1. Introduction
Over half of the buildings standing in 2050 will be constructed from today onwards.
In Australia, the built environment accounts for almost a quarter of our emissions. The way we build can reduce energy use and emissions, delivering economic benefits. At Climateworks, we are focusing on the long term transition of the sector and the practical steps required to reach net zero emissions by mid-century. Crucial to this process is embedding a forward thinking mindset into decision making and policy. We also aim to build the capacity of decision makers, unique in this area.
What we’re doing
Partnering with the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) and peak industry bodies, we helped to set a new trajectory for Australia’s building code. This work culminated in Built to Perform, a report that showed setting stronger energy standards for new buildings could:
- reduce energy bills by up to $27 billion
- cut energy network costs by up to $12.6 billion
- deliver at least 78 million tonnes of cumulative emissions savings
Our next step is to support regulators and policymakers in the implementation process, working on practical steps for change.
Australia could lead the way
Europe and parts of the USA are leading the globe for forward thinking commercial and residential building standards. Individual countries and states have set ambitious emissions targets and are embedding these industry wide. However, Australia’s progress across our buildings and infrastructure uniquely positions us to set uniform standards across commercial and residential sectors, overtaking current world leaders.
2. Project Timeline
3. Key People
Our built environment team has experience across technical analysis, project management, sustainability, social science, modelling and more.
4. Partners
ASBEC
5. Resources
Building code energy performance trajectory project – issues paper
Energy requirements for new construction in building codes are key to reaching energy and emissions goals.
Built to perform
To reach our climate goals, we must start building for a net zero future now.
Built to Perform in northern Australia
New buildings in northern Australia present unique opportunities and challenges in reducing emissions.
Decarbonisation Futures: buildings
Can innovation in buildings help shift our trajectory towards decarbonisation? The buildings sector is the driver of about a fifth of Australia’s emissions.
Low carbon high performance buildings
How buildings can make a major contribution to Australia’s emissions and productivity goals Australia’s built environment presents a cost-effective emissions reduction opportunity.
The bottom line
Delaying improved energy requirements in the Building Code has real household impacts.
Unlocking barriers to cogeneration – project outcomes report
Increasingly, Australian property developers and owners are seeking to incorporate cogeneration into their existing buildings and new developments.
Commercial buildings emissions reduction opportunities
There is more to commercial buildings than offices. Some promising solutions to commercial buildings emissions reduction are already in place on a small scale in Australia.
Climateworks review of Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act
The Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act and the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program, deliver harmonised efficiency standards and labelling for equipment and appliances.
Climateworks submission to NSW housing strategy discussion paper
Development of the Housing Strategy for NSW is timely. As NSW manages and emerges from coronavirus, policy makers now have the opportunity to invest in initiatives that create jobs, restart the economy and help meet the state’s Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020-2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 target.