Green Star Certification
Build Greener, Smarter, and More Sustainable With Green Star
At Green Choice Consulting, we support property developers, architects, and construction professionals in achieving Green Star Certification, Australia’s leading sustainability rating for buildings and communities.
Whether you’re working on a new build or upgrading an existing structure, our Green Star accredited professionals will guide you through the certification process from planning to submission, helping you deliver healthier, more efficient, and more environmentally responsible developments.
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Get Green Star Certified
Get in contact today and learn how we can help you through certification process.
What Is Green Star?
Green Star is an independent, voluntary sustainability rating system developed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It sets the national benchmark for sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings, fitouts, and communities across Australia.
Green Star evaluates projects across a broad range of sustainability outcomes, including:
- Energy efficiency,
- Water usage,
- Indoor environmental quality,
- Materials selection, and
- Innovation
By promoting best practice and measurable outcomes, it helps create sustainable buildings that are not only better for the planet but healthier and more cost-effective for occupants over the long term.
What Is The Green Star Rating System?
The Green Star Rating System is a nationally recognised framework that measures the sustainability of buildings and communities.
Developed by the GBCA, it provides a clear, evidence-based method for assessing how environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and occupant-friendly a development is.
How It Works
Green Star operates on a point-based system. Projects accumulate points based on their performance across a series of environmental categories. Once all points are tallied, a star rating is awarded:
- 1 – 3 Stars – Not certified
- 4 Stars – Best Practice (score of 45–59)
- 5 Stars – Australian Excellence (60–74)
- 6 Stars – World Leadership (75+)
The rating reflects both the design intent and operational outcomes, depending on the rating tool used.
Purpose of the Green Star Rating
The goal of the Green Star system is to:
- Drive the adoption of sustainable practices in the built environment
- Promote healthier, more productive buildings for occupants
- Encourage innovation in building materials and systems
- Reduce environmental impacts across the building lifecycle
- Support Australia’s transition to net-zero and climate-resilient cities
According to the GBCA, Green Star-certified buildings produce 66% fewer greenhouse gas emissions, use 66% less electricity, 51% less potable water, and recycle or reuse up to 96% of construction and demolition waste compared to standard buildings (Source).
By offering a transparent and standardised assessment method, Green Star helps clients, designers, and builders align their goals and benchmarks for sustainability, while improving the health and quality of life for occupants.
Who Is Green Star Certification For?
Green Star Building Certification is suited for a wide range of development types and sectors, including:
- Commercial developers: Offices, retail, hospitality, and mixed-use developments
- Residential developers: Multi-residential buildings, apartment complexes, and individual homes
- Government projects: Infrastructure, health, defence, and civic buildings
- Educational institutions: Schools, universities, and TAFE campuses
- Community and infrastructure projects: Neighbourhood precincts, transport hubs, and community facilities
If you’re unsure whether your project is eligible, our team at Green Choice Consulting can provide tailored advice based on your project goals and scope. Contact us on 1300 864 944 or fill out our online form.
Contact a Green Star Accredited Professional
Get in contact today and learn how we can help ensure you meet the Green Star Requirements
What Are the Green Star Requirements?
Green Star Certification evaluates performance across nine categories, called Environmental Impact Categories.
These categories include both mandatory requirements (called “minimum expectations”) and optional criteria, where projects can earn additional points.
Each category is weighted differently based on the tool being used.
1. Management
Focuses on how sustainability is integrated throughout the design, construction, and operation of the project. This includes risk management, commissioning, and quality processes.
2. Indoor Environment Quality (IEQ)
Assesses the health and comfort of indoor spaces. Credits are awarded for good ventilation, air quality, low VOC materials, thermal comfort, daylight access, acoustic comfort / privacy, and occupant control over their environment.
3. Energy
Evaluates energy consumption, emissions intensity, and reliance on fossil fuels. High scores are awarded to projects that incorporate renewable energy, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and passive solar design.
4. Water
Recognises strategies for water efficiency and reducing potable water use through efficient fixtures, rainwater capture, stormwater reuse, and submetering.
5. Materials
Encourages the use of sustainable, low-impact materials and construction practices. This includes lifecycle assessments (LCAs), recycled content, local sourcing, and waste reduction during construction.
6. Land Use & Ecology
Measures how well the project conserves and enhances natural ecosystems. Projects may earn points for using previously developed land, protecting existing vegetation, and improving biodiversity outcomes.
7. Emissions
Focuses on minimising pollution through effective stormwater treatment, minimising light pollution, using low-impact refrigerants, and limiting operational emissions.
8. Innovation
Rewards projects that go beyond current best practices or implement novel sustainability solutions. This could include piloting new technologies or contributing to industry-wide change.
9. Climate Resilience (in Green Star Buildings tool)
A newer category included in some tools, it evaluates how the building adapts to climate risks like heat, flooding, and energy disruption.
How to Get a Green Star Certification
The certification process generally follows these steps:
-
Select the Right Rating Tool
Identify the most suitable Green Star tool based on your project type. -
Register Your Project
Submit your project to the GBCA for registration.
