.
-Review the ESD aspects of the project to ensure the project is designed to optimise energy, water, IEQ, renewables and embodied materials outcomes.
-Undertake an Life Cycle Assessment for the building to understand the main embodied carbon and LCA lifecycle opportunities.
-Complete other water, ecology or other calculators as needed.

Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) reports

-Review of schematic design documents, and creating SMP / SDA reports with toolkits such as BESS, Council Guidelines or Green Star.
-Review of Council or other guidelines and planning policies around sustainable design requirements.
-Collaborative engagement with the design team to optimise energy efficiency measures, including passive design strategies, building orientation, insulation, glazing, and HVAC systems.
-Utilising stormwater (InSite, MUSIC or STORM) modelling to simulate the building's performance under various scenarios.
-Create an SMP for submission to Council for gaining Town Planning approvals, and to guide the design team in applying ESD for the project.

Detailed Section J Building Energy Reports

-Preliminary assessment and compliance with Section J requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).
-A choice of either DtS or JV3 methodology – whichever best suits the project.
-Comprehensive reporting of the building's energy performance, providing accurate calculations of energy usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and thermal performance.
-Clear documentation for building surveyor compliance with energy efficiency regulations for certification and regulatory purposes.

Green Star Submissions

Our Green Star Submission services empower your sustainable building projects by ensuring compliance with rigorous environmental standards. Here’s a concise overview:

Green Star Certification: We guide you through the entire process of achieving Green Star certification for your building. Our experts help you select the appropriate rating tool, assess your project’s sustainability performance, and compile the necessary documentation.
Tailored Strategies: We develop customized sustainability strategies aligned with your project’s goals. From energy efficiency to water conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality, our solutions optimize your building’s performance.
Documentation and Coordination: Our team assists in preparing comprehensive submissions, including detailed evidence of sustainable design features. We coordinate with relevant authorities, ensuring a smooth submission process.
Continuous Improvement: Beyond certification, we support ongoing performance monitoring and improvement. Our services extend to post-occupancy evaluations, helping you maintain and enhance your building’s green credentials.

Renewable Energy Integration

-Analysis and recommendations for integrating renewable energy sources such as solar PV systems or battery systems to further reduce the building's carbon footprint.
-Evaluation of potential energy generation and cost savings through renewable energy installations.

- Review and specification of sustainable transport options such as Electric Vehicle Parking



Detailed Section J Building Energy Reports

-Guidance on metering and monitoring of the building's ongoing energy performance to ensure it aligns with the initial design intent.
-Prediction of energy loads to allow facilities managers proactive identification of any deviations or optimisation opportunities for continuous energy savings.

What Our Clients Say

RMIT University’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct

RMIT’s building 55 project manager

Hi Ian, Thought you might like to know we achieved our 5 Star Green Star for our
B55 project. Thanks for your assistance!”

Incoll (Savills) Melbourne Fitout

Savills Project Management Team

We are very pleased to let you know that the Incoll Melbourne Fitout Project has achieved a 5 Star rating with
64 points having been awarded. As you can imagine we are ecstatic with this result.
We wish to extend our thanks and gratitude to you for all your assistance throughout the Green Star submission process. Your assistance has been a valuable contribution in achieving our 5 star rating. It has also been a pleasure meeting you and working with you towards our Green Star Results. We look forward to any opportunity in the future to working with you again

Recent Projects



City of Port Phillip  Council Kindergartens 2024

ESD for City of Port Phillip for the art deco 1920’s Clarendon Children's Centre the project was to substantially renovate Clarendon Children’s Centre to provide fit-for-purpose modern facilities to increase capacity from current 40 places to at least 64 licensed places. Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) report and Section J building energy reports, thermal comfort modelling plus renewable energy and daylight modelling.

Knox City Council 2022

Knox Regional Netball Centre. Organica Engineering was GSAP and successfully prepared the Green Star submission for this Netball Stadium in the Knox LGA.

