The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the Australian Government's decision to consult with industry on options to retain Climate Active's buildings and products standards through existing industry frameworks.
Property Council Group Executive Policy and Advocacy Matthew Kandelaars said the announcement reflected years of collaboration between industry, government and rating tool providers to develop practical and credible pathways for decarbonisation.
"Australia's property industry has invested heavily in improving building performance, reducing emissions and supporting the transition to net zero," Mr Kandelaars said.
"Climate Active has been one of a number of tools that has helped industry communicate its sustainability performance and climate commitments.
"The real value, however, lies in the work undertaken by industry to improve building performance, reduce emissions and invest in more sustainable outcomes.
"The Government's decision to consult on the future of the buildings and products standards acknowledges the ongoing value these frameworks provide to industry."
The Property Council has consistently advocated for the retention of building and product standards because of the role they play in supporting emissions reduction, encouraging the uptake of lower-carbon products, and providing confidence in sustainability claims.
"We welcome the opportunity to work with government and key stakeholders on how these standards could be effectively transitioned into existing frameworks," Mr Kandelaars said.
"These standards have helped support investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, lower-carbon materials and more transparent reporting of sustainability outcomes across the property sector.
"The key is ensuring industry continues to have credible, transparent ways to demonstrate the substantial work being done to improve building performance, reduce emissions and support Australia's net zero transition."
Mr Kandelaars said the property sector remains committed to ambitious climate action and continues to engage constructively with government throughout the consultation process.
"The focus now should be on preserving what works and ensuring industry continues to have practical, trusted frameworks that support real emissions reduction outcomes," he said.
"Industry has invested significantly in the systems, processes and improvements that sit behind these certifications. As government considers the next chapter, the priority should be ensuring those efforts continue to be recognised, supported and encouraged."
