Property s place in climate debate

Property’s place in climate debateThe world’s leaders are gathering in Paris to hash out a new international agreement on climate change.Agreeing an action plan to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees tops the agenda.The PM goes to Paris committing Australia to a 26-28 per cent reduction in emissions by 2030 based on 2005 levels, while reportedly indicating he might look at higher targets in the future. Labor has proposed a 45 per cent cut.Property is a significant player in the climate change equation and has a key role to play in achieving either target.Some 23 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the built environment.And it’s in property that some of the biggest emission reduction gains at the lowest cost to the economy can be made.The Property Council is currently working with our allies through ASBEC to mark out an election-year roadmap of potential emission reductions policies.Australia’s property leaders already lead the world on sustainability. With the right policies they can go harder and deeper, and more of these efficiencies can be spread industry-wide.That’s good for the planet, whatever the outcome in Paris.