GBCA welcomes WSP as Future Focus Technical Partner

27 Aug 2019

27 August 2019

The Green Building Council of Australia is boosting its capacity to transform the built environment under a strategic partnership with global professional services firm WSP.

Under a multi-year agreement, WSP will provide its technical expertise in construction, engineering and sustainability to support the development of the GBCA’s Green Star Future Focus Program.

Green Star Future Focus is delivering the next generation of Green Star rating tools with a focus on a net zero carbon future, and continuing the broader sustainable transformation of our built environment.

GBCA Chief Executive Officer Davina Rooney said the technical partnership with WSP would continue the GBCA’s legacy of collaborative leadership working with our members to deliver world-leading outcomes across industry. 

“We are proud to welcome WSP as our technical partner in the development of our next-generation Green Star rating tools,” she said.

“This leading strategic partnership will work with our Future Focus Partners and leverage our broader industry relationships continuing the collaboration that has characterised our Future Focus program to date.“ 

“The partnership between the GBCA and WSP will enable us to deliver our newest Green Star Rating Tools ensuring they reflect the incredible feedback we have received already from industry.”

WSP’s will provide guidance on climate change, environmental impact, transport planning, electric vehicle planning, and technological and digital considerations.

Green Star Future Focus introduces new categories and credits to maintain the GBCA’s framework as the leading sustainability ratings tool worldwide. Under the proposed new system, there is a focus on reducing carbon emissions and ensuring sustainability across the building’s life cycle.

New ratings credits will be incorporated in the Green Star Future Focus framework for New Buildings, New Fitouts and New Communities.

WSPDirector, Sustainability Manager, Tim Parker said the firm had been involved with Green Star since its inception and was proud to bring its expertise to the next evolution of the rating system.

“We are a true multidisciplinary consultancy with expertise in everything from transport and traffic, to specialist lighting and building services, as well as experience with a broad range of global sustainability ratings tools," he said.

“We will bring that raft of expertise and industry knowledge to Future Focus, which we know will raise the bar for the sustainability of Australia’s built environment.

“It is a significant investment for WSP and we recognise the value in having our experts assist with this important sustainability framework.”

Following extensive industry consultation and feedback into the categories and credits over the last year, the development of Green Star for New Buildings will soon start piloting credit concepts through the GBCA’s Early Access Program.

Industry consultation for Green Star Future Focus for New Communities is also expected to commence by the end of this year.

To learn more about the GBCA’s Future Focus Program visit www.gbca.org.au