Welcome support for built environment’s opportunity to reduce emissions
11 March 2019
With the
built environment accounting for a
quarter of Australia’s
emissions, the
Green Building Council of
Australia (GBCA) has welcomed the
Federal Government’s announcement of
additional support for energy efficiency programs.
Head of Public Affairs and Membership, Jonathan Cartledge, said it was
terrific to see government recognising the significant opportunity the
built environment offers to meet Australia’s emissions reduction
commitments.
“There is a wealth of evidence showing that improving the
energy
efficiency of our
buildings is an extremely cost effective way to considerably cut
carbon emissions,” Mr Cartledge said.
“Measures targeted at new and existing buildings could deliver 28 per
cent of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target according to the
Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council.
“We are particularly pleased to see the government building on the
success of the National Australian Built Environment Energy Rating
System (NABERS) and expanding its application to more building types,
like schools, and industrial buildings.
“The GBCA is proud to work in close partnership with the
NABERS program,
and looks forward to helping fully leverage the benefits of its expanded
focus.
“Likewise, the
Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program has a proven
track record of success. We would urge the government at the conclusion
of the announced review to move forward with applying mandatory
disclosure to other high energy using classes of commercial building.
“The GBCA has always been a strong supporter of the CBD program, which
working in parallel with Green Star, has proven to be a critical driver
in unlocking the emissions reduction potential of our buildings while
raising awareness of building energy performance among building
occupants, delivering cost savings and creating jobs.
“Our Carbon Positive Roadmap for the built
environment, released last year, sets out the clear steps required
for commercial, institutional and government buildings and fitouts to
decarbonise and proposes a range of policy positions for industry to
support. It is fantastic to see calls for upgrades to energy efficiency
requirements and an expansion of requirements for the mandatory
disclosure of energy efficiency reflected in this announcement.
“Alongside this the further support announced for the implementation of
the COAG Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, is welcome noting the
broad benefits for consumers and businesses that come with increased
energy efficiency across our buildings.
“The built environment represents an incredible opportunity to support
the transition to a low emissions future. These investments represent a
step in the right direction towards the recognition of this potential.
We look forward to working with government in the implementation of
these initiatives.”
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Source: Green Building Council of Australia - www.gbca.org.au
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