I am lucky to have just come back from two weeks in America, meeting with other like-minded organisations who are leaders in their field.

At Good Environmental Choice Australia we are keen to co-create and collaborate with other change makers here and overseas. Ultimately this is not only to learn and to lead, but to ensure that global initiatives are offered to our licensees here in Australia.

We know that those who have products certified with GECA are at the top of their game and we want to ensure that you stay that way. Read more from Kate here.

GECA is developing a brand new standard for cement, concrete and concrete products. As part of the development of this standard, GECA is seeking input from industry professionals including manufacturers, construction project teams, consultants, academics and environmental organisations.

The standard is open for public comment until Monday, 11 July 2016. GECA welcomes feedback from you, your organisation or others in your network to help develop this standard. Register to receive a copy of the draft version of the standard here.

There are plenty of ecolabels (or ‘sustainability labels’) around on the market, but are some more trustworthy than others? And if so, how can buyers tell?

We know that ecolabels act as a sign of trust for anyone wishing to buy a product. They show that the manufacturer meets a certain standard, whether that is for environmental impact, animal welfare, safety or a range of other criteria.

When it comes to knowing just how reliable an ecolabel is, a good place to start is with the set of credibility principles developed by ISEAL, the international membership association for sustainability standards. Read more at Sourceable.

We're pleased to welcome two new licensees - Space Furniture and District! Both are certified with GECA under our Furniture, Fittings and Foam standard, demonstrating their commitment to furniture with a lower environmental, health and social impact.

GECA is pleased to welcome back Havwoods, whose Europlank range is newly certified under the Floor Coverings standard! It is also available and certified in ‘Herringbone’.

The pre-finished engineered range is from the world’s foremost producer of onestrip boards and utilizes a click fixing system for ease of installation.  All products are suitable for both commercial and residential applications and may be fitted over underfloor heating. Read more.

The Ascend sit and stand workstation system from Melbourne based Mark Perry Commercial Furniture is now GECA certified under our Furniture and Fittings standard!

Ascend is a sit stand electric workstation that is extremely functional, flexible and attractive while maintaining affordability. Users are able to go from sitting to standing in seconds with the simple push of a button. Ascend is available in a wide range of configurations to suit any workspace.

• The 2016 Banksia Sustainability Awards are now open. If you’re a sustainability leader or you know someone who is, enter the Awards today and get the national recognition you deserve! Entries Close 26 August 2016 - register before June 30th to be eligible for the Early Bird Entry Fee.
   
• See the People's Choice finalists of the Brickworks Living Building Challenge awards competition, which GECA proudly sponsored, and grab a ticket to the awards ceremony on 16 June.
   
• The NSW Government’s Green Globe Awards celebrate excellence, leadership and innovation in sustainability. GECA's Kate Harris will be on the judging panel, along with other sustainability experts. Nominations close at 5pm Monday 11 July 2016.

The Sustainable Brands conference is coming to Sydney for the first time this year! Come and fully immerse yourself along with over 200 other distinguished leaders for two jam-packed days of conversation and collaboration at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, 27-29 June 2016.

Join GECA's Shaila Divakarla and a team of valued speakers for a workshop on "Building brand and profitability through sustainable procurement", which will focus on how to practically apply the ISO20400 standard in your specific industry, company, products and services.

Plus, come and hear Kate Harris speak at a panel session all about certification, titled "The age of authenticity: Governance, Trust, Transparency" on June 28 from 2:15pm. See the full schedule here.

GECA are proud to be a Supporting Partner of SEE Sustainable Experience 2016, held at the Australian Technology Park, Sydney, from 21-23 July this year.

Visitors will get to SEE the latest sustainable innovations from manufacturers and suppliers from around Australia that will assist them to design and construct green buildings. Free educational seminars, delivered by exhibitors and industry leaders, will be held over the three days.

Register for your free visitor pass or enquire about exhibiting and sponsorship through the SEE Sustainable Experience website. GECA licensees can access a 10% discount on exhibition and sponsorship packages by mentioning their certification.

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council of Australia (ISCA) will be examining "The surge of sustainable materials" at their upcoming event in Melbourne on 21 June. Come along to the free event to hear from those in the know about exciting industry achievements and cutting edge trends in sustainable materials.

This collaborative industry event will bring together Melbourne's infrastructure stakeholders to learn and inform peers about exciting industry advancements for materials and project initiatives. Register here to reserve your spot!

GECA is proud to be a sponsor of the GBCA’s Green Building Day events, held across Australia in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.

The recent Sydney event was jam packed and brought together some of Australia’s leading sustainability experts. Discussion was centred on how can we further adapt and change to meet the global target of a ‘2 degree world’ and slow global warming.

The talks explored many angles, covering insights on climate change and what's happened since COP21, how to achieve the outcomes of a truly healthy building, the movement to a ‘purpose led’ business, and how the built environment can embrace Net Zero buildings and further move to a Net Positive future.

You can register here to attend the last event in the series: Perth 23 June.