Sydney, Australia – Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) [https://new.gbca.org.au] welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of a net zero emissions target by 2050 and urges Government to seize the unique opportunity the built environment offers to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in cost-effective ways that will stimulate the economy.

GBCA CEO Davina Rooney said buildings account for over 50 percent of electricity use in Australia and almost a quarter of its emissions, adding they also offer some of the lowest cost – and largely untapped – emissions reduction opportunities.

“This is a once in a generation chance for the Government to demonstrate leadership with high performing government buildings while securing Australia as a global leader in low emission building products and technologies,” Ms Rooney said.

“Net zero by 2050 means achieving net zero in operations by 2030 and the decade of decarbonisation is now. That’s why we’re seeing Australian businesses, industry and governments commit to ambitious targets by 2030 and bringing them to life with tools that already exist.

“As we turn our attention to COP26 and witness governments around the world commit to net zero by steering away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy, tools like Green Star are already helping to electrify buildings, homes and communities around Australia, to the benefit of consumers.

“The Green Star Homes Standard (https://new.gbca.org.au/green-star/rating-system/homes) can pave the way for a national rating system for homes and a zero-carbon ready National Construction Code. These are pathways to net zero emissions that support lifting energy performance standards while giving households the energy performance information they need to reduce their bills.

“Australia’s property sector is already leading the way (https://new.gbca.org.au/news/gbca-media-releases/australia-continues-lead-way-gresb-results) in carbon reduction and making commitments at COP26 can help the Australian Government build on this work,” said Ms Rooney. 

As a member of the #BuildingtoCOP26 coalition, Ms Rooney said GBCA is working closely with the World Green Building Council (WGBC) to spotlight the built environment as a critical solution to carbon reduction.

“As we turn our attention to the COP26 Cities, Regions and Built Environment Day we look forward to the Built Environment Virtual Pavilion (https://www.ukgbc.org/ukgbc-work/uk-built-environment-virtual-pavilion/?utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website) and the Built Better Now campaign, while continuing to support local signatories to WGBC’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment,” said Ms Rooney.