The Property Council of Australia today welcomed the announcement from Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen that the government will work on a Net Zero 2050 plan that will include a decarbonisation plan for the built environment.
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.
“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 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.
“We look forward to working with Ministers Bowen, Husic and McAllister to provide certainty to industry and benefits to communities,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Property Council 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. These included a single national rating scheme for home energy performance, establishing a strategy for ensuring Australia has climate-resilient buildings, requiring new buildings to be delivered all-electric, the phasing out of fossil fuels in existing buildings and appliances, skilling up the workforce and incentives to support a fair transition for low-income and vulnerable households.
