Green Star Buildings v1 Climate Positive Pathway update

04 Aug 2025

Latest update (August 2025)  

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) advises that the current Climate Positive Pathway requirements, known as the 2023 rules, will continue to apply to new projects registering under Green Star Buildings v1 until 30th April 2026. 

This extension is intended to support a smooth transition to Green Star Buildings version 1.1, launching later in 2025.  

Important note: This is not a change to the Climate Positive Pathway benchmarks. It is an extension of the current 2023 rules to align with the timing of the new tool version release. Stay tuned for more information on v1.1. 

 

What this means for your project 

  • Projects registering under Green Star Buildings v1 before 30th April 2026 will be assessed using the current (2023) Climate Positive Pathway requirements. 

  • The scheduled 2026 Climate Positive Pathway rules will not come into effect for any star rating, as GBCA will close registrations for Green Star Buildings v1 at the end of the transition period on 30th April 2026. 

  • From 1st May 2026, new projects must register under Green Star Buildings v1.1, and updated Climate Positive benchmarks will apply. This includes the requirement for all buildings to be all-electric regardless of the targeted star rating (a change that would have come into effect on 1st January 2026 under Green Star Buildings v1). 

 

Summary of current (2023) Climate Positive Pathway benchmarks 

These requirements apply to all projects targeting a 5 Star or 6 Star rating under Green Star Buildings v1, registered from 1 January 2023 onwards and achieving practical completion prior to 2030. 

Projects targeting a 4 Star rating are required to meet Minimum Expectations. They may choose to comply with the Climate Positive Pathway voluntarily.  

For the longer-term goals outlined in GBCA’s Climate Positive Roadmap, please refer to the Carbon page. 

 

Registration – key points 

For a project to be considered registered, you must provide us with the project details by completing the online registration form which involves digitally agreeing to the Certification Agreement, and paying the Certification Fee. 

 

Need support? 

If you would like advice on how this applies to your project, please contact the Market Engagement team at 
MEteam@gbca.org.au