5 March 2025

The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) welcomes the opportunity to provide a response to the Victorian Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (the RIS) released late last year. We support the work the Victorian Government has done to date to develop an electrification pathway and energy transition plan which will help Victoria meet its legislated target of zero net emissions by 2045.

In addition to supporting the introduction of electrification across residential and commercial building stock ASBEC urges the Victorian Government to seize the unique opportunity presented by the implementation of the Gas Substitution Roadmap to transform the built environment to dramatically reduce the demand for energy in highly cost-effective ways that will also stimulate the economy. Energy efficiency matters to the electrification agenda. A wealth of literature supports a “fabric first” approach to energy efficiency, in which the building does the hard work rather than bolt-on energy devices.

ASBEC acknowledges the government’s preferred approach (Option 3) as a step toward transitioning Victorian homes and buildings to a net-zero, climate-resilient future while reducing operating costs to households and business. However, given the urgency of electrifying Victoria’s buildings for climate, health, and energy security, ASBEC advocates for Option 2. This approach includes phasing out residential gas cooktops and incorporating commercial buildings (excluding commercial cooking).

Read the full submission here