The Australian Government has released a 2017 Review of Climate Change Policies. The review outlines the actions undertaken by the Government to meet its international emissions reductions targets.

The Review acknowledges that there are significant emissions reductions available in the residential and commercial sector through energy efficiency measures. The measures are recognised to be low cost and able to provide the additional benefits of reduced costs, job creation and healthier environments. The Review also notes the Government’s intention to increase minimum energy performance standards for commercial buildings in 2019 through the National Construction Code and the 2016 reduction of the mandatory disclosure threshold for commercial buildings under the Commercial Buildings Disclosure Program.

The National Energy Productivity Plan (NEPP) has a target of 40% improvement in energy productivity by 2030 with measures that include providing more efficiency incentives and tighter energy standards for equipment and electrical products. The Government is working collaboratively with state and territory governments to deliver training and information aimed at improving compliance with energy performance standards in the residential building sector.

In 2018 the Government will begin a consultation process with business, community and state and territory agencies to develop a long term emissions reduction strategy by 2020.

More information here.