In 2002, a national non for profit organisation called the Green Building Council Australia (GBCA) was formed to encourage the adoption of green building practices, in an effort to keep Australia’s property industry sustainable. With support from both industry and governments across the country, the GBCA aim to promote green building programs, technologies, design practices and operations as well as the integration of green building initiatives into mainstream design, construction and operation of buildings.

A rating system for buildings was introduced in 2003 to help GBCA achieve these objectives. The Green Star rating system helped the property industry reduce the environmental impact of buildings as well as improving occupant health and productivity to achieve cut cost savings. The rating tools are available across a number of sectors including commercial offices, schools, public buildings and retail centres.

A number of courses are available throughout Australia to make people aware of the Green Star project and a continuing professional development program has helped property professionals maintain Green Star knowledge and stay in touch with latest industry technology or trends.

A number of events are held by the Green Building Council of Australia. There is an annual conference as well as industry forums, seminars and social events. All of these events help the GBCA to drive the adoption of green building practices.