Buildings the foundation to Aussie emissions reductions 29 October 2019
The Energy Efficiency Council has welcomed the launch of a new policy toolkit that sets out a practical pathway for driving deep, cost effective emissions reductions in Aussie buildings.
Every building counts: a practical plan for emissions reductions in the built environment has been prepared by the Property Council of Australia (PCA) and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It finds that buildings account for almost a quarter of Australia’s emissions, and shows how smart policies paired with industry leadership can quickly cut the sector’s carbon footprint.
Council CEO Luke Menzel said that the toolkit showed the buildings sector was ready to take a leadership position in Australia’s emissions reduction efforts.
“The opportunities and challenges around emissions reduction vary greatly from sector to sector. That means that getting on the pathway to net zero emissions by 2050 will require a suite of ambitious government policy and programs tailored to each part of the Australian economy.”
“The good news is we know how to reduce emissions in buildings. The know-how and the technology already exists, and Every building counts shows the Aussie building sector is ready to work with governments to quickly cut its carbon emissions.”
“What is needed now is action – from every level of government – to roll out solutions at scale so we can slash carbon emissions, cut energy bills and get on with delivering healthier and more comfortable buildings.”
The package – made up of three separate reports for federal, state and territory, and local government – offers 75 recommendations across seven key themes grounded in best practice policy and programs from Australia and around the world. It was developed with the support of the Low Carbon Living Cooperative Research Centre, with support from steering group partners the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council and the Energy Efficiency Council.
The recommendations cover residential, commercial and public buildings and illustrate how government and industry can work together to:
- Set out a long-term vision for net zero buildings and extend the ‘Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings’ to 2050;
- Ensure the Climate Solutions Fund drives low cost abatement and provide targeted financial incentives;
- Deliver a Zero Carbon Ready building code and improve enforcement and compliance;
- Expand the mandate of the Energy Security Board to drive energy productivity across the economy;
- Deliver City Deals that drive cost effective emissions reductions;
- Empower buyers and renters with a single national rating scheme for home energy performance; and
- Make Australia a global leader in high-performance building products.
The full toolkit can be found at www.everybuildingcounts.com.au.
Media contact
Andrea Von
T: 0451 079 259
E: andrea.von@eec.org.au