Danika Taylor is a Senior Sustainability Consultant at Solid Green Performance with over six years of experience in the green building sector and is a Green Star Accredited Professional (AP) in Existing Building Performance (EBP), New Builds and Refurbishments, as well as Net Zero. She specialises in guiding organisations through Green Star Existing Building Performance (EBP) and Net Zero certifications, embedding practical, long-term sustainability into everyday operations. She shares with GBCSA some valuable career insights and what she’s gained from AP training.
What set you on your current career path?
I have always been passionate about preserving our environment. During my studies, I became more aware of the massive carbon footprint of the built environment. I saw that in our ever-growing cities, there is enormous potential in optimising and retrofitting the older assets in order to unlock operational savings, extend their lifespan, and reduce the demand for new materials and new buildings. I sought out a path where my daily work could directly contribute to a sustainable future, and help portfolios transition their inefficient buildings into resilient, efficient spaces.
Who or what has been the strongest influence in your professional journey?
Simon Penso has been an invaluable mentor to me since my very first day in the sustainability sector. I started out as Simon’s first employee at Imbue Sustainability and as our Existing Building Performance department joined forces with Solid Green, I stepped into leading a team at Solid Green Performance. Working across Imbue and Solid Green has taught me that the fastest way to create profound environmental change is by optimising existing buildings and scaling those efficiencies across portfolios. Operating on the consulting side has empowered me to actively guide a wide range of organisations toward true, high-performing, green buildings.
How has AP training proven to be beneficial in your career?
AP training equipped me with the vocabulary and structured frameworks needed to communicate effectively with clients on their building performance. The EBP and Net Zero training provided the benchmarks and tools necessary for me to translate raw data into actionable strategies. Beyond the technical skills, these qualifications have given me the market credibility to sit at the table with clients and professional teams and confidently steer them toward greener, more sustainable choices.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned in your AP journey?
A building’s performance ultimately hinges on the people inside it. By helping facilities management teams to truly understand Green Star requirements, you turn data collection from an administrative bottleneck into a streamlined, collaborative process. When FM teams are empowered, they become your greatest asset in engaging building occupants and driving real, lasting change.
Why do you feel more professionals should pursue AP training?
AP training helps to deliver the skills required to remain vital in this evolving property industry driven by investor pressure, shifting legislation, and strict ESG compliance.
This training also creates a shared language across the sector. When clients understand the Green Star journey and green building principles, it streamlines the entire process; transforming complex strategies into clear, actionable initiatives that can be confidently communicated to all stakeholders.
What advice do you have for someone new to the green sustainable built environment sector?
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning; because green technology, materials, and standards are evolving so rapidly, no one expects you to know everything on day one. Don’t let the technical complexities of rating tools intimidate you. Instead, be a sponge: attend GBCSA events, ask questions, and actively lean on the industry’s network. Joining webinars, such as those organised by the Regenerative Collaborative (RCSA), is a great way to learn from professionals who are genuinely eager to share knowledge.
What changes do you think are needed for the built environment and the building and property industries in general to reach their sustainability goals?
First, the industry needs to move away from treating sustainability as a one-time checklist. A single rating doesn’t prove long-term sustainability; real impact comes from continuous performance tracking and driving year-over-year operational improvements.
Second, we have to bridge the gap between high-level corporate ESG strategies and day-to-day facilities management. Sustainability targets can’t just live in an annual report, they need to be a part of daily operations and communicated to occupants so everyone is aligned on the journey ahead.