With over 1000 buildings, fitouts and precincts being awarded Green Star certification for their sustainability credentials in a single year, Australia’s building sector has achieved a major milestone, reports the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

GBCA’s Year in Focus report for 2023-24 reveals record levels of demand for certifications, policy advancements, and innovative approaches to decarbonising the built environment, indicating that sustainable building practices are on the rise across Australia.

A surge in industry-led sustainability

The new record of 1,084 certifications issued this year shows the building industry’s commitment to embedding sustainability into core practices. The rise in certifications reflects a profound shift within the sector, according to GBCA’s chief impact officer, Jorge Chapa.

“Developers, designers, owners and investors are embracing sustainability not as an obligation but as an opportunity to deliver better outcomes for people and the planet,” Chapa says.

The number of submissions for sustainability certifications has doubled compared to the previous year, with over 120 project submissions and more than 150 queries received in a three-month period alone.

“This surge highlights the growing recognition of sustainable practices as a fundamental driver of energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and liveability,” Chapa adds.

Policy and leadership driving progress

The Government’s forward-looking approach also demonstrates how policy leadership can spur industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices. For instance, the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy set new benchmarks by requiring Green Star standards and electrification across Government-owned buildings.

“Policies like these create a ripple effect,” Chapa says. “They not only set high expectations for public developments but also raise the bar for private sector projects, fostering innovation and accelerating our transition to net-zero buildings.”

Collaboration and knowledge sharing

This year, GBCA joined forces with international partners US Green Building Council, the UK’s Building Research Establishment, Singapore Green Building Council, the Climate Bonds Initiative, the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor, and the Alliance HQE-GBC in France to raise awareness of the critical role that independent verification and certification schemes play in unearthing the finance and support needed to meet global climate goals.

“Global collaboration is critical if we are going to see sustainability in the built environment at scale, and as we know, sustainable finance is just one of the tools that will unlock that,” Chapa says.

Fast facts from Green Star: A Year in Focus 2023-24

64 million sqm building space is Green Star certified.
46% of CBD office space has at least one Green Star certification.
3.4 million people visit a Green Star rated shopping centre each day.
930,000+ people visit and heal in Green Star certified hospitals each year.
935,000+ people will live or work in the 76 Green Star communities we have certified.
94,000+ people will live in Green Star rated apartment buildings, including student residences.
19,500+ ha of Green Star communities have been certified.

As Australia’s building sector continues to innovate, the collective achievements of 2023-24 highlight the critical role of collaboration and shared responsibility in addressing climate challenges.

“The remarkable growth we’re seeing is proof that the industry is ready to lead,” Chapa says.

“But there’s more work to be done. By aligning our efforts, we can ensure every building, precinct and fitout contributes to a resilient, climate-positive future.”

Download Green Star: A Year in Focus 2023–24.

Branko Miletic

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