The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has endorsed the Albanese Government’s latest Federal Budget, highlighting its recognition of energy efficiency and sustainable construction as vital components of Australia’s net-zero transition.
GBCA expressed support for the Government’s $1.8bn allocation for energy bill relief, stating that it represents more than just short-term financial aid.
“We support the Albanese Government’s $1.8bn in energy bill relief – not as a short-term measure, but because it recognises the essential role of affordable, efficient energy for Australian households and businesses.
“However, true affordability isn’t about subsidies alone; it’s about long-term investment.
“Efficient buildings lower emissions, reduce running costs and create healthier, more comfortable spaces to live and work.
“To deliver lasting relief, we must move beyond bill support and prioritise sustainable, resilient buildings.”
Davina Rooney, CEO, GBCA
Several key measures in the budget were welcomed as steps toward a more sustainable building sector. The $54m for modern construction methods investment aims to accelerate adoption of prefabricated and modular construction techniques, enabling faster and more efficient housing solutions.
“Addressing the housing affordability crisis requires innovation.
“By supporting prefabricated and modular construction, the Federal Government is unlocking opportunities to improve material efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and improve circularity – all essential elements in a sustainable, resilient housing sector.”
Davina Rooney, CEO, GBCA
The $626.9m for workforce development funding aims to reframe the New Energy Apprenticeships Program, coupled with efforts to create a national occupational licence for electrical trades. This was seen as vital to building the ‘green collar’ workforce necessary for net-zero goals.
The $56.7m for SME energy grants of up to $25,000 for over 2,400 small and medium-sized enterprises will fund upgrades to appliances and heating systems, improving energy efficiency for businesses.
“We see both these measures as important to delivering the ‘green collar’ jobs we need for a net zero future.”
Davina Rooney, CEO, GBCA
The $3bn for Australian made metals initiative supports manufacturers in reducing embodied carbon in key materials like aluminium and steel.
“This initiative shows that sustainability has multifactorial benefits – we can create local jobs, strengthen our supply chains and cut emissions at the same time.”
Davina Rooney, CEO, GBCA
The $4.5bn for the expansion of the Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy will direct additional funding into sustainable goods and services, demonstrating the government’s commitment to innovation in this space.
While the budget did not announce major new initiatives, the GBCA pointed to steady progress in implementing recommendations from the 2023 Every Building Counts report, presenting a strategy for achieving net-zero, resilient buildings.
To date, 19 of the 39 recommendations outlined in the report are on track for implementation.
“While major new funding initiatives have not been outlined in this budget, we recognise the substantial funding allocated in the previous budget.
“This steady progress is a positive signal for Australia’s transition to a net-zero built environment.
“We will be watching closely during the upcoming election campaign for clear commitments that support NABERS, the Australian Building Codes Board and other measure which play a crucial role in driving a sustainable and energy-efficient built environment.”
Davina Rooney, CEO, GBCA
The GBCA will be monitoring developments closely, particularly during the upcoming election campaign, for commitments supporting key programs such as NABERS and measures under the Australian Building Codes Board.
Earlier this month (March 2025), the GBCA launched ‘A practical guide to circular procurement for new buildings and major refurbishments’, which aims to provide the property and construction industry with clear steps for embedding circular strategies into procurement practices.
