The built environment is a major user of energy, a major investor in end-use equipment and energy management, and is increasingly involved in energy supply through distributed generation. Data presented on page V of the Green Paper highlights that around 20 per cent of Australia’s final energy consumption occurs in the built environment (residential and commerce and services sectors) and a further 40 per cent is used in transport, which is heavily influenced by the built environment.

ASBEC members support a renewable energy target, and believe that policy settings will need to change in order to maximise the potential to improve energy productivity and reduce emissions in the built environment.

Distributed generation offers significant opportunities to make energy more affordable, improve energy productivity, increase system diversity and resilience, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, reforms to energy market regulations and other policies are essential to both unlock the potential of distributed generation and ensure that its installation occurs in a way that delivers both short- and long-term benefits to generators and consumers.

The Energy White Paper should consider the role of the built environment and distributed generation in energy demand and supply.

Read submission.