Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Green Building Council of Australia: Spotlight”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
Another key milestone at the conference was the launch of the Green Star Fitouts rating tool – something I’ve personally been keen to see for several years.
At A Glance
The Green Building Council of Australia was founded by industry leaders who recognised the need for a unified, consensus-driven, and science-based approach to Australia’s built environment.
“Buildings don’t exist in isolation; they are part of a broader ecosystem, and nature provides an important connection point,”
says Taryn Cornell, Senior Manager – Strategy and Development, Green Building Council of Australia.
The Green Building Council of Australia works with the Australian government on initiatives such as doubling the country’s circularity rate by 2035 and establishing a wider national circular economy.
As it seeks to implement sustainability more widely, Australia’s construction sector is leveraging influential green policies and new technologies to reframe how the industry can contribute to achieving the nation’s net zero goals.
SPOTLIGHT ON CONSTRUCTION IN AUSTRALIA
Today’s Australian construction landscape is undergoing a notable shift, with sustainability, regulation, and technological innovation reshaping construction processes.
Historically characterised by traditional, carbon-intensive methods, the sector is increasingly embracing greener practices and data-driven approaches in response to evolving environmental expectations.
A key catalyst for recent industry change was the introduction of the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, which raised the minimum energy efficiency standard for new homes to a seven-star rating in line with the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings – a government plan to achieve lower carbon structures.
The move has encouraged developers and designers to re-think building performance – from improved insulation to more efficient material choices.
At the same time, the industry is turning its attention to reducing embodied carbon – the emissions associated with the production and construction of building resources.
This growing focus is driving interest in construction materials such as sustainable timber, recycled alternatives, and low-carbon steel, whilst new policies are beginning to require large infrastructure projects to actively manage their upfront carbon.
Technological innovation is also playing a transformative role, with digital tools such as building information modelling (BIM) and artificial intelligence (AI) enabling companies to improve planning accuracy, optimise material use, and reduce waste.
Modern methods of construction, meanwhile, are helping to streamline delivery and enhance quality control, such as volumetric modular construction and precast concrete elements.
Despite these advances, the sector continues to navigate a challenging operating environment.
Rising material costs and inflationary pressures are placing strain on residential developments, whilst a persistent shortage of skilled labour remains a continued obstacle to growth within the industry.
Nevertheless, with sustainability now firmly embedded in the nation’s long-term agenda, Australia’s construction sector is steadily laying the foundations for a more efficient, resilient, and environmentally conscious future, particularly as it seeks to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
Q&A WITH TARYN CORNELL, SENIOR MANAGER – STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT, THE GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
We sit down with Taryn Cornell, Senior Manager – Strategy and Development for the Green Building Council of Australia, who discusses the organisation’s role in advocating on behalf of its members and supporting a sustainable future for the nation’s construction sector.
Firstly, could you talk us through the origins and primary goals of the Green Building Council of Australia?
Taryn Cornell, Senior Manager – Strategy and Development (TC): The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) was founded in 2002 by industry leaders who recognised the need for a unified, consensus-driven, and science-based approach to transforming Australia’s built environment and shifting towards sustainability.
Our primary goal is to deliver better buildings and places to live, work, and play – by ‘better’ we mean lower-carbon, healthier, and more climate-resilient environments. These are things we’re driven to improve not just at scale, but also on a granular level.
We do that by working across a lot of different building types, from workplaces and sports facilities to schools, universities, railway stations, and retail spaces.
Our purpose is to drive ambition whilst building capability across the construction industry.
What is your take on today’s Australian construction landscape, and how have you seen it evolve over the course of your career?
TC: I would say it’s both exciting and challenging. Australia has a strong track record when it comes to sustainability in the built environment.
One of the biggest shifts has been the rise of upfront carbon as a mainstream conversation. Five years ago, very few people understood it; today, governments are backing the concept and discussing its inclusion in the NCC. That represents a rapid and significant change.
We’re also seeing growing momentum around designing and building for circularity. This involves treating buildings as a ‘kit of parts’ and finding ways to extend the life of materials within our built environment, which requires a shift away from traditional construction approaches towards more modular and durable design.
Another important change is leadership across the construction supply and value chain.
Source: Read the original article | Published: April 09, 2026