Green Star apartments
What is a Green Star apartment?
As our cities grow denser, housing costs climb and climate pressures intensify, many Australians are choosing apartments not as a compromise, but as a conscious choice. People are on the hunt for homes that are well located, affordable and sustainable.
Our rating tool, Green Star, certifies the sustainability of buildings, fitouts and communities across Australia. Green Star apartments is a new addition to our Buildings rating tool. It provides apartment developers with a roadmap to create apartment buildings that are healthier, more efficient, and better for the environment.
That means when you see a Green Star apartment, you’ll know it’s been independently certified, and is better for today, and tomorrow.
A Green Star apartment is:
More energy efficient
Saving you money
Healthier
Better for you and your family
Minimal impact
Considerate of impacts on people and the environment
More economical
Unlock green finance
What are the benefits of a Green Star apartment?
From cleaner air and more natural light to lower energy bills and reduced maintenance costs – a Green Star apartment has many health, lifestyle, economic and environmental benefits for both renters and owners.
*A Green Star apartment is modelled to grow in value at a premium of 2% above the standard Sydney apartment appreciation rate of 3.12% per year. (Figures may vary across capital cities.)
The above claims cannot be applied to all Green Star apartments. Only those that have followed the Apartments Pathway and/or the Climate Positive Pathway within Green Star Buildings (there are many Green Star certified apartments that have not followed the pathway already in the marketplace with gas for cooking and space heating).
See footnotes at the bottom of this page.
Green Star apartment case studies
185 Wharf St, Queensland
185 Wharf Street, an upcoming residential development by Cbus Property, located in the vibrant inner-city suburb of Spring Hill, Brisbane, is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, representing Australian leadership in better, healthier and more responsible buildings. The project is also piloting the Green Star apartments pathway.
The project, slated for completion in 2027 will feature 125 premium-quality residences set in subtropical gardens and has been designed to ensure residents live sustainably, reducing impact on the environment.
A Green Star apartment is built to the standard set by GBCA and assessed against eight categories essential for the future. Each category plays an essential role to ensure our apartments, and the buildings they’re in, are better for today, and tomorrow.
Hallmarks of this project include:
- All-electric building: eliminating the use of fossil fuels for power, heating, and cooking. Each apartment will be equipped with induction cooktops to reduce indoor air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions and saving gas costs.
- Renewable energy integration: The building's common areas will be partly powered by renewable energy sourced from approximately a 40-kilowatt rooftop solar PV system. Additionally, the owners will have access to offsite renewable electricity, contributing to a netzero operational strategy.
- High thermal performance: Designed with a focus on energy efficiency, the residences are targeting an average 7 stars NatHERS rating, ensuring comfortable living conditions while minimising energy consumption.
- Natural ventilation and light: The design prioritises natural light and fresh air, with most residences featuring dual balconies to facilitate indoor-outdoor living and cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial climate control.
- Comprehensive amenities: Residents will have access to 1,400 square meters of communal spaces, including a dedicated kids’ play space, outdoor dining areas, dog off-leash area, dedicated workfrom-home space, bike storage and a workshop, along with a 20- metre pool, spa, sauna and gym. These amenities are designed to foster community engagement and promote healthy, active living.
- Sustainable transport options: 185 Wharf Street is well located within walking distance to CBD, public transport and schools, reducing the reliance on cars. In addition, the development includes157 bicycle parking spaces, encouraging the use of sustainable transport modes.
- Low impact materials: Low-toxic materials used in fixtures, fitting, and construction from paint and adhesives to carpets and cabinets. By integrating these sustainability features, 185 Wharf Street exemplifies Cbus Property's commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable urban living spaces that cater to modern lifestyles while being built for the future.
Nightingale Bowden, South Australia
Designed with sustainability and community connection at its core, Nightingale Bowden has achieved a 5 Star Green Star certification*, representing Australian excellence. Comprised of 36 one- and two- bedroom apartments, Nightingale Bowden is designed as a place for tenants and owners to lay down long term roots. All 36 apartments are all-electric and feature either induction cooktops or electric hotplates in their kitchens. The embedded, green-powered electricity is connected at no extra cost to the residents.
Nightingale have delivered an apartment where you can expect:
More efficient:
- Quality double glazing to help the building perform well
- Energy efficient heat pump hot water system
- Average 8.2 stars NatHERS rating for thermal performance
Healthier:
- All-electric design means no fossil fuels in the home
- Low toxicity internal finishes (including paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets and engineered wood)
- Shared community space and communal garden
- Extensive bicycle storage
- Bright, airy staircases and passageways
- In a walkable area close to public transport links
More responsible:
- Solar array on roof
- Low embodied energy materials, including recycled brick
- Green cement reduces co2 emissions by at least 30% compared to ordinary concrete
- Rainwater collection for common area use
Nightingale Bowden, SA, achieved a 5 Star Green Star Design & As Built v1.3 rating and was delivered prior to the development of the Green Star Buildings - Apartments pathway. It aligns with the intended outcomes of the Pathway.
For developers
If you're a developer, find out more about the Green Star Buildings Apartments Pathway in our industry brochure or learn more about the Green Star Buildings rating tool.
'Benefits of a Green Star apartment' references
1. GBCA, 2024 2. Climate Council, 2021 3. Positive Zero, 2025 4. Climate Council, 2021 5. Gateway Bank, 2025 6. Green Star Apartments Pathway submission guidelines, 2024 7, 8, 9. GBCA, 2024 10. Gateway Bank, 2025