ESD Feasibility Checklist - frankston.vic.gov.au · ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance Install

ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance

ESD Feasibility Checklist: A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to

improve environmental performance

The Greening Frankston's Children Centres Project is supported by the Victorian Government Sustainability Fund, managed by Sustainability Victoria

Version 1.0: 31/05/2010

OBBIE Ref.: A868827

For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 1


There are a significant number of requirements placed on children facilities such as the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD), Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OH&S) and the Victoria Building Code (VBC). These requirements, that sometimes conflict, relate to matters such as amount of lighting, amount of space allowed for each child etc. When undertaking measures to save energy and water, it is important that facility managers know how to fit Ecological Sustainable Design (ESD) measures within these constraints. A Feasibility Checklist, developed under the Greening Frankston's Children Centres Project, will aid decision making by Facility Managers, Pre-School Presidents and Management Committees on the different sustainability measures against current requirements.

Prepared by EnviroGroup, 16 Beach Street, Frankston, Victoria 3199, Ph: (03) 9781 4005

www.envirogroup.com.au

Prior to implementing any of the following ESD meas ures, please ensure you contact Council's Children Services Support Officer on 03 9784 1862. It is rec ommended that for all measures a risk assessment is undertaken to address issues such as occupational h ealth and safety and hazardous building material.



Glossary

Cooling systems

Draught proofing and weather-sealing

Heating systems

Hot water systems

Reverse Cycle Air ConditionerEnergy Rating LabelGas Space Heaters

Instantaneous Hot WaterElectric Storage Hot Water Solar Hot Water

Ceiling Fan Evaporative CoolingReverse Cycle Air Conditioner

Energy Rating Label

Weather Stripping Anodised Weather SealWeather Frame Seal

Hydronic Heating

The energy efficiency of air conditioners is reflected in a compulsory energy star rating labelling scheme for units up to

7.5 kW cooling capacity (most ducted systems are not rated). Energy star ratings are available at

www.energyrating.gov.au - the more stars shown on the label the more efficient the unit. The Energy Rating label also

gives an estimate of the annual electricity consumption. Accurate sizing is essential before buying a unit and should

include a detailed heat load survey of the building by a qualified technician recommended by a units manufacturer or

retailer. It is recommended that you buy air conditioners with at least 5-6 stars and that you opt for fans and

evaporative coolers which use 1/10th of the power. For reverse cycle air conditioners, ensure that the output capacity

is expressed in kilowatts (kW).

Drafts are an important source of heat gain and loss for many buildings. Windows and doors are the major source of

drafts, however, a large range of weather strips and door seals are available. See: www.raven.com.au for

comprehensive information on weather sealing possibilities.

Central or space heating with natural gas is one of the most efficient and economical methods of commercial heating.

If gas is not available, an efficient reverse cycle air conditioner is also a good option. Most heaters display an Energy

Rating label with 1 to 6 stars. This label identifies the energy efficiency of the heater—the more stars, the more

efficient.

Hydronic units are also an efficient means of heating and uses hot water to provide a highly effective form of central

heating. In most hydronic systems, the water is heated in a boiler, and then pumped through piping to panel radiators

or convectors positioned in each room. Heat is transferred directly from these to the room air.

The two main types of hot water systems are storage and instantaneous water heaters. With storage systems, water

is heated and stored in an insulated tank ready for use throughout the day, and operate most economically on solar

energy, natural gas or off-peak electricity. Instantaneous systems heat water only when required, are smaller in size

than storage systems, and can be installed internally in a cupboard or externally on a wall. All gas water heaters and

solar water heaters with gas boosters display Energy Rating labels with star ratings for energy efficiency. The more

stars, the more energy efficient the water heater and the lower its operating costs. Hot water systems must also be

sized to meet the businesses hot water requirements. This is typically reflected by water use patterns within the

business.



Hot water pipes

Insulation

Lighting

LED Light

T5 Fluorescent Tube

Compact Fluorescent Lamp

Foam Tube Insulation

Reflective Insulation Bulk Insulation

Incandescent Lamp Halogen Lamp

Insulating hot water pipes between the tank and the taps will help to minimise heat loss from the pipes. Synthetic

rubber or foam tube insulation is best for this purpose.

