Product Overview

Summary: This Green Building Practices Standard Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable framework for planning, delivering, and maintaining environmentally responsible workplaces and projects in Australia. It helps organisations embed sustainability into day‑to‑day operations while supporting WHS duties, compliance obligations, and ESG commitments.

The Green Building Practices Standard Operating Procedure provides a structured, practical approach for integrating sustainability into building design, construction, fit‑out and ongoing facility management across Australian workplaces. Rather than treating green initiatives as ad‑hoc add‑ons, this SOP embeds clear responsibilities, decision‑making criteria and step‑by‑step processes that can be applied consistently across projects and sites. It aligns environmental performance with business outcomes, ensuring that energy, water, materials, waste and indoor environmental quality are managed in a way that is both commercially sensible and demonstrably compliant.

For organisations responding to client expectations, ESG reporting requirements and government procurement standards, this SOP turns high‑level sustainability goals into day‑to‑day operational practice. It addresses common pain points such as inconsistent implementation between sites, lack of documentation to support certifications, and missed opportunities for cost savings through improved resource efficiency. By using this SOP, businesses can more easily demonstrate due diligence, support Green Star or NABERS targets, and provide a healthier, more efficient workplace that complements existing WHS systems and risk controls.

Key Benefits

• Standardise green building practices across projects and sites, reducing inconsistency and rework.
• Demonstrate alignment with Australian sustainability frameworks such as Green Star, NABERS and government procurement requirements.
• Reduce operating costs through structured energy, water and waste efficiency measures.
• Support ESG reporting by documenting clear processes, responsibilities and measurable performance indicators.
• Enhance occupant wellbeing and productivity through better indoor environmental quality and building performance.

Who is this for?

• Sustainability Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• WHS and HSEQ Managers
• Operations Managers
• Property and Asset Managers
• Environmental Advisors
• Site Supervisors
• Architects and Design Managers
• Corporate Services Managers

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Green Star, NABERS, ESG, etc.)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Planning and Design Phase Requirements
• 5.0 Sustainable Procurement and Materials Selection
• 6.0 Construction and Fit‑out Green Practices
• 7.0 Energy Management and Building Services Optimisation
• 8.0 Water Efficiency and Stormwater Management
• 9.0 Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and Occupant Wellbeing
• 10.0 Waste Minimisation, Recycling and Resource Recovery
• 11.0 Operational Controls for Existing Buildings
• 12.0 Monitoring, Measurement and Performance Indicators
• 13.0 Documentation, Recordkeeping and Certification Support
• 14.0 Integration with WHS and Risk Management Systems
• 15.0 Training, Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
• 16.0 Continuous Improvement, Audits and Management Review

Legislation & References

• National Construction Code (NCC) – Energy efficiency and performance requirements
• Green Building Council of Australia – Green Star Design & As Built / Performance guidelines
• NABERS – National Australian Built Environment Rating System guidelines
• AS/NZS 3598: Energy audits
• AS 1668.2: The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings – Mechanical ventilation in buildings
• AS/NZS 3666: Air-handling and water systems of buildings – Microbial control
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and harmonised state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 and equivalent state and territory regulations
• ISO 14001: Environmental management systems – Requirements with guidance for use