by jbs110509 g3 — November 11, 2009—The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) says it welcomes the introduction of the Greens’ Safe Climate Bill, which was launched recently at Parliament House in Canberra. According to GBCA Chief Executive Romilly Madew, the Bill rightly focuses on the importance of buildings in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The Safe Climate Bill is a collection of linked bills based around the five pillars of renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transport, forest protection, and green jobs, underpinned by a carbon pricing scheme. Some of the bills have already been introduced and others are intended as exposure drafts for public comment and debate.
“Commercial and residential buildings in Australia are responsible for 23 percent of the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each year–that’s the equivalent to 130 mega tonnes of greenhouse gases each year,” says Madew. “Dramatic reductions to emissions can be realized through the application of green building design and operation principles.”
“There is a wealth of material that supports our message–that buildings represent the single largest opportunity for greenhouse gas abatement, outstripping the energy, transport, and industry sectors combined. With the right policy support, green building can be a cost-effective solution to our nation’s climate change challenges.
