19 Feb 2026
Despite it feeling cliché to say, the start of 2026 has been busy for the team at GBCA and in politics - from local developments to discussions on nature and economic outcomes on a world stage.
Each January, the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Global Risks Report put global risks and trends under a spotlight.
This year, extreme weather events dropped from second down to fourth place in the ranking of risks by severity in the short term (two-year outlook). Not because the risk has become less urgent, but because the risk of geoeconomic confrontation and societal polarisation have become even more pressing. But when it comes to how risk is viewed over a longer term of ten years, the report shows that extreme weather, biodiversity loss and critical change to Earth’s systems still hold the top places.
The Annual Meeting at Davos followed the release of the WEF’s report, further illuminating risks and palpable growing tensions felt globally. While a glance at the report findings seem to push discussion of environmental risks further down the agenda, several key speakers were unequivocal in making the link between nature and successful economic outcomes. André Hoffmann, Vice-Chairman, Roche Holding and the Forum's Interim Co-Chair outlined the stark reality we face: “If you have no nature, you have no humanity, you have no business, you have no dividend, you have no shareholders.”
While this is well understood by those working towards a sustainable built environment here in Australia, hearing the messages reinforced at forums such as Davos can help us strengthen our resolve. In a world where it can feel like risks are competing in severity and for our united attention, we turn to the words boldly spoken by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, at his Davos address: “We actively take on the world as it is, not wait around for the world we wish to be.”
Looking back at 2025 we saw some positive progress on key advocacy priorities, including the release of the Built Environment Sector Plan with funding committed for strengthening and expanding proven programs such as NABERS, NatHERS and the Commercial Building Disclosure Program.
As we kick off 2026, we are heartened to see efficient electrification, refrigerant reduction, resilience, and equitable transition as new priority areas in the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings Implementation Plan 2026 – 2027. But we know it will be another year of working hard for changes in our built environment, because there is so much more to do and sustained action is needed to achieve our priorities.
We’ll continue to work on advocating for timely implementation of National Construction Code (NCC) 2025 and a modernised NCC that ensures homes and buildings are ready for the impacts of a changing climate, while supporting greater productivity in the construction industry. We’ll be calling for increased support to upgrade existing homes and buildings so this sector can deliver to its potential, as detailed in the Built Environment Ambition Report (released last year), and help us to achieve our 2035 emissions reduction target.
We will also continue to work with government and industry to support and accelerate opportunities for sustainable investment, circular economy and building with nature. The importance of leadership in this area cannot be understated, so if you are curious about how to embed Green Star in complex government projects successfully, GBCA’s webinar for those involved in the public sector or government projects is a great place to start.
While the global ‘operating environment’ seems determined to shift constantly, many of the things we need to work on remain the same. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “the future depends on what you do today”, so we’ll continue to keep at it, as we know you will too.
National Construction Code – 2025 and beyond
Late last year, Building Ministers agreed on NCC 2025 with a preview to be published by February 2026. Building Ministers have also agreed to pause further residential changes until 2029, except for essential safety measures. A consultation is currently open to consider ways to streamline and modernise the NCC.
Read the Australian Building Code Board CEO Adrian Piani's update here.
A plan for delivering low energy buildings
In December, Energy and Climate Ministers endorsed the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings Implementation Plan 2026-2027. The Plan outlines current and new areas of coordinated work under the updated Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (which was agreed in August 2025 and replaces the 2019 Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings and its Addendum).
See the Implementation Plan here.
Implementing the amended EPBC Act
The Environment Protection Reform Bills 2025 were passed by the Australian Parliament in November 2025. Key changes include three new decision-making tests, national environmental standards, a new environmental protection agency, and regional planning. The Australian Government recently consulted on proposed National Environmental Standards and standards for offsetting. GBCA lodged a submission making ten targeted recommendations to strengthen and clarify the draft standards.
Check out GBCA’s submission here.
Getting the best outcomes for Green Star projects
Many conversations at GBCA are about understanding how project teams are using the Green Star rating tools, the challenges, and how to get the best out of projects and the certification process. We’ve released a new best practice guide to engaging Green Star project teams and scheduled a webinar focused on what success looks like in complex government project delivery.
NABERS continues to drive savings on emissions and energy bills
NABERS published its Annual Report for 2024/25, noting that over the past two decades, NABERS has helped customers save $2.23 billion in energy bills and 15.48 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
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Sweltering Cities Summer Survey open until end of Feb - Summer survey 25/26