Date published: 12/08/2026
GBCA is pausing new registrations to Climate Active certification through Green Star while the Australian Government consults on the closure of the program.
DCCEEW has released a consultation paper and opened an eight-week consultation, with a final decision expected before the end of 2026. Climate Active certification, the use of the term 'carbon neutral' and the Climate Active trademarks will wind down over a proposed 12- to 18-month transition. A second option under consideration is for the Buildings standard to remain, with GBCA and NABERS continuing to certify to it, though under different arrangements, yet to be determined.
If you're currently registered and are reconsidering your plans, please contact the GBCA Market Engagement team via meteam@gbca.org.au. We can talk through your options, such as carrying through or withdrawing from the program. Note that any projects registered for Climate Active Carbon Neutral Certification through Green Star must achieve certification before the end date of the scheme. Pending the final decision from the Department, achieving certification may be affected.
We encourage you to make a submission to the consultation process. The Department wants to hear from participants, and your views on the options and transition will help shape the final decision, including how building certification is handled. Submissions are made through the Have Your Say platform.
For further information on the Department’s Consultation on the Climate Active program please refer to the Climate Active website.
You can read our media statement here.
The GBCA is proud to have collaborated with the Australian Government’s Climate Active program in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, to develop a way to recognise carbon neutrality in building operations, and carbon neutrality of the upfront carbon emissions for the design and construction of new buildings, fitouts and communities.
The GBCA administers Climate Active’s Carbon Neutral certification, when project teams register and submit for Carbon Neutral certification, in conjunction with their Green Star submission. Below are the different Green Star Rating tools and Carbon Neutral certification available through GBCA:
| Green Star rating tool/s | Climate Active standards |
|---|---|
| Green Star - Performance v1.2 Green Star Performance v2 |
Carbon Neutral Building Standard |
| Green Star rating tool/s | Climate Active standards |
|---|---|
| Green Star Buildings v1 Green Star Homes v1 Green Star - Interiors v1.3 Green Star Design & As Built v1.3 |
Carbon Neutral Product and Services Standard, in conjunction with the Guideline: Upfront Carbon for Buildings |
The Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Buildings (the standard) provides industry a recognised, streamlined and agreed way to claim to be a carbon neutral building in operation.
GBCA offers a certification pathway against the standard through integration in Green Star – Performance v1.2 or Green Star Performance v2.
Buildings in operation can be assessed for carbon neutrality at the same time as seeking a Green Star – Performance rating, and benefit from synergies of parallel assessment to achieve certified ratings. As a minimum the scope covers energy, water, waste and refrigerants emissions.
To find out more on how to achieve Carbon Neutral Buildings certification through Green Star – Performance v1.2, check out our fact sheet.
The Climate Active Carbon Neutral Product and Services Standard, in conjunction with the Guideline: Upfront Carbon for Buildings (the guideline), provides a way to claim carbon neutrality for the delivery phase of a building or fitout.
The delivery phase includes emissions from the materials, manufacturing, transport and construction activities associated with a building.
GBCA now offers a certification pathway against the guideline through integration in Green Star rating tools.
Buildings and fitouts at design, and after construction, can be assessed for carbon neutrality at the same time as seeking a Green Star building or fitout rating.
To find out more on how to achieve Carbon Neutral certification for the upfront carbon emissions of your building or fitout through Green Star, check out our fact sheet here.
Costs vary based on the number of projects being submitted at the same time (for Portfolio ratings), and the size of your building/fitout. Please reach out to the GBCA Market Engagement team for a quote.