Green Building Council of Australia

As another year passes, this means another closing post from our resident chef/CIO Jorge Chapa. Those who receive Jorge's out of offices will know he has a wealth of recipe knowledge that we can't seem to keep up with. What better way to refresh yourself these summer holidays than with a frozen mango mocktail! (Add a splash of something festive if the moment calls for it). From our organisation to yours, we wish you all a happy holiday and a wonderful 2025! GBCA will close this afternoon and return on Monday 6 January, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle a new year 🎄 Swipe across to discover Jorge's recipe - Enjoy 🎅

Each quarter GBCA staff come together to celebrate our Star of the quarter. Awarded to someone who shows unwavering compassion and dedication to their team and always takes a professional and supportive approach to their work. ⭐   On this occasion the award went to Sally Foley, who was described as "GBCA's narrator" for her role as the Communications and Media Lead in our Industry Development team.   We wanted to share some of the beautiful words her colleagues said about her:   "She has an absolute gift with words and is able to communicate the most complex areas into easy to understand, relevant messaging"   "She is a powerhouse of knowledge about the industry and has her finger on the pulse"   "Sally excels in every aspect of her role, especially in handling challenging situations with skill, composure and kindness. She consistently delivers exceptional results with a calm, understated approach and she is an absolute joy to work alongside.   Congratulations, Sally 🤩

Whether it's through a case study, interview or thought leadership piece, at GBCA we love to share your inspiring sustainability stories throughout the year. According to our website hits, engagement rates and clicks, there were seven stories in 2024 that captured your attention, sparking lively conversation and social media chatter 🖥️ Here, our writer Karen Jamal reflects on the mix of policy pronouncements, catalyst projects and passionate change-makers that have left a lasting impression on our readers this year - https://lnkd.in/gVKtpZWW Davina Rooney Katy Dean Katherine Featherstone Yerrabingin Pty Ltd Christian Hampson BRE Singapore Green Building Council USGBC - LEED Green Associate (GA) and LEED AP Alliance HQE - GBC

For our last edition of policy snapshot for the year GBCA's Head of Policy & Research reflects on 2024: Policy wins and policy worries.⚡   Australia has made important progress in delivering new policies to reduce emissions, but there is still much to be done.   GBCA’s call to all governments in 2025 is to seize the opportunities that coordinated and consistent policy and regulation can play. Not just in delivering emissions reductions, but in boosting the economy, driving down energy demand and creating healthier, more resilient homes and buildings for Australians. 🏠   Interested in our policy and advocacy work? Swipe across for the highlights or read the full article here > https://lnkd.in/gUAMmqp4

We are so proud to be back with another '12 Days of Giving' with International Towers. This festive season we have decided to make a donation of $1000 to our chosen charity, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Frontières (Doctors without Borders), which will be matched by International Towers, making $2000 total funds donated which will go where it is needed most.   Médecins Sans Frontières Australia & Médecins Sans Frontières New Zealand provide vital medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. 

To everyone who has collaborated with us this year, thank you. Our team is continually inspired and uplifted by the people who turn their everyday roles into extraordinary acts of passion, talent and skill. In her last column of 2024, our CEO Davina Rooney writes that one of the many highlights of this year was the certification of over 1000 Green Star projects – a record-breaking feat not possible without your contribution. Go deeper into the data and the year that was in Davina's Green Building Voice column here - https://lnkd.in/gdgYk2Gi

It takes a village to drive sustainability in the built environment at scale, and we can say with confidence that this year, you all helped us deliver.   In an effort to cater to end of year fatigue, we asked our very own Davina Rooney, to speak to her highlights from A Year in Focus - our annual Green Star report. You can also read it here: https://lnkd.in/gD3M-9PP

What does the future hold for nature-based solutions? 🌱 At TRANSFORM 2024, nature took centre stage, with our panel on identifying the best nature-based solutions emerging as a key highlight. As the conversation around nature continues to grow, we’re excited to keep the momentum going at TRANSFORM 2025. We’ll be exploring: The Built Environment’s Progress on the Journey Toward Nature Positive: 🔹Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, GBCA 🔹Matthew Bell, Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader, EY Fostering Genuine Collaboration Between Country & Nature 🔹Craig Kerslake Wiradjuri Nation, Managing Director, Nguluway DesignInc 🔹Nicole M. Forrester, Chief Regenerative Officer, WWF-Australia Join us and be part of the conversation driving meaningful change. Find the full agenda and secure your spot > https://lnkd.in/gh-83t8m

All we want for Christmas is feedback from you! The Green Star Fitouts tool is the final tool to be developed in our Future Focus program (launched in 2018), and public consultation for the tool's draft credits are now open. Whether you're a Green Star veteran or new to the program, whether you have a lot to say or just one thought on a specific credit— your input is invaluable. We want Green Star Fitouts to become a go-to tool for future projects, but that’s only possible with contributions from industry professionals like you. 👉 Visit our website to learn more, review the draft credits, and share your feedback via our survey https://lnkd.in/gf8cfm_i Let’s shape the future of sustainable fitouts together! 💚 This consultation period is being done in partnership with NZGBC. We'd like to thank our Sustainable Fitouts expert reference panel members: Su-Fern Tan Alicia Buffinton Belinda Konopka Clayton Bristow Davis Demillo Filomena Beshara Iva Durakovic Jon Davis Karen Hovenga Karen Garrett Karie Soehardi Kendra Wasiluk Marlon Kobacker Melinda Mandla Pratik Shah Valerie Mack Zoe Neill

Meet Kelly Marie S., Communications Coordinator at GBCA, working within our Industry Development & Communications team. 🌏   As the Comms Coordinator, Kelly Marie ensures that all the exciting work we're involved in is seen and heard across Australia, through our podcast, the Green Building Voice newsletter, case studies and social media posts.   "The people behind Green Star projects are driving immense positive change in the industry, with ripple effects felt around the world. I love bringing these stories to life."   Kelly Marie has always been passionate about protecting the natural environment, and as she’s grown, that passion has evolved into living as sustainably as possible.   "My hope has always been to use my writing to usher in positive change, whether that’s through facilitating important conversations on sustainable homes at scale or protecting Australia’s unique plant and animal life."   When asked what she loves about working at GBCA, she said: "The people (if you know them, you’ll understand) and going to sleep at night knowing that the work I do every day is contributing to a better world. What more could you ask for?"   One of Kelly Marie's favourite Green Star projects is Naala Badu, otherwise known as Sydney Modern. It’s a stunning example of the intersection of art and sustainability – two things she believes are chariots of change. It sparks a wider conversation that sustainability can be, and should be, injected into every aspect of life – especially public facilities.   We’re proud to have Kelly Marie on the team, bringing GBCA’s story to life. 🌱