20 Feb 2025
As we step into 2025, we hope you are all feeling energised and ready for the year ahead. At GBCA, it’s full steam ahead with key milestones on the horizon. TRANSFORM is set to take place in March, and we are gearing up for the launch of the Green Star apartments and the Green Star Communities v2 technical release later this month. GBCA is continuing its work with governments around the country to ensure the built environment meets its full emissions reduction potential. With a federal election on the horizon, GBCA is paying close attention to how political parties are positioning sustainability and the built environment as part of their election approach.
It can be difficult to stay positive in the face of ongoing challenges—from the cost-of-living crisis and housing supply pressures to global political uncertainty. However, it’s important to focus on the tangible outcomes that the built environment is delivering to help counteract some of these concerns. There are promising examples everywhere:
These are just a few of the many signs of progress. Read on for more examples of the built environment’s role in driving positive change.
Both the good news and the ongoing challenges highlight the importance of GBCA and organisations like ours that continue to advocate for the sustainable transition of our built environment. Now more than ever, it is critical to bring the voices of industry—along with its many examples of leadership and innovation—to government.
This week the Productivity Commission released its report, Housing construction productivity: Can we fix it? The report highlights opportunities to streamline approvals, better facilitate innovation and review building regulation. GBCA embraces action that will make it easier to build more homes, faster, while ensuring they are safe, healthy, efficient and future-ready.
The Australian Government has allocated $2 billion to the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Australia’s specialist ‘green bank’. This is the first increase in the investment capacity of the CEFC General Portfolio since it was established in 2012. It means even more households and businesses of all sizes can access finance for projects in clean energy, electrification and energy efficiency as well unlocking opportunities for large renewable energy generation and storage projects.
Read the media releaseMinister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, has asked the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to consider funding more pilots across Australia like Electrify 2515. This is a community-led initiative to electrify 500 homes in one postcode in and around Wollongong, NSW. Electrify 2515 has received applications from more than 400 households and is backed by $5.4m in ARENA funding. More funding for projects like this could help thousands of households safeguard themselves against energy bill spikes with more solar, batteries, energy efficient appliances and shared community energy storage.
Read the media releaseThe Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and CSIRO are trialing energy ratings for existing homes. Eligible households can join the trial and receive a free energy rating and energy saving tips that could help to save money on energy bills and improve comfort. The trial is open to both homeowners and renters.
Find out more about the trialIn January, City of Melbourne released the Zero Carbon Lease – User Guide to help building owners and tenants to work together in achieving carbon neutral buildings. This resource is part of the Retrofit Melbourne plan aimed at decarbonising existing commercial buildings. City of Melbourne is seeking organisations to pilot the Zero Carbon Lease template clauses.
Read the user guideNational:
State:
Local:
See recent GBCA submissions here