Insulation products come in two main categories – bulk and reflective. Bulk insulation (e.g. . Greenstuf insulation

batts) works to block air movement that would move heat out of a building. Reflective insulation (e.g. Aircell

reflective insulation) uses aluminium foil to reduce radiant heat entering the building. The two insulation types can

be used effectively together. To compare the insulating ability of the products look at their R-value , which measures

the resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value the higher the level of insulation. The appropriate degree of

insulation will depend on climate, building construction type, and whether auxiliary heating/cooling is to be used. For

cool temperate regions within and around Melbourne, the minimum material R-value as set out in the Building Code

of Australia is 3.5-3.7 for roofs/ceilings and 2.2 for walls. The minimum material R-value for a suspended floor

(without in-slab heating) is 1. It is generally advisable to exceed these minimum requirements for greater comfort

and savings.

Incandescent lamps - Incandescent lamps are the most inefficient form of artificial lighting. They work by heating an

electric element to white heat, and produce more heat than light. They have a typical life of only about 1,000 hours.

Halogen lamps - Tungsten halogen lamps are more efficient than standard bulbs. However, they are not a good form

of general lighting and are most suitable for display or feature lighting. For example, it requires about four 50W

halogen down lights to provide the same level of general room lighting as a normal 75W bulb. A more efficient type

of halogen is known as an IRC (Infra Red Coated) lamp. These use about 30% less energy to produce the same

amount of light as a standard halogen.

Fluorescent tubes - Fluorescent lamps are very efficient for areas where lighting is required for long periods of time

and they have a life of between 8000-16000 hours. The most efficient tubes have a ‘triphosphor’ coating and will

produce about 15% more light for the same electrical energy as a standard tube.

Compact fluorescent lamps - Compacts have all the energy saving benefits of standard fluorescent tubes, plus they

have a bayonet fitting so they can be used to replace incandescent lamps. Their extended life makes sense where

maintenance and replacement are difficult.

LED - Light emitting diodes are a relatively new lighting technology and have the potential to be a very efficient light

source. Although their light output is limited, they have a long life of 50,000-100,000 hours. This makes them very

useful for lamps in hard to get at places.



Shading

Tap ware

Toilets

Fixed Eaves Horizontal Louvre System Retractable Awning

WELS Rating Label for Dual

Flush Toilets

4 Star Rated

Dual Flush ToiletSingle Flush Toilet

Shade Cloth Roller Shutters Adjustable External Blind

Pillar Tap

(with no flow restrictors)WELS Rating Label

6 Star Rated Lever-operated

Basin Tap

Shading of a building and outdoor spaces reduces summer temperatures, improves comfort and saves energy.

Shading requirements vary according to climate and building orientation. For north-facing windows, fixed or

adjustable shading placed horizontally above the window is recommended. For example, eaves, awnings or

horizontal louvre systems, and removable shade cloth over pergolas or sails. For east and west-facing windows,

adjustable vertical screens outside the window are recommended. For example, sliding screens, louvre screens,

shutters, retractable awnings or adjustable external blinds.

The national Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme provides information about

the efficiency of tap ware, toilets, dishwashers, showers and flow controllers. The water efficiency rating is displayed

on WELS products in the form of a blue 'star rating label' – the more stars, the more water efficient. Typical taps (with

no flow restrictions) discharge 15 to 18 litres per minute compared with low-flow and aerating models which use as

little as 3 litres per minute.

The WELS Scheme also applies to modern dual flushing toilets - the more stars, the more water efficient. Single flush

toilets generally consume between 9 to 11 litres per flush, where as a dual flush toilet such as a 4 star rated model

only consumes an average of 3.7 litres per flush. Water star ratings are available at www.waterrating.gov.au



Abbreviations

DEECD

ESD

OH&S

VBC

Ecologically Sustainable Development - using, conserving and enhancing the communities resources so that the ecological processes, on which life depends, are maintained, and that the total quality of life, now

and in the future, can be increased.

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development - provides the Victorian Government with policy and planning advice for all stages of education and childhood development.

Occupational Health and Safety - the promotion and maintenance of the safety, health and welfare of people engaged in work or employment.

Victorian Building Code - the minimum construction standards set by Victorian law for public safety and health.



Install adjustable vertical screens outside

window. For example, sliding screens, louvre

screens, shutters, retractable awnings or

adjustable external blinds. Also consider adding

reflective or heat absorbing film to minimize

solar gain in summer and heat loss in winter.

Planting deciduous trees directly east or west of

the building will also provide shade from

summer sun, while allowing the sun through in

winter.

OH&S VBCDEECD

Ensure that foil or aluminium batts are not

installed over electrical wiring and that fire-

resistant enclosures are installed over down

light fittings. Also favour insulation materials

that have fire retardant properties. A

certified provider should replace/retrofit any

new insulation.

