The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has released technical guidance for the new Green Star Buildings -Apartments Pathway, designed to provide verification of the apartments within Green Star Buildings rated projects.

The pathway introduces new apartment-specific requirements and targeted credits within the Green Star Buildings rating tool, providing developers with a practical framework to deliver more sustainable multi-unit residential projects.

The Green Star Buildings – Apartments Pathway reflects the growing demand for heathier, energy-efficient apartments and is tailored to meet the unique needs of apartment buildings.

GBCA’s Chief Impact Officer, Jorge Chapa, said the pathway offers a unit-level certification for the first time, providing independent verification that individual apartments meet Green Star standards, not just the overall building.

“The pathway will equip developers with the tools they need to meet growing sustainability expectations in the residential sector. It offers independent unit-level reporting, giving buyers, banks and tenants confidence that each home meets high performance standards,” Mr. Chapa said.

The Apartments Pathway is designed to streamline the certification process while adding value to multi-unit developments through independent reporting. Certification under the Apartments Pathway is included in the existing Green Star Buildings registration fee, meaning there will be no additional registration or certification fee.

Developers can access GBCA’s promotional support and marketing materials, alongside the unit-level reports to showcase the benefits of sustainable living and differentiate their projects in a competitive market. Owners may be eligible for green home loans, offering reduced mortgage rates and financial incentives.

Who Can Use the Apartments Pathway?

The Green Star Buildings Apartments Pathway is optional for any Class 2 multi-unit residential projects including, build-to-sell, build-to-rent, affordable housing, community housing and mixed-tenure housing certifying under the Green Star Buildings rating tool.

The pathway is not available for student accommodation or hotels. Projects already registered under Green Star Buildings can opt in to the Apartments Pathway by submitting an Eligibility Query via the Green Star Manager portal.

Six early access partners — Cbus Property, Homes Victoria, Lendlease, Sentinel, Frasers Property, and Stockland— are actively contributing to the development of the new Pathway and collaborating closely with GBCA. Through their involvement these partners are helping to shape the pathway to ensure it drives meaningful outcomes for sustainable apartment living.

All multi-unit residential developments registered with the GBCA from 1 January 2023 onwards and targeting 5 Star or 6 Star Green Star ratings will be delivered as fully electric buildings powered by renewable energy.

For more information visit the GBCA website.