A new discussion paper from ASBEC outlines three pathways to net zero building operations by 2050. Which pathway do you think the industry should take?
Australia’s property industry has made great strides towards decarbonisation of buildings. Around 90 per cent of our nation’s largest developers and property companies have set targets to reach net zero emissions by 2030 or earlier.
But operational emissions from buildings still account for one fifth of the nation’s total emissions.
A new discussion paper from the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, Rapid and Least Cost Decarbonisation of Building Operations, explores the lowest cost pathways to decarbonise building operations by 2050.
Property Council Chief Cxecutive Ken Morrison is chair of the ASBEC Net Zero Buildings Task Group. He says the report looks at three ways Australia’s buildings – both residential and commercial – could hit net zero by 2050 and compares them for speed and cost.
The three scenarios outlined are: full electrification; renewable energy plus biogas and hydrogen; and a blend renewables, gas and offsets. The discussion paper examines the merits, opportunities and barriers of each.
“This discussion paper is an important piece of work, because it combines action at the building level with strategies to decarbonise energy supply,” Morrison explains.
“Our goal is to create resources for industry and government that sets out the decarbonisation options available and engages in a deep conversation about those options.”
ASBEC is calling for written submissions to the discussion paper before 1 April 2022.
“Buildings constructed today will still be standing in 2050. We need to be thinking now about the pathways that will ensure we meet our international commitments and hit net zero by 2050,” Morrison concludes.
Download Rapid and Least Cost Decarbonisation of Building Operations.