Laura Timberlake
The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has released a discussion paper titled Rapid and Least Cost Pathways for Decarbonising Building Operations, and is calling for input into the next phase of the project.
ASBEC plans to map out a pathway for fully decarbonised building operations. It will take into consideration the least cost pathways to decarbonisation, to support industry decision-making and technology selection as well as assist policy-makers plan for the physical and regulatory infrastructure that is needed.
Australia has committed to delivering net zero emissions by 2050, and long-lived assets such as buildings must play a central role in meeting the international commitments.
ASBEC says there is widespread support among Australia’s largest property companies to tackle climate change and decarbonise building operations.
ASBEC aims to publish a final report in mid-2022 that details strategies to decarbonise energy supply to achieve net zero. It will provide:
- A detailed inventory of operational emissions in residential and commercial buildings
- A detailed characterisation of decarbonisation options available to building owners; and the internal costs, benefits and barriers associated with each option
- Modelling that considers the likely uptake of decarbonisation options in at least three divergent scenarios for decarbonisation of fuel sources (including electricity, gas, biofuels and hydrogen)
- Analysis of implications for industry and government.
The discussion paper is available to download here, and ASBEC welcomes feedback via a short survey before April 1.
The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is also hosting a webinar on March 8 with the consultants leading the project.
The project has received funding support from the Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources (DISER) and NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE).
Feature image: One Central Park by Dave Sutherland on flickr
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