The Australian National Carbon Offset Standard was introduced in 2010 to set requirements for businesses, products, services and events seeking carbon neutrality. It has now been updated to include sustainability certification of carbon-neutral cities, precincts and buildings.

An Expert Committee has been formed to expand the current scheme as well as work towards a carbon-neutral certification for buildings, with the first meeting to be held in April 2016. This development is hoped to result in Australia’s first certified carbon-neutral precinct or city by the start of 2017.

The GBCA, a member of the Expert Committee, praised the expansion which recognises the industry’s leadership and achievements in delivering low-carbon buildings and the capabilities to progress to zero-carbon buildings, cities and precincts. Other members of the Committee include the Barangaroo Delivery Authority, the National Australian Built Environment Rating System and the CRC for Low Carbon Living.

Minister for Environment Greg Hunt MP’s announcement here.
GBCA Media Release here.