22 Nov 2024
Western Australia’s Department of Communities has taken a major step toward meeting the state’s climate goals, with the release of its Climate Action and Sustainability Strategy 2024-2027.
The strategy commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring all new buildings are fully electric and energy efficient, as well as collaboration with industry to develop a waste and circularity strategy for construction, refurbishment projects.
Shay Singh, Senior Manager of Policy and Government Relations at the Green Building Council of Australia, praised the strategy’s ambition, saying the commitment to sustainable housing is not only resilient and efficient but also future-proofed.
“The decisions to ensure all new buildings are all-electric and energy-efficient is a significant move, and the installation of solar panels on 281 social housing dwellings is a great example of progress already made,” Mr Singh said.
The Department of Communities plays a crucial role in working with Western Australia’s most vulnerable people. This strategy will help to ensure the provision of housing that is sustainable, energy-efficient, and built to withstand the impacts of climate change.
The Director General of the Department of Communities, Mike Rowe, celebrated the release, acknowledging the positive impact the strategy will have.
"It is with great excitement that we release the Department of Communities' first Climate Action and Sustainability Strategy. Environmental and social issues are deeply intertwined, and this strategy is our commitment to the natural environment and acceleration towards a climate positive future, while delivering on our vital services for West Australians,” said Mr Rowe.
The strategy outlines nine focus areas related to climate, community and governance, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development goals and the forthcoming WA Climate Change Act.
The full report is available here.