Ensure that minimum insulation levels have a

material R-value of 3.5-3.7 for ceilings, 2.2 for

walls, and 1 for suspended floors.

All new conditioned spaces or habitable rooms

must restrict air infiltration by fitting seals to

the edges of doors and openable windows.

These requirements do not apply to fire or

smoke doors, or roller shutter doors. Seals

required by external doors or the edges of an

openable window may be a foam or rubber

compression strip, or a fibrous seal.

YES NO GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Install a combination of bulk and reflective

insulation in the ceilings, walls and floors (if

applicable), with the minimum required material

R-value for each structural component of the

building (i.e. as set out in the Building Code of

Australia - refer to Glossary).

Use special door and window seals. Seal around

skirting boards, ceilings and unused vents.

Install fixed or adjustable shading placed

horizontally above the window. For example,

awnings, eaves or horizontal louvre systems,

and removable shade cloth over pergolas or

sails. Also consider adding reflective or heat

absorbing film to minimize solar gain in summer

and heat loss in winter.

Adequate shading has been installed

above north-facing windows.

Windows are located and sized

appropriately to provide natural light.

Adequate shading has been installed

above east & west-facing windows.

Drafts and air leakage has been

adequately sealed.

Main areas of occupancy are orientated

north to maximise winter sun and

minimise summer sun.

Adequate natural lighting must be provided in rooms

that are occupied by children for more than 15 hours a

week.

Skylights and solar tubes can also make a major

contribution to the energy efficiency of new or

existing buildings. Daylight is an excellent

source of cool light and most often

accompanied by less heat gain than most types

of artificial lights.

Ensure that all new glazing complies with

Australian standards and bears a

manufacturer's stamp certifying compliance.

Windows that are easily accessible to children

should have grade A safety glazing or shatter-

proof perspex installed.

Indoor and outdoor spaces must include adequate

shading to protect children from harmful sun exposure.

Ensure that shading devices are tamper-proof

and that retractable awnings and louvre

systems are positioned out of reach from

children.

Ensure that shading devices are tamper-proof

and that retractable awnings, louvre systems

and adjustable blinds are positioned out of

reach from children.

Maximum insulation has been provided

in the ceiling, walls & floors.

ESD

A. Insulation, shading and draught proofing



Heating and air-conditioning units must be

capable of being deactivated when the

building served is unoccupied. All supply and

return ductwork must also be sealed and

insulated.

Install a high efficiency natural gas system (if gas

is available), hydronic heating or reverse cycle

split system inverter with a 5-6 star rating.

Accurate sizing is essential before buying a unit,

and should include a detailed heat load survey

by a qualified technician recommended by the

heater’s manufacturer or retailer. As a guide,

allow 100W heat output per m2 of floor area if

ceilings are insulated, and 80W per m2 if both

ceilings and walls are insulated.

Install ceiling fans, evaporative cooling or a

reverse cycle split system inverter with a 5-6 star

rating.

ESD YES NO DEECD OH&S VBCGENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

B. Heating and cooling

Thermostat temperature is set efficiently

and installed in an appropriate area that

is representative of the room's

temperature.

Ensure fan heaters have a safety switch to cut

power off if fan stops or heater overheats.

Also position heaters to avoid intake blockage

or fallen debris.

Ceiling fans should be positioned at least

2.4m above floor level to reduce risk of injury.

Cooling systems are energy efficient and

appropriately sized.

Heating systems are energy efficient and

appropriately sized.

A single ceiling fan with a blade rotation

diameter of 900mm must serve a floor area of

no more than 15m2. A ceiling fan with a blade

rotation diameter of 1200mm must serve a

floor area of no more than 25m2. Evaporative

coolers must be fitted with a self-closing

damper or like when serving a heated space or

a habitable room.

Set thermostat to 20oC or less for heating &

25oC or more for cooling, and install away from

areas that are subject to extreme temperature

fluctuations (i.e. near windows).

Rooms are zoned or grouped and

divided up as needed for economical

heating and cooling.



YES NO DEECD OH&S VBC

Set timer so that hot water unit is on only when

required (e.g. 12 hours per day instead of 24

hours per day).

Install or replace old appliances with high

efficiency models that have a 5-6 star energy

rating.

Fridges are running efficiently.

Timers installed on hot water boilers.

Install or replace old appliances with high

efficiency models that have a 5-6 star energy

and water rating.

Set timers to come on once a day and a few

hours before use in order to inhibit the

growth and consumption of harmful bacteria.

A timer must be capable of being overridden

by a manual switch.

