Federal Government increases support for energy efficient programs in the built environment

The Federal Government is providing additional investment in energy efficiency programs for the built environment, drawing support from major sustainable infrastructure bodies.

Increased government funding means programs such as the National Australian Built Environment Energy Ratings System and the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program will be continued and expanded.

The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) welcomed the announcement, saying the investment had a clear focus on improving the energy and emissions performance of buildings.

The built environment accounts for a quarter of Australia’s emissions.

However, ASBEC’s modelling has indicated that with the right level of support, Australia’s building sector could deliver over a quarter of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target, whilst saving $20 billion and creating a healthier, more productive built environment.

ASBEC’s Executive Director, Suzanne Toumbourou, said the Federal Government’s commitment to low energy buildings sets the foundation for meaningful progress in a sector that offers some of the most cost-effective solutions for energy savings and emissions reduction.

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) also welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of additional support for energy efficiency programs.

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