General

Technical Clarification

Use of Alternative Documentation in Place of Tender Extracts for Design Stage Submissions

Technical Clarification Number

GEN-T-NB2P-7659

Guidance

2026-05-15

Green Star SA New Build V2 requires that Design stage submissions include documentation demonstrating the project team’s commitment to achieving the criteria of the relevant credit. This is typically provided through extract(s) from tender documentation or project specifications, which indicate that sustainability measures have been contractually incorporated into the project scope.

The intention of these documentation requirements is to demonstrate, at Design stage, that the relevant measures will be implemented during construction where built evidence is not yet available.

For certain projects, sustainability measures or credit outcomes may already be implemented, procured, or achieved at the time of the Design stage submission.

In such cases, the GBCSA may accept alternative documentation in place of tender or specification extracts, provided that the submitted evidence clearly substantiates that:

• The credit measures have been implemented; and
• The intended outcomes of the credit have been achieved.

The GBCSA will only consider this allowance under the following conditions:

I. This approach must be applied to isolated credits and not across the full submission. Where this is applicable, provide a summary within the project overview in the general folder of the submission.  

II. There must be consistency in the application of alternative documentation across all relevant criteria within a credit.

III. The use of alternative documentation must be clearly identified within the Submission Template.

IV. All claims must be supported by verifiable evidence, either through contractual documentation or confirmed built or procured outcomes.

Project teams are encouraged to ensure that Design stage submissions continue to demonstrate clear design intent and contractual commitment wherever applicable.