Set thermostat to 3oC to 5

oC for the fridge and -

15oC to -18

oC for the freezer.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Install energy saving devices with an easily

accessible remote switch.

Office appliances are turned off at the

power switch when building is

unoccupied.

Install adequate power points and circuits.

This will reduce the need for cords to trail

across walkways.

Kitchen appliances been upgraded in the

last 5-10 years, are sized appropriately

and operating efficiently.

ESD

C. Appliances

Office appliances have been upgraded in

the last 3-5 years or are energy efficient.



Lighting required for ceilings must be sealed,

or capable of being sealed.

Ensure that there is sufficient lighting for the

task required. The Standards Association of

Australia (AS/NZS

1680) recommends minimum lighting levels

for different purposes. Hallways, corridors

and walkways require a minimum illuminance

of 40 lux, stairs used intermittently require 80

lux, entrance halls and foyers require 160 lux,

continuously occupied areas with easy

visual tasks of reading and writing require 240

lux, and office spaces require 320 lux. It may

also be possible to provide general lighting at

160 lux in

combination with well designed task lighting

providing

320 lux.

A certified electrician should replace any

inefficient globes and light fittings.

A timer switch for internal lighting must have a

manual "off" device, be capable of detecting a

person before they have entered 1m into the

space, and not control more than an area of

500m2 with a single sensor.

ESD YES NO DEECD

Delamp unnecessary lights and rewire switches

so that one switch does not control all fixtures.

Replace incandescent, halogens and T8

fluorescent lights with energy saving compact

fluorescent lamps, LED lights or T5 fluorescent

lights.


Provide timer switches or light sensors in

remote or seldom used areas where there will

be brief occupancy periods. Signage around the

facility will also aid as a reminder to staff

members to switch off lights when they are not

in use.

Lights are switched off when room or

building is unoccupied.

Lighting design is adequate.

VBC

D. Lighting

Lighting is energy efficient.

OH&S



Install a high efficiency gas system

(instantaneous or storage) or a solar hot water

system (if applicable).

Insulation provided on piping must be

protected against the effects of weather, be

able to withstand the temperatures within the

piping and achieve a material R-Value of 1.0.

Replace single flush toilets by installing a water

efficient system

VBC

The location and design of toilets and washing facilities

must enable safe use by the children.


E. Water Heating & Water Utilisation

Must be installed by CEC (Clean Energy Council) certified

installer.

YES NO DEECD OH&S

Install flow restrictors or replace taps with a high

WELS rated model that is equivalent to no more

than 2-4 litres/minute. Ensure the preferred

model is appropriate for the water pressure

within the facility- a quality plumber should

provide advice on this.

An outdoor space of at least 7m2 must be provided for

each child - ensure installation of tanks does not

decrease required space per child. In addition, ensure

that the proposed location for the tank does not impact

on a neighbour's amenity (e.g. sitting, noise or visual

impact).

Set hot water temperature to 60oC - 65

oC to

prevent pathogens in water.

Adequate and age-appropriate toilets and washing

facilities must be provided for the use of children.

For toilet flushing and irrigation, a tank should

have a minimum capacity of 5000-10,000L.

Tank sizing is dependant on local climate, usage

patterns and roof catchment area.

Instantaneous hot water systems should be

set at 50oC or less to prevent scalding. Install

tempering valves in existing systems to

reduce temperature of hot water.

Uninsulated pipes can become extremely hot

and scald when touched.

Ensure that rainwater is only utilised for toilet

water use and irrigation purposes, not for

consumption. Tank outlets should also been

securely fenced off, and any electrical

switches, wiring or pumps must be isolated

(i.e. caged, boxed or fenced off).

A certified plumber should replace/retrofit an

existing hot water service.

ESD

Toilet systems (or cisterns) been

upgraded in last 10-15 years and are

water efficient.

Hot water pipes are insulated and

lengths of pipe kept to a minimum.

Hot water temperature is set efficiently.

Hot water system is sized appropriately

for number of occupants and is water

efficient.

Renewable energy sources (such as solar

electricity) have been considered or

included.

Rainwater storage tanks have been

included.

Tap ware has been upgraded in last 10

years or has flow restrictors installed,

and is water efficient.



There are numerous simple and cost-effective methods that can be implemented in your childrens centre to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and to improvethe overall environmental performance. With

education of staff, better design, proper insulation, use of renewables and more efficient products, we can make our children centres a more comfortable

environment that also leaves a smaller footprint upon the earth.


Documents

ESD Feasibility Checklist - frankston.vic.gov.au · ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance Install