We hear a lot of talk these days about net-zero buildings. However, try walking a property manager of a mid-sized building through Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions reporting requirements. You’ll quickly learn how out of reach sustainability can feel without the right support. While consultants, certifications, and capital surround large commercial towers, managers of buildings are left to sort through a confusing wall of noise on their own, all while being held to the same rising standards.

As an EcoXpert partner, we know mid-sized buildings aren’t lagging in sustainability – they’re just underserved. Now, that’s starting to change. At GSTEC, we see this every day, and we believe these building owners deserve clear guidance, honest conversations, and real partnership. Their goals matter: they can achieve meaningful sustainability progress when supported with the right tools and advice. We proudly identify as a Tier 2 building automation company that serves this vital segment with credibility, care, and practical solutions. These buildings can become leaders in the energy transition with the right blend of education, credible guidance, and incremental action.
The burden without a blueprint
Mid-sized building owners face growing pressure to modernize, decarbonize, and report performance. They must meet the same standards as flagship commercial buildings, but they lack access to the same resources, in-house expertise, and guidance. Often, these owners are unsure where to begin or what success looks like, leaving many frozen at the starting line.
In Australia, the pressure is mounting. New mandatory emissions reporting standards are fast approaching: companies will need assured Scope 1 and 2 emissions tracking from FY 2024–25, with the first sustainability reports due mid-2025. Scope 3 must be reported in Year 2. Yet many property owners, especially in the mid-sized (often called mid-tiered) building segment, still lack clarity on what those scopes mean, let alone how to track or reduce them. The risk isn’t just falling behind – it’s being caught unprepared.
A new kind of conversation: Education over sales
Success in this space doesn’t start with technology – it starts with trust. For many building owners, navigating an overwhelming tangle of terms, tools, and timelines is the first hurdle. They don’t need a hard product sell, but a clear voice to guide them through the fog. That’s why education and consultative support are becoming the hallmarks of the most effective sustainability partnerships.
In these conversations, the focus shifts from “what to buy” to “where are you now, and where do you want to go?” Trusted advisors begin by helping clients define sustainability goals, understand compliance timelines, and make sense of the metrics that matter. From there, tailored strategies can be built – not around buzzwords but real-world results.
Turning complexity into a clear roadmap for mid-sized building sustainability
Sustainability doesn’t require sweeping changes overnight. The most effective progress comes from smart, incremental steps that build momentum, confidence, and compliance.
Here’s a simplified roadmap we follow with clients:
- Define meaningful goals
What does success look like? Whether cutting energy use, improving certification ratings, or meeting Scope 1 and 2 disclosure requirements, clarity at the start leads to better outcomes. - Gain visibility with energy monitoring
You can’t manage what you can’t measure. Monitoring systems provide real-time insights into where energy is used – or wasted – so improvements are data-driven. - Optimize your BMS
From system tuning to upgrades, ensure your building management system supports your goals, rather than working against them. - Measure, report, adjust
Track progress, validate performance, and refine your strategy as your building evolves. A responsive approach avoids one-size-fits-all solutions.
The strategic value of mid-sized buildings
Mid-sized buildings represent more than just market volume – they represent opportunity. They comprise 80% of Australia’s building stock, often housing essential services, offices, and communities. Their impact on sustainability targets is significant, but only if they’re empowered to act.
From modest retrofits to award-winning transformations like Aurora Place, we’ve learned that success is more about clarity than size. Mid-sized buildings can achieve meaningful outcomes with the right mix of visibility, system integration, and trusted guidance.
One recent project in Greater Sydney showed what’s possible when energy data, automation systems, and compliance goals are aligned. The building may have been modest in scale, but the operational insight and replicability of the approach were transformative – a strong reminder that sustainability is accessible at every level.
Now what? Start where you are
Sustainability isn’t a luxury reserved for flagship properties; it’s a shared responsibility. But to bring everyone along, the path must be visible, credible, and achievable.
Mid-sized building owners don’t need to do everything at once, but they do need to start. When they access trusted guidance, incremental strategies, and real performance data, they gain more than compliance – they gain control.
Remember:
Even mid-sized buildings can lead on sustainability, not by doing everything at once, but by doing the right first things:
- Set goals
- Measure usage
- Optimize systems
- Adjust with confidence
Start where you are, but don’t stay there. The transition to a net-zero future depends on inclusion and action. It starts by giving mid-sized buildings the clarity and confidence to lead.
Whether you’re navigating early-stage compliance questions or seeking a long-term sustainability partner, GSTEC is ready to help. Let’s build a plan that works for your building and your budget.
EcoXperts are the enablers of net-zero buildings
The EcoXpert Partner Program is unique in its industry and made up of a best-in-class, global ecosystem of expertise. Trained and certified by Schneider Electric, EcoXpert partners digitize and electrify our world for a more sustainable future.
The path to net zero is about delivering solutions for sustainable, resilient, efficient, and people-centric buildings. For our EcoXpert partners, this unveils immense growth opportunities through the transition to end-to-end portfolio sales that will resolve our customers’ most critical needs. For our shared customers, this means that together with our EcoXpert partners, we will drive the building industry transformation and help our customers survive and thrive today – and tomorrow.
Visit the EcoXpert webpage to learn more.
About the author

Liam Casey
Liam Casey is the General Manager at GSTEC Australia. As a certified multi-badge EcoXpert™ and proud Schneider Electric partner, GSTEC provides integrated solutions for building automation, energy management, and electrical infrastructure. With a strong focus on sustainability and mid-sized buildings, GSTEC works to simplify the path to smarter, more efficient operations. We believe in a consultative, educational approach — helping clients navigate complex requirements and implement practical strategies to meet their energy and emissions goals.
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