A bill introduced in the Australian Parliament today which aims to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 has been welcomed by the building industry.
The Climate Change (Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 proposes a national framework for net zero emissions by 2050.
Australia’s buildings account for roughly 23 per cent of national emissions, a situation the building industry is “well-placed to take action to reduce”, according to Property Council Chief Executive, Ken Morrison.
“The bill represents a constructive step towards addressing the long-term challenges climate change presents for Australian businesses and households,” Mr Morrison said.
“We encourage all MPs to engage with the substance of this Bill and work towards a bipartisan approach for a policy framework to take us to net zero emissions by 2050.
“Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s long-term prosperity depends on dealing with other big challenges which includes the transition to net zero emissions,” Mr Morrison noted.
“We know that investments in energy efficient and climate resilient buildings brings many benefits for our businesses, households and industry, from energy bill savings, reduced pressure on the energy system to greater sector competitiveness and improved health and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable Australians.”
The Green Building Council Australia has also pledged its support for the bill.
“Now is the time for Australia to make a national commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050,” GBCA CEO, Davina Rooney said.
“The escalating risks and adverse impacts from our changing climate are unsustainable and so severe as to warrant a legislative response of this nature.
“Enshrining a commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 in law is the clear, co-ordinated and steadfast action Australia requires for achieving transformational, economy-wide de-carbonisation.
“We would like to see a unified and practical plan agreed by the Australian Parliament to best secure and protect our collective future and that of generations to come.”
The GBCA recently introduced their own Green Star Buildings tool, which requires a building to be fully electric, fossil fuel-free and 100 per cent powered by renewables in order to achieve the highest possible 6 Star rating.
“We welcome similar net-zero efforts being made by other sectors, whose commitment is evidenced in their support for this proposed legislation,” Ms Rooney said.
