Building and Construction Industry Going Green

The building and construction sector is undergoing a powerful transformation. Driven by climate action, changing regulations, and growing demand for energy-efficient infrastructure, the industry is becoming one of Australia’s biggest opportunities for sustainable job growth and carbon reduction.

Retrofitting older buildings, designing greener homes, and adopting sustainable construction practices are no longer optional—they’re essential. And they’re creating thousands of new opportunities for qualified tradies, project managers, and environmentally focused professionals.

Retrofitting: A Win for Jobs and the Planet

Around 80% of Australia’s commercial buildings are more than a decade old. Many lack modern energy efficiency features, making them costly to run—and heavy emitters of greenhouse gases.

According to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), retrofitting these older buildings could dramatically cut emissions while generating thousands of jobs in construction, energy auditing, HVAC, and facilities management. Estimates show that each green retrofit job can help avoid up to 300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually.

That means building a greener future doesn’t just help the planet—it helps power the economy too.

Regulations Are Raising the Bar for Sustainability

6-Star Efficiency Now the Standard

Under the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022, new residential homes across most states are now required to meet a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). This builds on earlier 6-star standards and reflects growing momentum in the sector.

The changes aim to reduce household energy bills and slash emissions from the building sector, which currently accounts for approximately 23% of Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

What This Means for Builders and Tradies

As green building becomes standard, tradespeople with skills in sustainable construction practices, energy efficiency retrofits, and green certifications will be in high demand. Skills in areas such as:

• Passive solar design and insulation
• Efficient heating and cooling systems
• Sustainable materials and low-waste site practices
• Energy compliance reporting and building performance testing

Looking to upskill? Explore our range of building and construction courses or sustainability-focused training programs to future-proof your career in this evolving industry.

Green Credentials That Open Doors

Professionals in the industry are increasingly seeking credentials such as:

• Green Star Accreditation through GBCA
• Passive House Certification
• Cert IV in Building and Construction (Sustainability Focus)

These not only validate your green building knowledge—they also align with project tenders that require sustainability compliance.

Why Green Building Is Here to Stay

As tenant and buyer expectations shift, developers and builders are under pressure to deliver smarter, healthier, more efficient buildings. From net-zero homes to eco-retrofitted office blocks, green building is no longer a niche—it’s the new normal.

And with Australia committed to net zero by 2050, the building industry will be at the heart of delivering a sustainable built environment.

Start Building Your Green Career Today

Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to specialise in sustainable construction, now is the time to act. Browse:

• Trade qualifications aligned with green construction trends
• TAFE and Certificate IV courses in construction, design, and sustainability
• Flexible online courses to fit your study around work

With the right skills and training, you can help shape a cleaner, smarter, and more sustainable Australia—while building a career that matters.