Green Star Rating System

Green Star is a rating system developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) to recognise the environmental performance of buildings. It is the most widely used green building rating system in Australia and is used to assess a wide range of building types, including offices, retail centres, schools, hospitals, and homes. 

Green Star ratings are based on factors including energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation. Buildings that achieve a higher Green Star rating are considered to be more environmentally sustainable. 

There is a Green Star rating tool for any project, new or existing, as follows: 

• Green Star – Buildings, for all building types 
• Green Star – Homes, for the places where we live 
• Green Star – Interiors, for new and existing fit-outs 
• Green Star – Performance, for existing buildings that seek improved operational efficiency 
• Green Star Communities – for projects at the neighbourhood, precinct, or community scale 

The Green Star rating process generally involves: (a) Registration with GBCA, (b) Assessment by an independent, third-party assessor, and (c) Certification, if the building is found to meet the Green Star criteria. 

With a Green Star rating, a building can become preferred by tenants, investors, and stakeholders. The building can also have a higher asset value and become more attractive to potential buyers and lessees, even with higher rent or sale prices. Tenants and occupants can enjoy improved indoor air quality, thermal comfort, and natural daylight, enhancing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and improving overall well-being. The building owners can attain environmental leadership while staying ahead of changing regulations and requirements. 

Green Star, NABERS, and LEED are all sustainability rating systems that are used to assess the environmental performance of buildings. Green Star certification is an Australian-specific rating system that focuses on overall sustainability performance and covers new construction and major renovations. NABERS, also Australian, primarily evaluates the operational performance of existing buildings.  

LEED is an international system that applies to various countries and building types. Green Star and LEED have different rating levels and use a points-based system, while NABERS uses a star rating scale based on actual consumption data. Green Star and NABERS consider local priorities, while LEED offers regional adaptations. Each system aims to promote sustainability in the built environment, but their scope, geographical focus, and assessment methodologies differ. 

In Australia, there are no specific legal requirements mandating Green Star certification for buildings. However, Green Star certified buildings can enjoy GBCA membership and, in some cases, tax breaks, government grants, bank loan discounts, insurance discounts, and priority approval for planning and development. Incentives may vary across different states, territories, and local governments. A Green Star rating can also be utilised as a pathway to achieving compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC). 

The cost of getting a building Green Star certified varies depending on the size, type, and location of the building. The cost includes Certification Fees and additional fees, which are set by GBCA and reviewed annually. For details, visit https://new.gbca.org.au/green-star/certification-process/certification-fees/. 

GSAP stands for Green Star Accredited Professional, a designation granted by GBCA to individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the Green Star rating system and sustainability principles in the built environment.