Property Council responds to climate transition strategy
The Property Council has responded to the State Government's climate transition strategy discussion paper, outlining potential policy responses that will encourage a continued transition towards a low-carbon economy without compromising economic growth or job creation.
The climate transition strategy is the first part of the Government's three-part program of work to position the state to understand, respond and adapt to the changing climate. The Property Council has supported the development of this work as a member of the Government's Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy Partners group.
Proposals for consideration have been submitted by Property Council which will encourage a continued transition towards better environmental performance without compromising Queensland's economy. The proposed responses are:
- Better land use planning to limit emissions
- Setting higher standards for government buildings
- Tax incentives for environmental performance
- Planning incentives for environmental performance
- Strategic assessment of environmental planning considerations
Many private sector entities are actively engaged in improving their environmental performance, far beyond the regulatory standards being considered by governments. This is certainly the case in the property sector. The Australian and New Zealand property industries have ranked first for six consecutive years in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) survey, the leading international sustainability survey for the built environment.
The Government is expected to release a transition options paper in December 2016.
The Property Council’s submission can be viewed below.