Green Building Council Powers Up Apartment Ratings

New sustainability ratings for apartments have been introduced by the Green Building Council of Australia.

The new Green Star pathway, mooted in October, adds apartment-specific requirements and targeted credits within the Green Star Buildings rating tool. 

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

It is not available for hotels or student accommodation.

Under the changes, all multi-unit residential developments that have been registered with the council from January 1, 2023 that are targeting 5 Star or 6 Star Green Star ratings must be fully electric buildings powered by renewable energy.

The council said this provided developers with a practical framework to deliver more sustainable multi-unit residential projects. 

Green Building Council of Australia chief executive Davina Rooney said that although affordability was a key concern for buyers, sustainability was also high on the agenda. 

▲ A render of the under-construction 185 Wharf Street, which is piloting the Green Star apartments pathway.

“The launch of Green Star apartments will help buyers and renters identify homes that align with these expectations, while also ensuring lower operating costs and improved liveability,” Rooney said.

According to the council, a Green Star apartment may have a marginally higher upfront cost, costing an additional 1.3 per cent or $11,700 more to build in Sydney, but could deliver $110,000 in total financial gains through cheaper loans, lower energy costs and higher appreciation. 

Cbus Property, Frasers Property, Homes Victoria, Lendlease, Sentinel, and Stockland have already partnered with the council to trial Green Star apartments in current projects.

Cbus Property is piloting the Green Star apartments pathway as part of its Green Star Buildings certification at 185 Wharf Street, now being built at Spring Hill, Brisbane. 

The 30-storey, 125-unit development designed by Rothelowman and built by Hutchinson Builders is due to complete in 2027.