Green Building Forum sparks fresh dialogue on refrigerants prior to release of new report

As Green Building Forum continues in Sydney this week interest in carbon management - particularly refrigerants - has never been higher.

Next week GBCA and AIRAH, with support of the NSW Government, will release our latest research in this space after extensive industry consultation. The paper, Freeze Frame: Refrigerants as long-term building infrastructure, aims to bring industry together to explore solutions on refrigerants, recognising the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Freeze Frame fast facts:

• Right now, Australia has at least 62 million refrigerant-using devices, with a total Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 100 MtCO2e if released to atmosphere. This is equivalent to around 25% of Australia’s total emissions in 2024. Refrigerant emissions are growing and becoming more important as we electrify (due to heat pumps) and expectations of comfort from our buildings.
• As we aim to create a net zero built environment, we need a plan for transitioning away from refrigerants with a high GWP and other potential impacts; we need new buildings and retrofits that are able to cater for future solutions. Buildings last 60 years or more, but services equipment is replaced every 15 to 20 years. Failing to plan for a transition now may lead to costly future upgrades. It's crucial to design for the long term by considering all options.
• The new Green Star Buildings v1.1 has stricter requirements that escalate over the next five years. Building on the approach from its predecessor, the credit now requires that project teams consider how the building is future-proofed for ultra low-GWP solutions in the future. It then places a carbon price on their entire emissions liability to encourage selection of lower-GWP solutions. Finally, it introduces  stepped approach limits to refrigerants starting in 2028 for 6 star rated buildings.
• This revised credit approach aims to drive industry transformation to enable the supply chain to finally bring enough solutions for our sector. The proposed increases to the credit were controversial during our consultation period, with industry asking for more time to adjust, as equipment that meets the criteria wasn’t available at scale. Ultimately, GBCA progressed forward with this approach on the basis of the severity of the climate crisis, and emerging research showing that the sector was not moving as quickly as expected.
• Advocacy for greater refrigerant controls is continuing, with the new Built Environment Sector Plan (September 2025) and Updated Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (August 2025) showing aspirations, but there is always more to do. Our submission to the NSW Net Zero Consultation in February specifically highlighted policy opportunities in this space, and made detailed suggestions that we hope State and Federal Governments take on board.

Follow Green Building Council of Australia on LinkedIn for the release of Freeze Frame: Refrigerants as long-term building infrastructure and for information how to make a submission.

How Green Star drives reduction across the four key emission sources in a building​

Significant efforts are being carried out to reduce key emission sources from upfront carbon and gas. Next step – refrigerants. ​