-
Prepare Documentation
Work with a Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP) to compile evidence of compliance. -
Submit for Assessment
Submit your application for a formal assessment by the GBCA. -
Achieve Certification
Receive your Green Star rating and Certification Trademark once the assessment is completed and the project is certified.
Green Choice Consulting can manage each of these steps with you, ensuring your submission is both accurate and optimised for the best rating outcome.
When Should You Start the Certification Process?
Ideally, Green Star Certification should be integrated at the planning and design stage. This enables sustainability principles to be embedded in the development from the outset, which is often more cost-effective and less disruptive than making changes later in the project.
Engaging with a GSAP early on ensures your design and documentation align with the certification requirements from the beginning.
The Benefits of Green Star Certification
Environmental performance
Reduce energy and water consumption
Lower operating costs
Long-term savings through efficiency
Healthier indoor environments
Improved quality and liveability for occupants
Improved asset value
Stronger market appeal for buyers and tenants
Government and investor recognition
Meet ESG and regulatory goals
Leadership and innovation
Demonstrate your commitment to sustainable building practices
Choosing to pursue Green Star Certification delivers more than just environmental benefits, it also makes sound business sense.
Green Star-rated buildings have been shown to attract up to 13% higher rental premiums, experience lower vacancy rates and improved tenant retention, particularly in the competitive commercial office market (source).
These advantages highlight the growing demand for sustainable, high-performing buildings across the property sector.
Green Star Certification Fees
Fees are structured by the Green Building Council of Australia and vary depending on the tool used and the project size. These generally include:
- Registration fee
- Assessment and certification fee
- Additional fees (if revisions or re-submissions are required)
At Green Choice Consulting, we provide upfront guidance on both GBCA and consultant fees. To obtain a quote, please contact us on 1300 864 944 to discuss your project.
Green Star Rating Tools
Green Star is not a one-size-fits-all system. The GBCA has developed specialised tools tailored to different types of buildings, fitouts, and precincts. Selecting the correct tool is the first step in the certification journey.
Green Star – Buildings
Designed for new builds and major refurbishments. It evaluates both design and construction performance and includes a strong focus on net-zero carbon, resilience, and positive social outcomes.
Best for: Commercial, institutional, and large-scale residential developments.
Green Star – Homes
Focused on the design and construction of individual homes and townhouses. It ensures that housing is sustainable, healthy, comfortable, and resilient to climate change.
Best for: Detached housing, volume home builders, and residential developments.
Green Star – Interiors
Assesses the environmental impact of fitouts in commercial spaces such as offices, retail, and hospitality venues.
Best for: Tenants, interior designers, and businesses leasing commercial space.
Green Star – Performance
Measures the operational performance of existing buildings over time. It is useful for improving energy efficiency and reducing running costs.
Best for: Building owners and facilities managers of existing commercial stock
Green Star – Communities
Assesses large-scale urban developments for sustainability at a precinct level. It focuses on planning, liveability, economic prosperity, and governance.
Best for: Councils, developers, and infrastructure authorities working on community-scale projects
Need Help?
Not sure which tool fits your project?
Green Choice Consulting can help you select the most suitable option based on your objectives.
Call us on 1300 864 944 or submit an online enquiry.
How Do You Improve Your Rating?
Achieving a high Green Star rating often requires strategic planning and early commitment. Here are some ways you could improve your rating:
1. Start Early
Engage with a Green Star accredited professional during the conceptual and schematic design stages to identify opportunities and avoid design conflicts later on.
2. Target Easy Wins
Identify credits that are low cost and high impact, such as energy metering, low-VOC materials, or bicycle facilities.
3. Use Integrated Design Principles
Foster collaboration between architects, engineers, and sustainability consultants to align efforts across disciplines.
4. Choose Efficient Systems
Invest in high-performance HVAC, solar PV, efficient lighting, and smart building controls.
5. Leverage Innovation Points
Consider how your project can set a new benchmark, be it in building materials, community engagement, or operational transparency.
6. Commission Thoroughly
Ensure systems are tested and commissioned properly, as this affects both IEQ and energy outcomes.
Working with Green Choice Consulting ensures you’re focusing effort where it matters most to improve your rating efficiently.
Contact a Green Star Accredited Professional
Get in contact today and learn how we can help ensure you meet the Green Star Requirements
Common Challenges in Achieving Green Star Certification
While Green Star Certification is achievable, it does come with a set of challenges that developers and design teams should be prepared for:
1. Budget Constraints
Some sustainability features may have higher upfront costs. However, many can deliver long-term savings through reduced utility bills and maintenance.
2. Complexity of Documentation
The amount of supporting documentation can be overwhelming. Having a knowledgeable GSAP helps streamline the process and ensures compliance with credit requirements.
3. Time Constraints
Tight project timelines can make it difficult to coordinate sustainability initiatives, especially if not integrated early.
4. Material Availability
Access to certified or low-impact materials may be limited depending on your location and supply chain.
5. Design Limitations
Certain sustainable features might conflict with architectural preferences or space requirements. A balanced approach can help resolve these conflicts without compromising certification.
