The nation’s authority on sustainable buildings and communities – the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) – has released insights from its Year in Focus Report.
It reports record levels of demand for certifications, policy advancements, and innovative approaches to decarbonising the built environment, alongside record growth in sustainable building practices.
GBCA has found that 2024 marks a year of unprecedented progress for the Australian building sector.
It reached a major milestone, with over 1,000 buildings, fitouts and precincts being awarded Green Star certification for their sustainability credentials in a single year – a new record that shows industry’s commitment to embedding sustainability into core practices.
“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.”
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA
The Year in Focus report found that submission volumes for sustainability certifications have 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.”
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA
Government policy has been a key enabler of this transformation, the GBCA report. The Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy set new benchmarks by requiring Green Star standards and electrification across Australian Government-owned buildings.
This approach demonstrates how policy leadership can spur industry-wide adoption of sustainable practices.
“Policies like these create a ripple effect. 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.”
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA
This year also saw increased collaboration across the sector to address shared challenges.
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.”
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA
As Australia’s building sector continues to innovate the collective achievements of 2023 and 2024 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. 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.”
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA
Earlier in the year (June 2024), the GBCA announced the Green Star Champions of 2024.
The Green Star Champion award celebrates the efforts of engineers, planners, architects, professionals, consultants, and leading advocates who have made an ongoing commitment to shape a more resilient, healthy and efficient built environment with Green Star certifications.
