Green Star Performance
GBCA
Measures building performance for sustainability.
Key Strengths
- Rigorous third-party assessment of real operational performance, not design intent
- Covers multiple sustainability categories: energy, water, indoor environment quality, waste, and transport
- Widely recognised by Australian government, investors, and major tenants as a credible benchmark
- Applicable to a broad range of existing building types including offices, retail, education, and healthcare
- Supports ongoing improvement through a structured rating and renewal cycle
- Aligns with Australia's national sustainability and net-zero commitments
Ideal For
Green Star Performance is best suited for owners and managers of existing commercial buildings in Australia — including offices, retail centres, universities, and hospitals — who want to benchmark, improve, and publicly demonstrate the operational sustainability of their assets. It is particularly valuable for property companies, REITs, and institutional investors seeking credible third-party validation of environmental performance to meet ESG reporting obligations or tenant expectations.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Recognized By
- Green Star Rating System
Building Scope
Overview
Green Star Performance is a program by the Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) aimed at improving the operational performance of existing buildings. Launched to address sustainability, it uses a robust rating system to assess energy, water usage, indoor environment quality, waste, and more. Buildings can achieve certification, showcasing their commitment to environmental responsibility.
The program covers various sectors, including offices, shopping centers, universities, and hospitals. Notable certified buildings include projects from non-profits like Landcom and commercial properties managed by companies such as Charter Hall and Dexus.
Since its inception, Green Star Performance has become a key tool for Australia’s sustainability efforts, with millions of square meters certified. This initiative helps both new and existing buildings to minimize their ecological footprint, aiming for long-term environmental and economic benefits.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Applicants must submit 12 months of operational performance data across all applicable credit categories, including energy consumption records, water usage data, waste diversion data, indoor environment quality measurements, and management documentation. Evidence is compiled into a formal submission reviewed by GBCA-appointed independent assessors. Supporting documentation such as utility bills, metering data, occupant surveys, and maintenance records is typically required. A site audit may be conducted to verify submitted data.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
Green Star Performance uses a documentation-based assessment process rather than an exam. Building owners or managers compile a formal submission containing 12 months of verified operational data across all applicable credit categories. GBCA-appointed independent assessors review the submission, score each credit, and determine the overall star rating (1–6 stars). A technical clarification process allows applicants to respond to assessor queries. Depending on the rating level sought, a site verification visit may also be conducted. The full assessment process typically takes several months from submission to certification award.
Renewal & Compliance
Green Star Performance certifications are valid for three years, after which buildings must re-submit updated operational performance data to maintain their rating. Renewal involves a new assessment cycle using 12 months of current data, allowing the rating to reflect ongoing performance improvements or changes. Renewal fees apply and are based on building size and type.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
Green Star Performance certification primarily benefits building asset values and operating cost profiles rather than individual salaries. Certified buildings typically command rental premiums of 5–10% and higher occupancy rates compared to non-rated peers, according to Australian property market research. Facility managers and sustainability consultants with Green Star project experience are generally more competitive in the Australian property market.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
If your building is still in the design or construction phase, Green Star Design & As Built is the more appropriate rating tool. Organisations seeking a lightweight or low-cost sustainability acknowledgement may find the documentation and audit requirements of Green Star Performance resource-intensive.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2013
Available
