Trends in sustainable practices in the construction industry using green star certified buildings data

Green building rating systems are proving to be an effective way to encourage sustainability practices in the construction industry. Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has developed four Green Star rating tools that provide a means of certification for building design and construction, operation, fit outs, and communities. The GBCA Green Star rating gives credit to different sustainability aspects of buildings such as energy use in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, embodied energy of materials, water efficiency, and others. This study aimed at determining trends in sustainability practices in the Australian construction industry based on the Green Star credits of certified buildings under the Design and As-built tool. A frequency analysis on the points earned on credits versus the number of projects was done to show perspectives in the industry practice. Analysis of the Green Star credits was also carried out using data available in the literature to further understand the industry motives behind the results. Findings showed that “greenhouse gas emissions”, “indoor pollutants-engineered wood products”, “peak electricity demand reduction”, “potable water” and “sustainable transport” were the credits in which most of the rated buildings had achieved, while life cycle impacts were the credits that certified buildings rarely achieved.