An ambitious new standard for Australian homes will help drive the transformation of the housing market to ensure new homes are built to a higher standard which is focused on health, resilience and net zero energy. 

The Green Building Council of Australia, CEO Davina Rooney said they have been working in partnership with industry and government to help accelerate the transformation that has already begun in the residential sector. 

“The delivery of new homes that meet a Green Star standard at volume is ambitious and challenging, but we are confident that we can support the housing market to deliver the transformation that has already begun,” said Ms Rooney. 

At a Glance:

• GBCA have been working in partnership with industry and government to help accelerate tranformation in the residential sector.
• Australian families spend 90 per cent of time indoors, with two-thirds at home
• 57 per cent of total emissions come from our homes

“Since its inception, our voluntary Green Star certification program has demonstrated the appetite of Australian companies to take action to achieve a lower emissions future. 

“Green Star has helped define what we expect from our buildings, and importantly, it has created opportunities and value for all those who help create our buildings and cities to deliver on these expectations. 

“With more than 2,600 certifications and the uptake of Green Star continuing to increase, extending into the residential homes space is the next logical step to achieving emissions reduction at scale in our buildings. 

green_star_gbca_2.jpg

The Prince's Terrace, South Australia has a 6 Star Green Star rating. Photo: GBCA

“All the evidence clearly establishes that living in a healthier, more energy efficient and resilient home is better for people, for families, and for the planet.” 

Data shows that on average, Australian families spend 90 per cent of their time indoors, with two-thirds of this at home, therefore it’s not surprising to hear that 57 per cent of Australia’s total emissions come from our homes. 

“If we are serious about limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees, as committed to in the Paris Agreement, we can’t ignore our homes,” said Ms Rooney. 

Ms Rooney said that all Green Star rated homes should be powered by renewables, comfortable and resilient to future climate change. 

“We are currently engaging with industry and government to develop a standard that will achieve these outcomes," said Ms Rooney.

“The release of this strategy now builds on the extensive consultation we have already undertaken and enables deeper engagement with industry and government to seek further feedback." 

A comprehensive pilot period will test the standard with industry and investors to ensure it is fit for purpose in helping support consumer demand, provide a competitive advantage for volume home builders, and assure outcomes for banks, investors and insurers. 

Early commitments have come from Chatham Homes, Delos, Development Victoria, HEZ Development, Ingenia Communities, Metricon, New South Homes, Rawson Homes and  Stockland.

green_star_gbca_3.jpg

Alkimos Beach, WA where buildings have a 6 Green Star rating. Photo: GBCA

What the builders say

Andrew Whitson, Stockland CEO Communities and GBCA Director said that it was clear that our homes needed to transform to meet the changing needs and expectations of society.

“The current COVID-19 crisis has highlighted for many of us the importance of safe, healthy and resilient homes and the benefits of living in sustainable and connected communities”, said Mr Whitson. 

“This is a great opportunity for us to take-stock and plan for the challenges and opportunities in front of us. 

“As Australia’s largest residential community developer, Stockland is proud to partner with the GBCA and to support the release of this strategy.

"We commend it’s take-up to all parts of the residential construction industry.” 

green_star_gbca_4.jpg

Forte, Victoria, 5 star Green Star rating. Photo: GBCA

Adrian Popple, Design Director at Metricon Homes said they were committed to making sustainable design  accessible to more Australians. 

“We’ve been offering our customers Zero Net Carbon inclusions in our homes for just over six months now and we know there is a strong appetite
for energy-efficient housing from our customer base,” said Mr Popple. 

“Participating in the Green Star for Homes program is the next step in evolving our offer for the consumer – hopefully making enjoying the benefits of a sustainably designed new home within reach for many more Australians.”

Read more details Green Star for Homes - A strategy for the future

Similar to this:

Living Green Star: Good for people, planet and the purse-strings

Another great chapter in the Green Star story for 2016

Victorian Government leads with Green Star for Fishermans Bend