Master Builders Australia has today welcomed the announcement from Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen to work on a decarbonisation plan for the built environment as part of its Net Zero 2050 plan.
Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the construction and operation of our built environment is at the end of the energy supply chain and therefore a major contributor to greenhouse emissions and environmental outcomes.
"The operation of buildings accounts for half of Australia's electricity use and almost a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. More sustainable building practices reduce the environmental impact of the built environment.
"Master Builders aims to achieve a net-zero built environment as part of our broader goal of environmental sustainability.
"Today's announcement follows advocacy from organisations representing the full spectrum of Australia's built environment to have its own sector pathway with respect to Australia's climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.
"A clear plan with a sensible transition process from Government will assist in attracting the investment in technology needed, boosting confidence in the market and providing the support builders need to transition successfully to net-zero construction methods.
"We look forward to working closely with Minister Bowen and Minister Husic to assist the industry in achieving its full potential and contribute to tackling the climate emissions challenge - fast track to net zero emissions - that is underpinned by an evidence-based approach to transitioning new methods and practices.
"To support this, we are advocating for integrating necessary measures into the National Construction Code (NCC), considering the workforce, supply chain, finalised frameworks, and education processes.
"Master Builders is committed to managing risks, fostering innovation, and securing funding for ongoing industry education programs. We continue to advocate for planning reforms that promote consistency across levels of government and strive for regulated standards to be freely available," said Ms Wawn.
