Emphasis on Australia’s built environment in the Federal Opposition’s climate change policy acknowledges the significant role green building practices can play to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, says the nation’s leading green building organisation.
“Commercial and residential buildings in Australia account for 23 per cent of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each year,” says the chief executive of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), Romilly Madew.
“This is the equivalent of 130 mega tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. “Dramatic reductions to emissions can be realised through the application of green building design and operation principles,” Madew said.
“We welcome the recent policy announcement from the Leader of the Opposition, Malcolm Turnbull, who recognised the role buildings can play in the challenge of climate change.
“Coalition support for measures such as accelerated depreciation for green buildings is particularly welcome, as this measure can have a real impact in improving the environmental performance of Australia's existing buildings,” Madew said.
A recent study by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC - of which GBCA is a member) has found that the application of measures such as accelerated or 'green' depreciation can achieve greenhouse gas reductions in the built environment of around 60 mega tonnes per annum.
This represents a 30 per cent reduction against baseline projections. The Australian Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme will only achieve a 3-4 per cent reduction.
“Importantly, greenhouse gas reductions in the built environment are extremely cost-effective and would reduce the price for emissions permits by 14 per cent — saving the Australian economy $38 billion by 2050.
There is a wealth of material that supports our message - that buildings represent the single largest opportunity for greenhouse gas abatement, outstripping the energy, transport and industry sectors combined.
