Government focuses on buildings to reduce emissions

The Australian Government will provide additional investment in energy efficiency, with a clear focus on improving the energy and emissions performance of buildings. The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), a collective of leading industry organisations committed to a sustainable built environment in Australia, has welcomed the announcement.

ASBEC’s modelling has shown that with the right level of support, Australia’s building sector could deliver over a quarter of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target, while saving $20 billion and creating a healthier, more productive built environment.

ASBEC’s Executive Director Suzanne Toumbourou said, “The government’s commitment to low-energy buildings sets the foundation for meaningful progress in a sector that offers some of the most cost-effective solutions for energy savings and emissions reduction.

“ASBEC strongly supports the expansion of the National Australian Built Environment Energy Ratings System, which has grown awareness of the benefits of energy performance of commercial buildings and driven better comfort and bill-saving outcomes for occupants,” Toumbourou said.

Earlier this year, ASBEC commended the release of the COAG Energy Council’s Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, which outlines increases to the energy efficiency provisions in the National Construction Code, a pathway to ‘zero energy (and carbon) ready buildings’ and considerations of options for existing buildings.

“ASBEC and our members have long recognised that more efficient homes and commercial buildings can deliver significant emissions reduction, energy bill savings, comfort and health benefits and reduced stress on the electricity grid,” Toumbourou said. “We’re pleased that the Australian Government is switching onto this opportunity.”

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