The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed the decision of the federal government to review its climate change policies and targets.

According to the GBCA’s Chief Executive Officer, Romilly Madew, the commitments outlined in the Paris Agreement underscore the importance of government action and policy leadership on climate change. She said the review should create opportunities within sectors that have not been able to take advantage of existing government policy.

Madew commented that the Low Carbon, High Performance report produced by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) highlighted the massive opportunity to reduce emissions within the nation’s built environment. However, structural barriers have prevented buildings from accessing the Emissions Reduction Fund.

Observing that buildings were responsible for 23 per cent of Australia’s total emissions, she said these emissions can be eliminated entirely by 2050, helping deliver healthier, more productive cities and saving $20 billion using technologies that exist today.

Though Australia’s leadership in green building has been recognised around the world, the nation hasn’t made the progress required to reduce their emissions and meet their obligations under the Paris Agreement. Studies by ASBEC reveal energy productivity has improved by just two per cent across the board in the commercial sector, and by five per cent in the residential sector.

The GBCA looks forward to working with the Turnbull Government on the policies required to accelerate the shift to carbon zero homes, workplaces and communities.