The Australian Government has released the terms of reference for its review of climate change policies. The review will be led by the Department of Environment and Energy and take place in 2017 building on work already underway such as the Finkel Review and the National Energy Productivity Plan. The Government will be seeking public submissions throughout the review from business and community.

The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) welcomed the review saying “the broad-ranging nature of the review should create opportunities within sectors that have not been able to take advantage of existing government policy.”

The Property Council of Australia (PCA) also welcomed the review, in particular the recognition of sector-by-sector opportunities and the integration of climate change and energy policy.  Citing ASBEC’s Low Carbon, High Performance report, the Property Council stated “the built environment can deliver $20 billion in energy savings by 2030, up to one quarter of Australia’s national emissions target and over half the Government’s energy productivity target.” The PCA is urging the review to take up policies that will address the current obstacles for the property sector to utilise the Emissions Reduction Fund.

The Minister’s media release here.

GBCA media release here.

PCA media release here.