SOFT LANDINGS FRAMEWORK (Green Star)

Multi Residential

Green Star (GBCA)

Verification And Handover:

As part of Green Star’s Verification And Handover Credit Achievement the project uses a CIBSE ANZ Soft Landings framework approach that involves the future facilities management team.

The soft landings approach is described in ‘The Soft Landings Framework Australia and New Zealand’ published by CIBSE ANZ, based on the BSRIA guide.
The soft landings framework has five parts:

  1. Briefing (Stage 1)
  2. Design development (Stage 2)
  3. Pre-handover (Stage 3)
  4. Initial after care (Stage 4)
  5. Years 1 to 3 aftercare (Stage 5&6)

Stages 1 to 4 are required for purposes of this credit. Stage 5 is optional, but highly encouraged.

The Soft Landings Framework is in addition to the Verification And Handover credit ‘Minimum Expectations’ which includes:

  • The building is set up for optimum ongoing management due to its appropriate
    metering and monitoring systems.
  • The building has set environmental performance targets, designed and tested for airtightness, been commissioned, and will be tuned.
  • The project team create and deliver operations and maintenance information to the facilities management team at the time of handover.

For buildings with a Total Building Services Value of over $20m seeking Credit Achievement, both CIBSE Soft Landings Framework and an Independent level of verification (ICA) must be used.

Innovo

With Innovo’s Soft Landings involvement from initial design through to post-completion, we ensure strict adherence to Green Star Verification And Handover Credit.  We are proficient with current and legacy Green Star rating tools like Green Star Buildings and Green Star-Interiors, and Green Star – Design & As Built.

As an appointed Soft Landings Framework representative, we offer a comprehensive suite of services to advise on the verification of Soft Landings as well as representing the building Owner or Facilities Managers during stages 1 through 6 as summarised below. 

 

CIBSE Soft Landings Framework Stages

1. Inception and Briefing

At this initial stage, stakeholders—including clients, designers, and end-users—collaborate to define the project’s objectives, performance targets, and user requirements. This collaborative approach ensures that all parties are aligned from the outset, setting a clear foundation for the project’s direction.

2. Design Development and Review

During this phase, the design team develops detailed plans that align with the established brief. Regular reviews are conducted to assess usability, manageability, and performance, ensuring that the design remains consistent with the project’s goals and addresses potential operational challenges.

3. Construction

This phase involves the actual building process, where the construction team implements the design plans. Emphasis is placed on quality control, adherence to design specifications, and preparation for operational performance, ensuring that the building is constructed to meet the intended standards.

4. Pre-Handover

Prior to occupancy, a thorough inspection and commissioning of all building systems are conducted. This phase includes training for facilities management and end-users, ensuring they are well-versed in operating and maintaining the building effectively. The goal is to ensure that the building is fully functional and ready for seamless occupation.

5. Initial Aftercare

Once the building is occupied, the project team remains engaged to provide immediate support, address any issues, and fine-tune systems for optimal performance. This hands-on approach during the early stages of occupancy helps in swiftly resolving teething problems and ensures that the building operates as intended.

6. Extended Aftercare and Post-Occupancy Evaluation

Extending up to three years post-occupancy, this phase involves continuous monitoring and evaluation of the building’s performance. Feedback is gathered from occupants to assess satisfaction levels, and data is analysed to identify areas for improvement. This long-term commitment ensures that the building continues to meet its performance targets and provides valuable insights for future projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CIBSE Soft Landings Framework?

The CIBSE Soft Landings Framework is a structured approach that ensures buildings perform as intended after construction. It focuses on collaboration between designers, contractors, and building users from the project’s inception through post-occupancy. The framework aims to reduce the performance gap between design expectations and real-world operation. It enhances energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant satisfaction. By embedding Soft Landings into a project, long-term operational success is improved.

The performance gap occurs when a building’s actual energy use and functionality differ from design predictions. Soft Landings mitigates this by involving end-users and facilities teams early, ensuring systems are designed for real-world use. Testing and fine-tuning after handover allow for adjustments to optimize performance. Continuous monitoring and feedback help refine building operations. This results in improved efficiency, lower energy costs, and enhanced occupant comfort.

Soft Landings enhances sustainability by ensuring that energy-efficient features and low-carbon systems function as intended. It promotes best practices in energy management, reducing unnecessary consumption. The framework encourages user engagement and training to support better operational decisions. Continuous monitoring helps detect inefficiencies early, enabling corrective actions. Soft Landings aligns with BREEAM, LEED, and other sustainability certifications, reinforcing environmentally responsible design and operation.

Soft Landings requires a collaborative approach involving:

  • Clients/Building Owners – Define performance expectations from the start.
  • Designers & Engineers – Ensure plans consider real-world usability and energy efficiency.
  • Contractors & Installers – Verify systems are installed correctly and tested thoroughly.
  • Facilities Management Teams – Receive training and monitor long-term performance.
  • Occupants & End-Users – Provide feedback for continuous improvement.

For building owners, Soft Landings ensures a smooth transition from construction to operation, reducing long-term maintenance costs. It improves energy efficiency, leading to lower running costs and higher asset value. For occupants, it enhances comfort, air quality, and ease of use by ensuring that building systems function properly. A well-commissioned and monitored building reduces operational issues and improves user satisfaction. Soft Landings ultimately leads to a more productive and cost-effective environment.

To integrate Soft Landings, start early by including it in the project brief and appointing a Soft Landings champion. Ensure all stakeholders understand their roles in performance monitoring and user engagement. Conduct rigorous commissioning, training, and handover processes to ensure a seamless transition. Implement post-occupancy evaluations (POE) to track performance and identify improvements. Embedding Soft Landings from the outset ensures a more efficient, high-performing, and user-friendly building.