At Green Choice Consulting, we help anticipate and mitigate these challenges, ensuring your project stays on track. Speak with an accredited professional about your project today.
Green Star Accredited Professionals (GSAP)
Navigating the Green Star certification process can be complex, which is why engaging a Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP) can make a significant difference.
GSAPs are trained and recognised by the GBCA for their expertise in sustainability and the Green Star framework.
Their role is to guide your project from early design through to certification, ensuring every decision aligns with Green Star requirements and maximises your project’s rating potential.
Work With Green Choice Consulting
At Green Choice Consulting, we are proud to be Green Star Accredited Professionals. Our team brings hands-on experience and technical knowledge to support you at every stage of the certification process.
Whether you’re planning a commercial development, residential project, or community infrastructure, we help streamline the path to certification with:
- End-to-end project support – from concept design to final Green Star submission
- Accredited GSAP guidance to interpret and apply Green Star criteria effectively
- Extensive experience across a wide range of building types and rating tools
- Clear and structured documentation to ensure compliance and reduce delays
- Collaborative, goal-focused advice tailored to your project’s unique sustainability objectives
Ready to get started?
Contact Green Choice Consulting to book a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your Green Star certification with confidence.
Contact a Green Star Accredited Professional
Get in contact today and learn how we can help ensure you meet the Green Star Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Green Star Certification process?
The process starts by selecting the appropriate Green Star tool based on your project type. You then register the project with the GBCA, engage a GSAP, and begin preparing documentation that proves compliance with each relevant credit.
Once documentation is complete, it’s submitted for independent assessment by the GBCA. Depending on the outcome, your project is awarded a rating from 4 to 6 Stars.
Throughout, your GSAP will help you navigate Green Star requirements and optimise your submission.
How long does it take to get Green Star Certified?
The timeline depends on the type and scale of the project.
Smaller fitouts may achieve certification within 6 to 9 months, while complex or large-scale buildings could take over a year.
Timeframes also depend on how early sustainability is factored into the design and how prepared your documentation is. Engaging a GSAP early can significantly streamline the timeline.
How much does Green Star Certification cost?
Costs vary depending on the GBCA fees for the selected rating tool, as well as consultant fees. As a guide:
- Registration fees typically range from $2,000 to $5,000+
- Assessment and certification fees may cost $5,000 to $100,000+, depending on whether its a single home, multi-unit apartments or commercial buildings.
- Consultant fees (for GSAPs and documentation support) vary depending on the complexity and scope of the project
You can view the latest pricing information on the GBCA website. It’s important to consider these costs in your overall project budget. At Green Choice Consulting, we provide upfront estimates and transparent pricing.
What is a Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP)?
A Green Star Accredited Professional (GSAP) is a trained expert recognised by the GBCA to guide projects through the Green Star certification process.
GSAPs play a critical role in aligning design, documentation, and construction practices with certification criteria.
Having a GSAP on your team is often essential to a successful certification outcome.
Can existing buildings be Green Star Certified?
Yes. The Green Star – Performance tool is specifically designed for operational buildings. It assesses a building’s ongoing performance in areas like energy, water, indoor environment quality, and waste management.
This tool allows building owners to benchmark performance and demonstrate sustainability credentials even if the building was not designed with Green Star in mind.
Do Green Star ratings expire?
Some do. For example, Green Star – Performance certifications require renewal (typically every three years) to reflect ongoing building performance.
Meanwhile, Buildings, Homes or Interiors certifications are static and apply only to the design and construction stage. It’s important to understand which type of certification you’re pursuing and whether ongoing monitoring is required.
Is Green Star Certification mandatory?
No, it is voluntary, but highly encouraged. Many organisations pursue certification to:
- Demonstrate ESG credentials
- Qualify for government funding or incentives
- Meet internal sustainability targets
- Gain a competitive advantage in leasing or sales
In some states or government projects, minimum Green Star ratings are required as part of procurement or planning processes, such as for new public buildings, hospitals or schools.
How does Green Star differ from NABERS or BASIX?
- Green Star assesses sustainability holistically, including both design and operational outcomes.
- NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) focuses purely on operational performance, especially in areas like energy and water use.
- BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a NSW-only tool required for residential developments and ensures compliance with basic energy and water benchmarks.
Many projects may need to comply with more than one assessment system, depending on their location and type.
Can you get help during the application process?
Absolutely. Engaging a Green Star accredited professional such as Green Choice Consulting provides access to an expert who can:
- Identify relevant credits early
- Prepare and review submission documentation
- Coordinate between architects, engineers, and contractors
- Liaise with GBCA assessors on your behalf
- Ensure your application meets all technical requirements
What rating should I aim for?
This depends on your project’s goals, budget, and stakeholder expectations. Generally:
- 4 Star – Demonstrates Best Practice and may be sufficient for most commercial projects
- 5 Star – Signifies Australian Excellence and can improve investor or tenant interest
- 6 Star – Reflects World Leadership and may be ideal for government or flagship projects
Green Choice Consulting can help determine the most realistic and valuable target based on your project brief.
Contact Green Choice Consulting Today
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