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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
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 2
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 3
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 4
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 5
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 6
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 7
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 8
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 9
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 10
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 11
ESD Feasibility Checklist - A guide for assessing and retrofitting children centres to improve environmental performance
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.
For more information or to seek approval contact Frankston City Council Family and Youth Department on 03 9784 1862 Page 12
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