26 Mar 2026
More than a third of Australia’s Build-to-Rent pipeline is registered for Green Star Buildings. What happens when this becomes business as usual?
“Institutional owners demand Green Star because they know without it, they can’t sell it.” Luke Mackintosh, BDO
“A Green Star rating will become non-negotiable – a ticket to entry.” Angela Buckley, Mirvac
“Green Star gives Build-to-Rent a roadmap and a tool that keeps development honest.” Dan McLennan, Local
“One of the key triggers for BtR feasibility is investor certainty… in some cases they need Green Star certification as part of that assurance.” James Wewer, Lendlease
Four different voices from across the BtR sector. One clear signal: Green Star is moving from best practice to baseline.
The Green Building Council of Australia’s new Keys to Change report shows what this looks like at scale.
Fifty BtR projects, across more than 16,000 apartments, are already registered for Green Star Buildings ratings.
If BtR grows to 10% of Australia’s apartment market – around 250,000 homes – with Green Star embedded as a baseline, the impact is material: around 150 million kilograms of carbon emissions avoided each year, and healthier, more efficient homes for 450,000 Australians.
As GBCA Chief Executive Officer Davina Rooney notes, “the same institutional investors and global capital that shaped expectations in the office market are now backing BtR at scale.”
That capital brings long-term horizons, discipline and ESG mandates – and rising expectations around performance.
As Property Council CEO Mike Zorbas puts it: “Build-to-Rent communities are held for the long-term and investors prioritise quality, efficiency and durability. That’s where Green Star can play a leading role.”
Keys to Change sets out the opportunity. Download the report to learn more – and to be part of what comes next.