At Next Cycle, we are proud to announce our membership with the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Our membership and the opportunity that it brings to collaborate with the GBCA team, led by Davina Rooney and the 650 member organisations, is a key step in our strategic goal to drive sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovation in Australia’s built environment.
Who is the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)?
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is a national leader in advancing a more sustainable built environment through its Green Star certification, policy advocacy, and industry collaboration. GBCA’s influential Every Building Counts report outlines practical, cost-effective recommendations to decarbonise the sector, which is responsible for nearly a quarter of Australia’s emissions. By driving high-performance standards and partnering across government and industry, GBCA is helping to shape a healthier, more energy-efficient and climate-resilient future for all Australians.
As a leading distributor of innovative R290 hydronic heat pumps and sustainable heating, cooling, hot water and chilled water technologies, we recognise the critical role that the HVAC + Water sector must play in helping Australia meet its net zero targets. We are proud to partner with the GBCA to achieve our joint vision of accelerating the decarbonisation of homes, commercial and industrial buildings and public spaces.
What is the Green Star Rating?
Established in 2003 by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Green Star is the country’s leading and internationally recognised rating system for sustainable design, construction, and operation of buildings, fitouts, and communities. Tailored specifically for the Australian climate and regulatory context, Green Star sets the benchmark for what it means to create healthy, resilient, and positive places to live and work.
Green Star certifications span a wide range of projects, from commercial offices and schools to residential developments and entire precincts. The rating system assesses projects across several key sustainability categories, including energy efficiency, emissions reduction, resource use, indoor environment quality, biodiversity impact, and community well-being.
If you would like to learn more about the Green Star rating and the 8 categories of sustainability that matter most and that help to future-proof a building for the long-term, you can read more here.
What are the Benefits of a Green Star Rating?
The benefits of a Green Star-rated building are far-reaching. They include:
✅ Lower carbon emissions
✅ Reduced operational costs
✅ Improved occupant health and comfort
✅ Enhanced asset value
Importantly, the framework plays a critical role in helping Australia achieve its climate commitments by encouraging the construction of buildings that are climate-positive and future-ready.
What is the Every Building Counts Report?
The Every Building Counts report provides a policy roadmap for how all levels of government can enable a greener, healthier and more inclusive built environment. At Next Cycle, we believe our product range and services support many of the report’s themes, including:
- Theme 1: Zero Carbon Ready Buildings: Our R290 inverter heat pumps eliminate the need for gas boilers and reduce emissions from electric heating and hot water systems, helping with the electrification of buildings.
- Theme 2: Electrification: R290 heat pumps align with the GBCA’s Every Building Counts electrification agenda by replacing fossil fuel systems with highly efficient, low-emission alternatives. Their use of natural refrigerants and all-electric operation makes them ideal for decarbonising buildings and accelerating Australia’s transition to a net-zero future.
- Theme 3: Improved Energy Performance: Inverter technology and high Coefficient of Performance (COP) levels mean that our systems dramatically reduce operational energy use and bills.
Why the Move to R290 Refrigerant Matters?
The facts are clear: Australia’s buildings account for nearly 25% of national emissions and consume over 50% of the country’s electricity. Yet, as the GBCA outlines, the built environment sector also presents one of the most immediate, cost-effective opportunities to reduce emissions and enhance energy performance.
R290 hydronic heat pumps are recognised as a cornerstone technology solution in the decarbonisation of living, working and public spaces due to their ability to deliver:
✅ Low Global Warming Potential (GWP=3).
✅ Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (GWP=0).
✅ Industry-leading Energy Efficiency Levels when compared to traditional HVAC + Water technologies in the Australian market.
✅ Market-leading COP and SCOP performance benefits.
✅ Scalable heating, cooling, hot and chilled water solutions for domestic projects up to larger commercial and manufacturing buildings, aquatic centres, universities, and more.
✅ Ideal for both retrofits and new builds.
Our partnership with the GBCA will help make this technology more widely available, helping reduce energy bills for Australian homes and businesses, while also supporting government and local councils with electrification initiatives as we work together to reach our Net Zero targets.
If you are looking to improve the sustainability, energy efficiency and comfort levels in your building and you would like to learn more about R290 heat pumps, get in touch with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What tangible benefits will a Green Star certified building provide for me?
Constructing or operating a Green Star rated building delivers lower carbon emissions, significantly reduced operational running costs, improved occupant health and comfort, and enhanced overall asset value.
- Why is choosing R290 refrigerant technology a critical move for my building’s sustainability goals?
Australian buildings consume over 50% of the country’s electricity and generate nearly a quarter of national emissions. R290 hydronic heat pumps offer a direct, high-impact solution with a low Global Warming Potential (GWP=3) and Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP=0), while outperforming traditional HVAC and water technologies in energy efficiency.
- Can Next Cycle’s R290 heat pump solutions be used for large commercial developments as well as retrofits?
Yes, the R290 heat pump range provides scalable heating, cooling, hot, and chilled water solutions that are ideal for both new builds and retrofits. They cater to a wide scope of applications, from domestic homes up to large commercial spaces, manufacturing facilities, aquatic centres, and universities.
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