Green Building Forum Sydney 2025

29 Oct 2025

Agenda

8.30am
Arrival and networking
Enjoy a barista made coffee and pastry while networking with your peers

8.55am
Opening remarks from the Chair

9.00am
Welcome to Country

9.10am
Icebreaker – An informal session to build your network

9.20am

Industry leaders panel – trends and sustainability outlook shaping the state

  • What does the current landscape look like in the NSW market?
  • Where are the opportunities for sustainability?
  • What are the future trends on the horizon and what should be on the radar?

Penny Barker, General Manager, Sustainability, Stockland
Dr. Matthias Irger, National Head of Sustainability, COX
Davina Rooney, CEO, Green Building Council of Australia


10.10am
GBCA Update
Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, Green Building Council of Australia

10.20am
Case study: Green Star Buildings in focus
Discover the vision and technical innovations behind 55 Pitt Street, a landmark mixed-use commercial and retail development. As the first project in NSW to achieve a 6-Star Design Review rating under Green Star Buildings v1, this session will dive into the strategies and sustainability initiatives that will shape this project

Daniel Lia,
Senior Sustainability Manager, Carbon Planning & Construction, Mirvac
Grant Eckett, Senior Development Manager, Mirvac 

10.50am
Morning Tea

11.20am
Future-proofing assets: Insights for long-term performance and sustainability

11.40am
Case study: The recertification of Barangaroo South
This session will explore the journey of Barangaroo from its initial 6* certification through to the recertification process under Green Star Communities Pilot tool v0.2
Hear the details from carbon reduction innovations to precinct wide innovation outcomes of this iconic Sydney precinct.

Karen Greaves, Senior Sustainability Manager, Development, Lendlease   

12.10pm
Beyond the build: Innovation in materials and sustainable sourcing

12.30pm
Launching Buildings v 1.1 – unpacking the updates
This session will cover the changes and updates to Green Star Buildings v1.1 and what it means for individuals and project teams delivering Green Star.

Taryn Cornell
, Senior Manager – Strategy and Development, Green Building Council of Australia

1.10pm
Lunch

2.10pm

BREAKOUT WORKSHOPS

GREEN STAR WORKSHOP: HOW TO DELIVER A HIGH PERFORMING SUBMISSION

Unlock top tips for a standout submission! Discover common pitfalls, how to avoid them, and get advice from assessors. Join small group discussions, share insights, and have your questions answered.

Presented by:
Elham Monavari, Head of Green Star Strategic Delivery, Green Building Council of Australia

Anna Davis, Senior Manager – Green Star Technical Delivery, Green Building Council of Australia

+ Assessors including
Devan Valenti, Director of Sustainability, AESG
Tony Watson, Managing Director, Green Matters
Rory Eames, Founder, Brevet
Kim Featherston, Sustainability Director, Frontier 1 Consulting

KNOWLEDGE SHARING WORKSHOP

Gain fresh insights, share experience, and explore emerging topics in this interactive session designed to spark open dialogue and knowledge exchange.

Further details to be announced shortly.


3.30pm
Afternoon tea

4.00pm
Case study: CIT Woden – A smart campus 
This session will explore how CIT Woden, targeting a 6-Star Green Star Buildings v1 rating, has positioned itself as a model smart campus. The use of a Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) frame in the main building has significantly reduced the project’s carbon footprint, setting a new benchmark in sustainable design. Integrating a youth foyer, transport hub, and university building, the development prioritises climate resilience and community engagement, delivering strong environmental and social outcomes.

Barry Hackett
, Partner, Gray Puksand
Ruchita Panchal, Senior Sustainability Consultant, AECOM

4.30pm
In Conversation: Progressing the outcomes and themes of the day

Taryn Cornell
, Senior Manager – Strategy and Development, Green Building Council of Australia + speakers to be announced

5.00pm
Networking drinks reception

6.00pm
Event close