The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) has welcomed the introduction of the Greens' Safe Climate Bill, which was launched yesterday at Parliament House in Canberra.
CEO of the green building organisation, Romilly Madew, said the Bill focuses on the importance of buildings in reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
"We are particularly pleased to see an emphasis on Australia's built environment in the Safe Climate Bill, which acknowledges the significant role green building practices, can play to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions," Madew said.
The Safe Climate Bill is a collection of linked bills based around the five pillars of renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transport, forest protection and green jobs, underpinned by a carbon pricing scheme. Some of the Bills have already been introduced and others are intended as exposure drafts for public comment and debate.
"Commercial and residential buildings in Australia are responsible for 23 per cent of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each year - that's the equivalent to 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 added.
According to the GBCA there is a wealth of material that supports their message: “Buildings represent the single largest opportunity for greenhouse gas abatement, outstripping the energy, transport and industry sectors combined”.
With the right policy support, green building can be a cost-effective solution to our nation's climate change challenges.
"We welcome the opportunity to continue the dialogue about these important issues, and to working with the Greens and other political parties to ensure buildings play their part in the fight against climate change," Madew said.
