Green Star lifts EPD value to 7 RPV
Australia just made product‑specific EPDs more valuable in Green Star. If you sell into projects that chase those bright green plaques, this tweak converts environmental paperwork into more rating credit. It also applies retrospectively, so existing, verified EPDs can start pulling extra weight right now.
What changed on 12 December 2025
The Green Building Council of Australia increased the Responsible Product Value for product‑specific EPDs from 5 to 7 under the Responsible Products Framework, and clarified that the correction is retrospective. In practice, the same EPD now contributes more toward Responsible Products credits in Green Star assessments. (GBCA FAQ, 2025) (GBCA FAQ, 2025). citeturn0search3
EPD Australasia reported the update on the same date, confirming scope and intent for product‑specific declarations. (EPD Australasia, 2025). citeturn0search2
Why this matters for manufacturers
Two RPV points is a small number that moves big outcomes. Green Star projects allocate budget by what advances their rating pathway. When an EPD contributes more, products carrying one become easier to select and harder to swap out solely on price.
Who qualifies and who does not
The uplift targets product‑specific, third‑party verified EPDs. Generic declarations or lower‑quality data do not recieve the same credit. GBCA’s clarification notes that product‑specific EPDs score across Carbon Emissions Disclosure and Environmental Impact Disclosure, which is why the RPV totals 7. (GBCA FAQ, 2025) citeturn0search3
The size of the prize in Australia
Green Star is widely used across the market, with more than 5,000 certified projects to date. That is a large pool of specs where an EPD can now carry more influence. (GBCA Project Directory, 2025). citeturn0search1
Practical playbook to capture the uplift
- Prioritise product‑specific EPDs first. If you hold an older, industry‑wide document, plan a product‑specific upgrade to access the higher RPV.
- Move fast on data readiness. Pick an LCA partner that handles data gathering across plants and bills of materials without pushing the work back to your engineers or production leads.
- Align with the right program operator for Australia. EPD Australasia is widely recognised in Green Star, and other ISO 14025 and EN 15804 operators can be suitable depending on portfolio and market plans. Validate recognition before you brief the study.
- Time new EPDs to sales cycles. If a bid or design freeze drives the date, target publication ahead of specification milestones so the extra RPV can be counted in the Responsible Products calculator.
What stays the same
Quality still rules. Third‑party verification, correct PCR selection, transparent foreground data and clear scope continue to decide whether a declaration is trusted in practice. Teams that publish complete EPDs with dependable data avoid mid‑submission surprises and rework.
Bottom line for spec wins
In Australia, EPDs now unlock more Green Star value per product. For manufacturers, that translates into stronger specification odds and faster progress through points pathways. If Green Star shows up on your pipeline, an EPD shifted from 5 to 7 RPV is not trivia. It is a lever you can pull this quarter. (GBCA FAQ, 2025; EPD Australasia, 2025). citeturn0search3turn0search2
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the RPV increase from 5 to 7 apply to EPDs already published before December 12, 2025?
Yes. GBCA’s clarification states the change is retrospective, so existing, product‑specific EPDs can be counted at 7 RPV in current assessments. (GBCA FAQ, 2025). citeturn0search3
Do industry‑wide or generic declarations get the same uplift to 7 RPV?
No. The update refers to product‑specific, third‑party verified EPDs. Generic declarations and lower‑quality data streams are not uplifted. Consult the Responsible Products Guidelines to confirm values by initiative. (GBCA FAQ, 2025). citeturn0search3
How big is the Green Star market where the extra RPV can help?
GBCA reports more than 5,000 certified Green Star projects, indicating a broad opportunity for products with product‑specific EPDs to contribute to points. (GBCA Project Directory, 2025). citeturn0search1
About the Author
John brings a clear, research-driven perspective on the EPD, LCA and HPD space and keeps a close pulse on environmental trends and standards in North America, helping clients understand where the industry is heading and how to get there.
