31st May 2021, Sydney - Leading carbon emissions reduction project developer and global climate solutions provider South Pole has joined Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) as a partner for their Future Focus Program.
Established in 2002, GBCA leads the sustainable transformation of the built environment in Australia through the nation's largest, voluntary holistic rating system – Green Star. Green Star guides and measures the sustainability of buildings and places across using a star rating system. On average, Green Star certified buildings are healthier, more resilient and have 55 percent less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than standard new buildings.
GBCA's Future Focus program is the next evolution of Green Star and ensures the system remains responsive to global megatrends and emerging challenges. To do this GBCA believes all world leading buildings, fitouts and precincts should consider the health and wellbeing of people and the natural environment, resilience to future changes and shocks, while being energy efficient, net zero and powered by renewables.
South Pole's role is to share expertise on climate strategy, emissions reductions and carbon credits for the built environment sector, with a specific focus on nature-based solutions. This input will be key in shaping the development of the program's next Green Star rating tools for fitouts, communities, homes, performance and buildings.
"With building and construction responsible for 39% of the world's carbon emissions, the built environment sector has a critical role to play in limiting global warming to 1.5°C. We are proud to support GBCA's meaningful action driving the sector towards Net Zero and to collaborate with the industry on climate solutions, especially those that focus on the critical role of nature," said John Davis, Commercial Director Asia Pacific and North America at South Pole.
"As we contemplate net zero a critical contribution comes from nature-based solutions. We were thrilled to partner with South Pole to articulate this strategy as part of our climate positive ambitions and net zero strategy. We see South Pole's role as important as we drive this agenda both from their project work and contribution to strategy," said Davina Rooney, CEO GBCA.
South Pole works with leading Australian and global players in the built environment sector including Frasers Property, Holcim and Interface.