The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the announcement from the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen that the government will work on a Net Zero 2050 plan – which also includes a decarbonisation plan for the built environment.
Earlier this year, the Property Council of Australia and Green Building Council of Australia launched the ‘Every Building Counts’ report, a policy plan for zero-carbon-ready and resilient buildings.
The report laid out 39 comprehensive recommendations, which included a single national rating scheme for home energy performance, establishing a strategy for ensuring Australia has climate resilient buildings.
This requires new buildings to be delivered all-electric, phasing out fossil fuels in existing buildings and appliances, skilling up the workforce and incentives to support a fair transition for low-income and vulnerable households.
“The Australian property sector is at the forefront of global sustainability efforts. We are well positioned to support Australia’s net zero goals as long as the signposts are clear. The Property Council has long advocated for a sector specific plan to guide that effort and today’s announcement is a welcome one. Buildings account for 50% of Australia’s electricity use and 23% of all emissions through their operations. The technology already exists today to decarbonise buildings – but we must do this as a priority and at scale. The shift to low carbon and resilient buildings needs a clear plan and steady trajectory that encourages market confidence. We look forward to working with Ministers Bowen, Husic and McAllister to provide certainty to industry and benefits to communities.”
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council
