The Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) is committed to building healthy, resilient and positive spaces for people and the natural environment.

Their Green Star program commenced in 2003 and covers construction, interiors, operations and communities.

The GBCA’s Green Star certification assesses the sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings, fitouts and communities. Currently Green Star certified buildings produce 62% fewer greenhouse gas emissions and 66% less electricity than average Australian buildings. They also consume 51% less potable water and 96% of their construction and demolition waste is recycled.

“Knauf welcomes and supports the GBCA’s challenge to help build healthier and more sustainable buildings,” says Kathryn Walker, WHS and Sustainability Manager at Knauf Australia. “Sustainability is high on our agenda. It resonates with our company value of ‘Menschlichkeit’ and our commitment to keep the environment and society in mind with everything we do.”

Knauf Australia has supplied products to several prominent Green Star projects, including the Melbourne Quarter Tower. This Lendlease project forms part of the Melbourne Quarter precinct and is targeting a 6 Star Green Star rating.

Knauf also supplied the UTS Central (Building 2) project in Sydney. The building opened in August 2019 and has just achieved a 5 Star Green Star rating. 

Proposed changes

Last year significant changes to the Green Star rating system were proposed to achieve the goal of no carbon emissions for new buildings and fitouts by 2030.

Under their Future Focus, the GBCA will see the rating system evolve and adapt to ensure the sustainable built environment delivers what it needs to, whilst also responding to global megatrends and emerging challenges. Currently, four rating tools are under development to realise this vision.

In terms of the updated Green Star rating system and the GBCA’s road map for carbon positive buildings, it is proposed that all new buildings and fitouts for a Six Star Green Star rating will need to reduce and offset embodied carbon and other emissions by adopting net zero carbon products, materials and services.

“Under the GBCA’s proposed Future Focus, from 2026 all buildings seeking a Green Star rating must achieve at least 10% lower upfront carbon emissions,” Kathryn explains. “We look forward to supporting our clients in achieving their Green Star objectives by means of our plasterboard and metal systems and expert advice.”

“We are confident that our product offering and previous experience in supplying Green Star projects will enable us to support our clients in achieving their Green Star targets.”

For more information visit Knauf here