Green Star Buildings v1.1
and NABERS Updates

From 1 May 2026, all new projects will be required to register under Green Star Buildings v1.1. The update restructures the point allocation, introduces new credits, and tightens performance targets to increase stringency.

Notable changes include:

• All-electric buildings powered by renewables are now a Minimum Expectation (6 points compared to GSB v1.0)
• Introduction of a 30% upfront carbon offset credit (voluntary until 2028, but part of the Climate Positive pathway, 1 point if not targeted)
• Mandatory refrigerant management and prescriptive GWP limits
• Stepped point allocation structures across multiple credits
• Strengthened requirements from 2028 (embodied carbon offsetting, load shifting, biodiversity net gain)

This represents a 6 to 7 point shift, which may affect the feasibility of targeted ratings and require a significant revision of your current Green Star strategy.

The NABERS Embodied Carbon rating tool enables eligible new buildings and partial rebuilds to measure, verify, and compare their upfront embodied carbon with similar buildings. The rating provides a certified measure of carbon intensity, incorporating material, transport and construction emissions, with a star rating result similar to the industry-recognised NABERS Energy star rating.

Ark Resources has accredited NABERS Embodied Carbon assessors in-house.

Developers seeking Green Star Buildings v1.1 certification need to meet the minimum expectations for the Upfront Carbon Emissions credit. The Benchmark Emissions pathway must be undertaken by an accredited NABERS Embodied Carbon Assessor. In addition, the calculations and associated reporting documentation must be peer-reviewed by an independent accredited NABERS Embodied Carbon Assessor.

Ark Resources now offers comprehensive NABERS Independent Design Review (IDR) services, delivered by Daniel O'Loughlin, our in-house NABERS IDR panel member and accredited NABERS Assessor.

The NABERS Independent Design Review provides an independent, third-party evaluation of a project's energy modelling and design documentation prior to construction, ensuring the design intent and modelling assumptions are robust and aligned with the targeted NABERS rating. An IDR is required for projects entering a NABERS Commitment Agreement.

In addition, Daniel is qualified to undertake operational NABERS ratings for offices, hotels and apartments. A NABERS Assessment plays a vital role in measuring a building's actual performance, ensuring transparency, credibility and consistency in certified ratings.

Together, our IDR and Assessor services support project teams from early design through to operational performance, helping to de-risk outcomes and deliver high-performance buildings.

Ark Resources was engaged by Nature Based Cities (NBC) to undertake a review of the Nature Based City Initiative, examining how nature-based solutions are being integrated into urban planning and development frameworks across Australian cities.

The report evaluates the current state of nature-based design in the built environment, identifying barriers to adoption and opportunities for embedding green infrastructure into planning policy, development assessment, and building rating systems. It draws on Ark Resources' deep experience in ESD consulting to provide practical, evidence-based recommendations for how nature-based approaches can be scaled up across residential, commercial, and civic projects.

Key themes include the role of green roofs, living walls, urban tree canopy, and water-sensitive urban design in delivering measurable environmental, social, and economic co-benefits. The review also explores alignment between nature-based city principles and existing sustainability frameworks such as Green Star, NABERS, and the NCC.

The report represents a significant contribution to the growing evidence base supporting nature-based cities in Australia, and reinforces Ark Resources' commitment to advancing sustainability outcomes beyond conventional compliance.