There’s been a lot of light and noise from Canberra this week on the transition to a net zero carbon emissions economy by 2050. This follows Labor leader Anthony Albanese recommitting his party to the economy-wide target although the details are still to be fully set out.
I’ve been meeting members of the Government, Opposition and cross-benches over the past few days telling them about our industry’s practical plan for emissions reduction across the built environment. Last year we and the Green Building Council released the Every Building Counts blueprint of best practice policy settings at federal, state and local levels which would build on the great work the sector is already doing.
Anytime you’re asked about the property industry’s plan of action, just point to them this framework.
It’s comprehensive, practical and achievable. It shows what policy levers need to pulled to ensure that the built environment – which accounts for a quarter of Australia’s carbon emissions – can move towards net zero by the middle of the century. That’s the target that, despite all the political histrionics, is the bipartisan commitment that federal and state and territory governments have all signed on to.
Australia’s built environment – all of our existing housing, commercial and government buildings, plus those under construction – will be a big part of the transition that our economy will need to make. We’re already doing a lot to make a difference – something that has been recognised globally with Australian property companies constantly at the top of the table on ESG performance.
While the political to and fro will undoubtedly roll on, we’ll continue to advocate for the practical and profitable way ahead as outlined in Every Building Counts.