4 Star Green Star Certified

The all electric stadium had many innovative features such as a large solar array with Redflow Zink Bromide battery backup system, electric vehicle charging, WSUD drainage and heat recovery ventilation.

Franzé Developments Pty Ltd 2020

Springvale Business Park – Commercial and light industrial precinct development. Created a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) for town planning approvals, BESS reporting, stormwater modelling (STORM) and ESD detailed design for this commercial development.

City of Port Phillip Council Kindergartens 2024 

ESD for City of Port Phillip for The Avenue Children’s Centre The Avenue Children’s Centre, 39 The Avenue, Balaclava. Work included preparing an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) report and Section J building energy reports, thermal comfort modelling plus renewable energy and daylight modelling.

City of Port Phillip Council Kindergartens 2024 

This project was for adaptive reuse of this 1920s Art Deco building to create a space the was health, comfortable and up to modern standards. Sustainable design for Lilian Cannam Kindergarten, 97 Eastern Road, South Melbourne. Services included Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) report and Section J building energy reports plus renewable, embodied energy, thermal comfort JV3 energy modelling and daylight modelling.

Knox City Council 2020

Bayswater Early Years Hubs. Created a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), renewable energy and battery feasibility report, section J report and acted as ESD Engineer for the detailed design and construction of the project.
•Winner 2019 International Architectural MasterPrize awards- The Bayswater project was announced winner of the Architectural Design/Green Architecture category in the 2019 International Architectural MasterPrize Awards. This award is one of the most respected awards globally.
•Winner 2020 – Victorian Chapter - Australian Institute of Architects Award for Sustainable Architecture. The Jury acknowledged the project as demonstrating excellence and innovation though the seemingly balanced integration of Process, Design and Performance within the field of Sustainable Design.
•Winner 2020 – Victorian Chapter - Australian Institute of Architects Award for Sustainable Architecture - The Jury acknowledged the project as demonstrating excellence and innovation though the seemingly balanced integration of Process, Design and Performance within the field of Sustainable Design.

Knox City Council 2019

Wantirna Early Years Hub. Created a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), a Section J energy report, and acted as ESD Engineer for the detailed design and construction of the project.
oWinner 2020 LGPro awards -The LGPro Awards for excellence recognise and celebrate outstanding projects and initiatives being delivered by Councils across Victoria. In 2020, both projects were finalists in the category of Community Assets and Infrastructure - Over $2 million.

Merri-Bek (Moreland) Council 2023

Oak Park Kindergarten. Extension of kindergarten to Moreland Council Capital Works ESD Policy standards. Work included computer energy simulations for BCA Section J JV3 modelling, daylight simulations, LCA reports, SDA using BESS and STORM tools. 

Melton Council 2020

Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve two-storey sports pavilion
Created a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP), Section J and WSUD reports and acted as ESD Engineer for the detailed design of the project.

Brimbank City Council 2021

Lionheart Reserve Tennis Pavilion
Work included an SMP supported by a Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) report. A stormwater pollution (InSite Water) report showing compliance with Melbourne Water Best Practice stormwater standards, and a BCA section J compliance report.

Knox City Council 2024

Fairpark Reserve Multipurpose Community Facility Ferntree Gully. ESD engineering, Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) in line with Knox Council’s sustainable building policy, and BCA Section J report.
The sports hub features the following facilities:
•football pavilion
•cricket pavilion
•University of the Third Age (U3A) centre.

Merri-Bek (Moreland) Council 2023

Derby Street Kindergarten. Extension of kindergarten to Moreland Council Capital Works ESD Policy standards. Work included computer energy simulations for BCA Section J JV3 modelling, daylight simulations, LCA reports, SDA using BESS and STORM tools.

Court Services Victoria 2023

ESD Engineer and Section J report on upgrade and refurbishment works of sections of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
Reviewing CSV ESD guidelines and recommending energy performance and thermal performance upgrades for this heritage building.

We’d love to talk about what matters to you.
Book a 20 minute chat with us about your project:

Organica Engineering