28 Nov 2024
Every month is a defining month as we confront the triple threats of climate, biodiversity and affordability crises. Yet, this month marks several significant milestones that set the stage for transformative change in 2025.
The first is the NABERS Embodied Carbon rating tool, launched by Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Josh Wilson at the Energy Performance Summit in Melbourne. We now have the means to assess and address upfront carbon emissions, which can account for 50% of a building’s lifetime impact.
This is the first time a rating tool has been integrated into policy before its market debut, as the tool was embedded in the NSW Government’s Sustainable Buildings SEPP in 2023. We are confident NABERS Embodied Carbon will drive greater accountability and action from the ground up. Congratulations to the NABERS team and all contributors for their exceptional work gaining industry consensus.
Next up, the Building Transition report – developed by an international coalition including GBCA, the UK’s BRE, Singapore GBC, USGBC and France’s HQE-GBC – highlights the urgent need to bring sustainable finance to the “other 75%” of buildings.
Building Transition complements our earlier guide, Financing Transformation, outlining the role of green bonds and loans in funding top-tier projects. As most existing buildings lack access to capital, our new report lays out a threefold strategy: stronger policies and taxonomies to direct funds towards underperforming assets; global decarbonisation standards; and resilience measures to prevent buildings from becoming stranded assets.
Meanwhile, consultation is now open for Green Star Fitouts, the next evolution of Green Star Interiors. This collaboration with the New Zealand GBC aims to future-proof fitout projects across both countries. Your input – whether a single comment or a detailed review – will help us ensure Green Star Fitouts supports tomorrow’s healthy, sustainable spaces. Complete the survey before 31 January 2025 to have your say.
A huge ‘high PHIVE’ to the project team who received a commendation at the recent World Green Building Council Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards. Home to the Parramatta library, council chambers and community facilities, PHIVE boasts a world leading 6 Star Green Star rating and one of the most beautiful roofs I’ve beheld. I love that PHIVE’s bold sculptural form and striking red roof aren’t just design features – they are responses to the challenge of creating a net-zero carbon building. Congratulations to the City of Parramatta, Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, Lacoste+Stevenson Architects, DesignInc Sydney, and Built. A daring design born from a desire to think differently about sustainability is redefining the library of the future, you can read more about PHIVE in our latest case study.
Finally, we extend a warm welcome to our new board directors, Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive of the Property Council of Australia, and Rob Clarke, Managing Director of Property and Buildings at WSP. They join us as we bid farewell to Built’s Brett Mason and WSP’s Guy Templeton, who both retire after many years steering the GBCA through a period of growth and progress. Thanks to their leadership, our industry