The GBCA is calling on the home building industry to adopt the Green Star Homes Standard certification system ahead of a planned consumer release in 2022.

The GBCA Green Star certification is the world’s first mass market, residential climate positive certification.

Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, said that the Green Star certification will bring more climate positive new homes within reach of everyday Australians.

"We know the energy rating of our fridge, but not of our biggest asset – our home. This certification is designed to change that," Ms Rooney said.

"The residential sector accounts for 57% of Australia’s building emissions. We spend 90% of our time indoors with two thirds of this being at home.

"COVID lockdowns have forced many Australians to confront the reality that in many cases their home is uncomfortable, and costly to run.

"Green Star certified homes will reduce a household’s energy costs by over 75%, through things like solar panels, better insulation, smarter air conditioning, LED lights and electric appliances."

To be certified under the Standard, homes will have to meet the following criteria: 

  • Healthy: ventilated, insulated, with minimal toxins in carpets or paint. 
  • Resilient: water efficient and climate change ready. 
  • Climate positive: fully electric, draught sealed, energy efficient, and powered by renewables. 

Research by the CSIRO into Low Carbon Living, shows that two thirds of home buyers, when given a choice, prefer energy efficient homes.

"The recent IPCC Report is a code red.  We need highly efficient buildings powered by renewables to drive critical emissions reductions," Ms Rooney said.

According to the report, 11 industry stakeholders have already agreed to adopt the standard, including Metricon and Stockland. 

Because it allows for flexible climactic variations, the rating can be applied by builders to new homes throughout Australia, from Darwin to Hobart.    

The GBCA is working with government to bring the Green Star Homes Standard into the regulatory framework. 

This news comes after a steady rise in the popularity of 'green home loans' in Australia. 

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Buying a home or looking to refinance? The table below features home loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market for owner occupiers.

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LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Extra Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
5.54% p.a.
5.58% p.a.
$2,852
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 10% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • Extra Repayments
  • More details
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Quick and easy online application process.
Disclosure
5.49% p.a.
5.40% p.a.
$2,836
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
  • Built and funded by CommBank
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 20% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • More details
  • No application or ongoing fees. Annual rate discount
  • Unlimited redraws & additional repayments. LVR <80%
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender. Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
 Disclosure
5.64% p.a.
5.89% p.a.
$2,883
Principal & Interest
Variable
$250
$250
60%
  • 100% offset
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 40% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • More details
  • Easy application. Fast approval. 100% offset.
  • Unlimited additional repayments free of charge.
  • Redraw available - Access additional payments.
 Disclosure
5.64% p.a.
5.89% p.a.
$2,883
Principal & Interest
Variable
$248
$350
60%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 40% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • More details
  • Check your eligibility in as little as one minute
 Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Base criteria of: a $400,000 loan amount, variable, fixed, principal and interest (P&I) home loans with an LVR (loan-to-value) ratio of at least 80%. However, the ‘Compare Home Loans’ table allows for calculations to be made on variables as selected and input by the user. Some products will be marked as promoted, featured or sponsored and may appear prominently in the tables regardless of their attributes. All products will list the LVR with the product and rate which are clearly published on the product provider’s website. Monthly repayments, once the base criteria are altered by the user, will be based on the selected products’ advertised rates and determined by the loan amount, repayment type, loan term and LVR as input by the user/you. *The Comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over 25 years. Warning: this comparison rate is true only for this example and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in a different comparison rate. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
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