All Green Star rating tools released from 2020 include credits that seek to reward the use of products that meet the criteria set out in our Responsible Products Framework (Framework). Rating tools released prior to 2020 will continue to use the original process.
The vision of the Framework is to drive the supply chain to deliver transparent, healthy, low-impact, and net zero carbon products that are part of a circular economy. The Framework outlines criteria for scoring how ‘responsible’ a product is, and to support the built environment industry in adapting to and driving this change. More information on the long term strategy for the framework can be found here.
The Framework is currently used to recognise initiatives that a product or manufacturer can comply with for the purposes of contributing to a Green Star certification.
This page provides the following guidance:
This paper outlines the strategy behind, and future trajectory, for the evolution of the Responsible Products Framework, Green Star Buildings and Green Star Fitouts.
This paper also details the reasons for the changes introduced in Green Star Buildings Revision B.
Read the paperIn addition to reused products and building components, the below initiatives have been recognised under the Responsible Products Framework.
The sections below list the ways Recognised Schemes and Standards can be used to meet Credit Achievement and/or Exceptional Performance for each credit. If a product has been certified under a listed Scheme or combination of Schemes, then the product meets the RPV benchmark required for a 'Best practice product' or 'Good practice product'. See the Credit Achievement and Exceptional Performance requirements for the relevant credit in the Submission Guidelines for more information. GBCA notes that this is an interim measure, and the intention is to release individual product RPVs in due course. By specifying that you have used products and materials that have been certified by these Schemes and Standards, you will be on your way to meeting the credit requirements.
For more information on these credits, please see the Green Star Buildings submission guidelines.
To assist project teams further, we will be releasing additional information over the coming months and will release online calculators shortly after the release of our online system.
(updated 28 February 2022)
Note: products with the Schemes or Combination of schemes listed under ‘Best practice products’ can be used towards meeting the ‘Good practice products’ benchmarks.
(updated 28 February 2022)
Note: products with the Schemes or Combination of schemes listed under ‘Best practice products’ can be used towards meeting the ‘Good practice products’ benchmarks.
(updated 24 February 2022)
Note: products with the Schemes or Combination of schemes listed under ‘Best practice products’ can be used towards meeting the ‘Good practice products’ benchmarks.
(updated 28 February 2022)
Note: products with the Schemes or Combination of schemes listed under ‘Best practice products’ can be used towards meeting the ‘Good practice products’ benchmarks.
There are additional requirements that must be met by all products where more than 20% of their mass, cost, volume, or other weight, whichever is smallest, is composed of timber materials.
These products must have a valid FSC, Responsible Wood, or PEFC chain of custody.
Note: Responsible Wood (only timber certified to the upcoming revision to AS4708. For more information on the release contact Responsible Wood).
There are additional requirements that must be targeted by all paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets, and engineered wood products that are applied internally.
These products must meet the Minimum Expectations as defined in the credit Exposure to toxins in Green Star Buildings.
For PVC products, the manufacturing of the PVC complies with the Vinyl Council of Australia’s Best Practice PVC Guidelines.
If you are a member organisation, please contact us if you would like to receive a briefing on the Responsible Product Framework, and what it means to you.
Contact usWe want to invite certification schemes and other sustainability initiative providers to express their interest in being scored under the Responsible Product Framework. Please contact us if you would like to find out more.
Contact usDate | Change | |
1 | 15 August 2021 | Webpage amended. Guidance introduced for the four credits. The following schemes were recognised: Climate Active Carbon Neutral Standard for Products & Services, Environmental Product Declarations (Industry Wide), Environmental Product Declarations (Product-specific), FSC Forest Stewardship Standard of Australia (FSC-STD-AUS-01-2018 EN),Global GreenTag International Standard v4 (Green Rate – Level A), Literature Review and Best Practice Guidelines for the Life Cycle of PVC Building Products |
2 | 23 August 2021 | The following scheme was recognised: Good Environmental Choice Australia. The following standards are recognised: Adhesives, Fillers and Sealants (AFS v1.0ii-2014), Carpets (C v3.0-2021), Floor Coverings (FC v3.0-2021), Furniture and fittings (FF v3.1i-2017), Furniture, fittings, foam and mattresses (FFFM v3.1i-2017), Paints and coatings (PC v2.3i-2012), Panel boards (PB v3.0-2021), Steel and steel products SSP v1.0i-2019) |
3 | 28 September 2021 | The following standards have been added to the webpage: ‒ GECA Building Insulation Materials (BIMv2.0i-2018); GECA Cement, Concrete & Concrete Products (CCPv1.0ii-2017); GECA ‒ Recycled Products (RPv1.0ii-2015); GECA ‒ Sustainable Products and Services (SPSv2.0i-2020). |
4 | 8 December 2021 | The following scheme was recognised: The New Zealand Ecolabelling Trust (ECNZ). The following standards have been added to the webpage: EC 25-17; EC 32-17; EC 07-18; EC 57-16. Additional guidance was provided in the Timber section. Guidance for meeting credit requirements were updated in line with the Green Star Buildings Submission Guidelines Revision B. |
5 | 16 February 2022 | The following standards have been added to the webpage: Cradle to Cradle Certified Version 4 levels Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum; Responsible Wood, AS-NZS 4708:2021 – Sustainable forest management with a valid chain of custody in accordance with AS-NZS 4707:2021. |
6 | 28 February 2022 | The following standards have been added to the webpage: - Declare 2.0 - Red List Approved and Red List Free; Global GreenTag Level B and C certification; Living Product Challenge 2.0 - Imperative Challenge, Petal Certification, Full Certification. |