The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the introduction of the Climate Change (Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 which seeks to create a national framework to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050.
“The Bill represents a constructive step towards addressing the long-term challenges climate change presents for Australian businesses and households,” said Ken Morrison, Property Council Chief Executive.
“We encourage all MPs to engage with the substance of this Bill and work towards a bipartisan approach for a policy framework to take us to net zero emissions by 2050.
“Beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, Australia’s long-term prosperity depends on dealing with other big challenges which includes the transition to net zero emissions,” said Mr Morrison.
“Australia’s buildings account for 23 per cent of national emissions and our industry is well placed to take action to reduce emissions and make our buildings more efficient and resilient.
“We know that investments in energy efficient and climate resilient buildings brings many benefits for our businesses, households and industry, from energy bill savings, reduced pressure on the energy system to greater sector competitiveness and improved health and wellbeing outcomes for vulnerable Australians.
“The Property Council and Green Building Council of Australia have published a practical policy roadmap for emissions reduction in the built environment – Every Building Counts – and we commend this to policy makers,” Mr Morrison said.
Australia’s property sector have been world leaders in sustainable buildings for many years, with a number of leading property companies committing to net zero emissions by 2030. The challenge remains to extend this progress more broadly across the built environment and requires a long-term policy framework for the sector, as contemplated in this Bill.
“In the current climate, it is more important than ever to leverage the potential of every building to create a sustainable and strong economy. More than ever, every building must count. We urge the Government and Opposition to come together and provide certainty for Australian businesses and households on a pathway towards net zero emissions by 2050,” Mr Morrison said.
