The property industry is already making significant progress, and a clear national target will accelerate investment, sharpen competitiveness and give investors certainty.
The Property Council has long called for investment to expand the Commercial Building Disclosure (CBD) program to more commercial building types and increase resourcing for NABERS to ensure rating tools remain fit for purpose.
Scaling up NatHERS to existing homes will make it easier for Australians to compare the energy efficiency of houses. Likewise, expanding the Greenhouse Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) Act, which requires labelling and minimum energy performance standards for appliances, will support Australians in making informed choices.
Collectively, these policy changes will equip Australians with proven pathways to lower their energy bills, reduce emissions and encourage a market for better performing homes.
Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said supporting adaptation to an energy-efficient future is a no-brainer.
"Australia's property sector is a global leader in sustainability. We are well-placed to deliver high-impact, cost-effective decarbonisation.
"We have consistently called for resourcing to support continuous improvement of NABERS, and expansion of the NatHERS and CBD Programs because these proven programs help our industry.
"Providing the industry with policy certainty and consistency is key to helping our sector decarbonise.
"We also need to make sure vulnerable households are supported and that we boost the skills and capacity of the workforce."
The Property Council said establishing a Demand-side Statement of Opportunities will complement existing system planning in Australia's energy transition.
With demand for energy likely to increase due to electrification of buildings and transport, it is more important than ever for energy market settings to reflect the value of buildings in the context of demand management and distributed energy resources.
