The built environment holds enormous potential to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, says the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC).     Buildings Day at COP21, on 3 December, provides a great opportunity to highlight the leadership role of the building sector in avoiding dangerous climate change.

Buildings account for over 23 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and a third of global emissions.

“Not only can better performing commercial and residential buildings reduce electricity bills, boost productivity and offer increased wellbeing outcomes; they hold the most cost-effective solution to cut greenhouse gas emissions.” said ASBEC’s Executive Director, Suzanne Toumbourou.

ASBEC, a collective of leading industry organisations committed to a sustainable built environment in Australia, seeks to promote more liveable, productive buildings, through leadership in energy efficiency, resilience and urban policy.  ASBEC advocates for a range of measures including: tax incentives for green buildings; higher standards in the Building Code of Australia; a national white certificate scheme; public funding of building retrofits; and enhancing Minimum Energy Performance standards. ASBEC is now working together with members on an emission reduction roadmap to 2050.

“Every new building can either pave the way for a more energy efficient future, or lock in long term growth in emissions.” said Ms Toumbourou.

“As a world leader in sustainable real estate practices, Australia is perfectly equipped to build a low carbon future and reap the benefits of a productive, sustainable, liveable and future-proofed built environment.”

Read more about Buildings Day here.

Download ASBEC’s media release here.