Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen has announced plans to introduce sector-specific decarbonisation strategies, including the built environment, as part of its Net Zero 2050 plan.
Mr Bowen said the sector plans will feed into the Net Zero 2050 and 2035 targets and he expects to receive the Climate Change Authority advice in late 2024.
“The Albanese Government will be working with industry, the climate movement, experts, unions and the community to develop sectoral decarbonisation plans,” the Minister said.
“I’ve listened to, and been struck by, advice from Australian and international investors that government-guided sectoral plans are vital for attracting billions in new investment in decarbonisation in Australia.”
“The level and quality of dialogue and collaboration with industries, experts and citizens will set these plans apart from anything that’s been done before,” he said.
“This is a shared endeavour: we must work together to do what’s both possible and practical to stop dangerous climate change and realise the economic opportunities of net zero.”
Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said Australia must decarbonise the built environment to reach its net zero goals.
“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,” Mr Zorbas said.
“Buildings account for 50 per cent of Australia’s electricity use and 23 per cent 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.”
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the construction and operation of the built environment is at the end of the energy supply chain and therefore a major contributor to greenhouse emissions and environmental outcomes.
“The operation of buildings accounts for half of Australia’s electricity use and almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. More sustainable building practices reduce the environmental impact of the built environment.
“Today’s announcement follows advocacy from organisations representing the full spectrum of Australia’s built environment to have its own sector pathway with respect to Australia’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
“A clear plan with a sensible transition process from Government will assist in attracting the investment in technology needed, boosting confidence in the market and providing the support builders need to transition successfully to net-zero construction methods.
“To support this, we are advocating for integrating necessary measures into the National Construction Code (NCC), considering the workforce, supply chain, finalised frameworks, and education processes.”
