The built environment is responsible for nearly 50% of global resource use, and 37% of GHG emissions*. With this in mind, we must carefully consider the products and materials that we incorporate into our buildings, communities and fitouts.
GBCA believes this can be done through the Responsible Products Framework, driving the use of products that have lower environmental impacts, are transparent, respect human rights, and are considerate of a circular economy.
The Responsible Products Framework – Version B consultation paper is now open for comment. The document has been split into two parts.
Part One: Provides the context for why the Responsible Products Framework has been updated, and the high-level changes. This section is relevant to all interested parties.
Part Two: The detailed changes to the initiative governance requirements and technical criteria. This section is relevant to product certification initiatives who will be impacted by the proposed changes.
Feedback can be provided via the online survey here, or via excel and emailed to consultation@gbca.org.au. Consultation will be open till the 12th December 2025.
What are Responsible Products?
GBCA has defined responsible products by the credits and criteria within the Responsible Products Guidelines, sitting across four key areas: Responsible, Positive, Healthy, and Circular. They have been developed with industry, for industry, to define what makes a product responsible, and to give a framework for how products should be manufactured, from the extraction of raw materials to end-of-use.
Whilst we do not recognise products or product manufacturers directly, we do recognise product certification initiatives (or schemes). Initiatives complete a self-assessment which aligns their standards criteria and governance processes against those in the Responsible Product Guidelines. They are then assigned a Responsible Product Value (RPV). The greater the value, the more aligned they are with the guidelines. Once a product is certified to a standard recognised by GBCA, Green Star project teams can receive recognition for the use of those products in their project.
Why Responsible Products are key to earning your Green Star certification
A Green Star rated project is more than just operational efficiency; it’s about making a positive impact on the entire supply chain. By selecting responsible products, you’re not only contributing to a healthy, resilient, and circular built environment but also driving a shift towards more sustainable manufacturing practices. Engaging with the framework is also an opportunity to align with key global policies such as the UN Transparency Protocol or Taskforce for Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), and corporate social responsibility goals of your organisation.
Green Star Buildings, Communities, and soon, Fitouts contain responsible products credits, awarding project teams for the use of products and materials that are certified by recognised initiatives. The credits differ from tool to tool, but the process remains the same.
The credits require the project team to use a minimum percentage of products and materials (by cost) to be “responsible products”, by holding one or multiple initiatives recognised against the guidelines. These are added to the Responsible Products Calculator, alongside certificates and receipts to demonstrate compliance.
How Responsible Products are recognised within Green Star
Learn more about the Responsible Products Framework
Looking to achieve Green Star certification efficiently? Discover how specifying responsible products can earn valuable credits. Learn more for Project Teams.
Are you a product certification body seeking recognition and wider adoption? Learn how partnering with GBCA can amplify your reach. Learn more for Product Certification Initiatives.
Do you produce sustainable products ready for Green Star projects? Find out how to get your products recognised and increase their visibility. Access guidance for Product Manufacturers.
Quick links to useful resources
* Harmonising life cycle sustainability thinking in material substitution for buildings, Science Direct | Building Materials and the Climate: Construction a new future, United Nations Environment Programme.