Green Star FAQs

Yes. In the  For low energy-intensity industrial buildings, emergency diesel may represent up to 3% of total building energy, where: the diesel is required to meet NCC 2022 and AS 2118.1 (e.g. fire pump systems), it is used for emergency operation and testing only, and 100% of the associated emissions are offset for the first five years of operation. This allowance recognises the lower...

In August 2025, the GBCA published an update advising that the scheduled 2026 Climate Positive Pathway rules within Green Star Buildings v1 would not come into effect for any star rating.  This means that the Climate Positive Pathway requirements known as the 2023 rules continued to apply to new projects registering under Green Star Buildings v1. The extension was provided to...

Projects can demonstrate that cycling equipment is safely secured by demonstrating that it is designed in accordance with Table 1.1 from AS 2890.3:2015 Parking facilities, Part 3: Bicycle parking. Bicycle parking facilities are classified in AS2890.3 according to the level of security that is relevant to its use. It is up to the project team to determine what is most appropriate...

Yes. In line with NABERS Embodied Carbon Rules version 2.1, the preferred emission factor data for a specific material is derived from an independently or third party-verified process LCA. This can be an EPD, a carbon footprint declaration (e.g. a PCF) or a Climate Active Product Certification. A PCF can be used as evidence for a product’s emission factor in...

For medical facilities registering for Green Star Buildings certification, the GBCA clarifies that the costs of the following items may be excluded from the project contract value which is used for the purpose of determining the Green Star Certification Fee at time of registration. The GBCA considers this acceptable as these items are not typically base building inclusions. Major Medical Equipment...