The coalition’s proposed voluntary carbon market could provide a number of opportunities for the commercial building sector, claims the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
A voluntary carbon market would allow the commercial building sector to fully participate in reducing its carbon emissions and be recognised for doing so, GBCA CEO Romilly Madew said, commenting on the coalition’s Climate Change Strategy, announced on Monday.
“It’s vitally important that we introduce measures that support Australia’s
property and construction industries to improve energy efficiency in buildings and reduce Australia’s carbon footprint,” Madew said.
The opposition proposes the establishment of a government-authorised voluntary carbon market, from 1 January 2010, based on the Chicago Climate Exchange, which would enable the immediate recognition and involvement of individuals and communities, agriculture, various forms of bio sequestration, additional energy efficiency measures by business, and importantly, the commercial building sector.
“The coalition’s proposal would complement industry-led initiatives such as the
Green Star environmental rating tool for buildings, which encourages and rewards the use of renewable energy sources,” Madew said.
“The Green Building Council of Australia welcomes the Coalition’s Climate Change Strategy and will continue to work with both sides of politics on this and a range of other initiatives to improve environmental outcomes for all Australians,” Madew said.
