Reconciliation Action Plan

Our commitment to reconciliation

Australia’s First People are the world’s oldest continuous living culture and Australia’s first practitioners of sustainability. They have shaped the built environment for millennia with purpose-built architecture that responds to the unique character and challenges of the landscape. We recognise the power of the built environment to shape a future that cares for both people and planet.

In conversation: Advancing reconciliation in the property industry​

We’ve been fortunate to have Michael Manikas not only as a staff member for a number of years, but as a consultant for Indigenous design credits for Green Star and our reconciliation action plan. In this discussion, GBCA CEO Davina Rooney speaks with Michael about the property industry’s reconciliation journey — from early commitments to the next steps required to create lasting change.

Introducing our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan

We’re proud to share GBCA’s second Reconciliation Action Plan. Our Innovate RAP builds on the strong foundations of our 2017 Reflect RAP and sets out our next steps toward deeper engagement, stronger relationships, and meaningful action across our organisation and industry.

This two-year plan will guide how we embed First Nations perspectives into our work and influence the wider property sector to do the same.

Read the RAP
"What’s really powerful is seeing projects that reflect the stories of the Traditional Owners, where the design connects to the land, the culture, and the history of that place. You can walk into some of these buildings now and feel that connection."
Michael Manikas
Director Cost Management, AESG

Meet our RAP artist

Daniel Apps is a Dharug Boorooberongal artist and designer whose work reflects a deep connection to culture, Country, and community as well as the cultural heritage and landscapes that shaped his upbringing.

We are incredibly honoured to feature Daniel Apps as the artist for our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and to showcase his artwork on the cover of our RAP report, and even more honoured to be able to sit down with him and talk about his journey as an artist.

Read his story

Our reconciliation journey

The timeline below shows our journey as we continue to embed reconciliation and Indigenous perspectives into our work, tools, and partnerships.

RAP innovation credit introduced in Green Star

A new Reconciliation Action Plan innovation credit was introduced across Green Star rating tools, encouraging project teams to pursue a RAP and apply outcomes on their Green Star projects.

2017

New Innovation Challenge

GBCA and WSP’s Indigenous Design team co-developed a new innovation challenge to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and embed cultural knowledge across a project's lifecycle.

2020

Performance v2 Indigenous Inclusion

The Indigenous Inclusion credit was adapted for the Green Star Performance v2 rating tool, encouraging existing buildings to connect with and celebrate Culture and Country.

2025

Nature Positive Roadmap draft released

The consultation draft of GBCA’s Nature Positive Roadmap includes Culture and Country as an overlay to the framework recognising the integral role of Indigenous knowledge in restoring and protecting nature.

2025
2015

Reflect RAP launched

GBCA developed and launched our first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), laying the foundations for our reconciliation journey. 

2019

Launch of Green Star Buildings

Green Star Buildings introduced the ‘Indigenous Inclusion’ credit, recognising project-specific RAPs, Indigenous-led design, and cultural recognition — building on the earlier innovation challenge.

2022

Communities v2 expands First Nations focus

Green Star Communities v2 introduces two new credits, developed with Sherie Bruce (Culture to Country), to embed First Nations perspectives in the planning and design of communities.

2025

Innovate RAP launched

GBCA launched its RAP, building on the lessons of our Reflect RAP. It outlines a clear pathway for deeper engagement, stronger partnerships, and meaningful action.

Case Studies: Projects led by Indigenous design

There are a range of Green Star rated projects that have gone above creating healthy, sustainable, efficient places – they celebrate First Nations culture and heritage. ​

One The Esplanade

Brookfield Properties and Multiplex, both known for their landmark projects, have come together to embrace the challenge of creating more than just a building. The result is One The Esplanade, a 6 Star Green Star rated project on Whadjuk Noongar land, and a legacy that celebrates ecological value, cultural heritage and fosters community engagement. The initiation of Multiplex’s program, Jump Start, and the project team’s First Nations engagement strategy, has made One The Esplanade a beacon of how ESG principles can be integrated into every phase of development.

Read the case study.

narrm ngarrgu Library ​

narrm ngarrgu Library is on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Boon Wurrung Peoples of the Eastern Kulin nation, and within the 5 Star Green Star rated Munro development. Through thoughtful design considerations, this project meets the needs of visitors, while fostering a strong sense of belonging, community and connection to Country.

First Nations artwork, designed by First Nations artist, Maree Clarke, is woven throughout the space, reflecting deep systems of knowledge, learning and collective responsibility. Here, every element, from the design to the details, speaks to shared knowledge, respect for Country, and a more sustainable future. Watch the full video to learn more.

Fostering authentic collaboration between Country & nature​

At TRANSFORM 2025, we were honoured to host a powerful discussion exploring the deep, inseparable connection between Country and nature — and what it means to design, plan, and build in a way that respects both. Watch now to learn how to embed Indigenous knowledge and honour Country in practice.

Acknowledgement of Country

We at the Green Building Council of Australia recognise the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuous connection to the land, water, culture, and community.