Technical Clarification
Transitional Provisions for MAN-1 Accredited Professional Compliance (Existing Building Performance)
Technical Clarification Number
MAN-1-T-EBP1-7780
Guidance
2026-07-06
In accordance with the Green Star SA Existing Building Performance (EBP) v1 Technical Manual, the EB‑MAN‑1 Accredited Professional credit is a mandatory conditional requirement for certification.
The intent of this credit is to ensure the continuous involvement of a qualified Green Star SA Accredited Professional (AP) who supports the building owner and facilities management team in integrating sustainability processes throughout the full 12‑month performance period. Where multiple individuals fulfil the AP role, documentation must be provided for each individual to demonstrate continuous engagement.
Following an internal review and identified inconsistencies in application, the GBCSA clarifies that a transitional allowance may be applied to projects registered prior to 1 May 2026. For these projects, a reasonable interpretation of compliance will be accepted where appropriate expertise (including internal capacity) was available, and an external AP provided oversight, guidance, or input during part of the performance period and/or during preparation of the submission. In such cases, the project may be considered to have met the intent of the credit, and no additional remedial action is required.
Where a project registered prior to 1 May 2026 seeks to rely on this transitional allowance, the Project Team should clearly demonstrate [through the existing documentation requirements] that appropriate expertise (including internal capacity) was available throughout the performance period and that an external AP provided oversight, guidance, or input during part of the performance period and/or during preparation of the submission.
For projects registered on or after 1 May 2026, full compliance with the Technical Manual is required. This includes documented involvement of a Green Star SA EBP AP for the entire 12‑month performance period. Project teams must provide a Statement of Confirmation from the Building Owner Representative and proof of accreditation (e.g. AP certificate or GBCSA directory extract) for each individual fulfilling the AP role. Projects registered on or after 1 May 2026 are required to demonstrate continuous AP involvement throughout the full 12-month performance period. Where this requirement cannot be demonstrated the project will not be considered complaint with credit requirements.
Where a Project registered on or after 1 May 2026 is unable to demonstrate full compliance with the Technical Manual, the project team may request for approval to proceed with the guidance that is only applicable to projects registered prior to 1 May 2026. The request must be a formal motivation submitted via Zendesk to the GBCSA for review and a ruling prior to submitting for certification. The motivation should clearly outline the circumstances, supporting evidence and reasons why compliance cannot be achieved (issued or signed off by the project applicant).
This clarification supports consistent interpretation, application, and ongoing review of the Man‑1 credit.
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Erratum
Accredited Professional
Erratum Number
MAN-1-T-EBP1-4238
Guidance
On Page 31, under "Documentation Requirements" table , under "Documentation" add:
Complete and upload submission template from the Certification Engine.
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Technical Clarification
Accredited Professional
Erratum Number
MAN-1-T-EBP1-991
Guidance
The GBCSA notes that it is acceptable to register a project and submit Round 1 before attaining the Green Star SA Accredited Professional – Existing Building Performance status. Project teams will need to demonstrate that the conditional requirement is met prior to submitting Round 2 and provide the proof of AP qualification in the round 2 submission. This ruling is valid until end of June 2016.
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