Policy Snapshot - July 2023

13 Jul 2023

Energy and Climate Change Ministers on a path to net zero

The Energy and Climate Change Ministerial Council (ECMC) met on 7 July. The Ministers agreed to take nationally coordinated action to reduce emissions, with a strong focus on ensuring all Australians will benefit from the opportunities of a decarbonised economy.

This will be supported by the ECMC’s Decarbonisation Working Group and its Workplan which includes deep consultation on the development of a national 2050 Net Zero Plan and reporting to Ministers on progress on emissions reductions by sector. Ministers also agreed to update the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings by the end of 2024 and that a nationwide Guarantee of Origin scheme should be implemented.

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Smoothing the transition to zero carbon with grid-interactive buildings

GBCA has launched its first report on grid-interactive efficient buildings, highlighting the crucial role they will play in achieving a zero-carbon future.

Grid-interactive buildings are designed to use electricity in a smart and efficient way, shifting energy usage to times when it's both cheaper and cleaner, while helping to generate clean energy and reduce costs.

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Electrification, Australia's first national Health & Climate strategy and greenwashing

GBCA regularly contributes to federal, state and local government and industry consultations. A Senate Committee inquiry to examine household electrification and consultation on the development of Australia’s first national ‘Health and Climate Strategy’ are currently open and GBCA will be providing submissions to these. GBCA also recently responded to a Senate Standing Committee inquiry into greenwashing.

For more on inquiry into household electrification For more on Health & Climate strategy

For GBCA's submission on greenwashing and more

Get ready for all-electric buildings in the ACT

Following its 2022 commitment to transition off fossil fuel gas and electrify Canberra by 2045, the ACT Government expects to implement regulation to prevent new gas network connections from late 2023. Information for developers about the regulations and design considerations for electric ready buildings is now available.

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Victoria's future cities, suburbs and building reform

An event to explore the Victorian Government’s program to reform the building system and shape Victoria’s suburbs and cities will be held on 20 July.

The Faculty of Architecture Building and Planning at the University of Melbourne will convene the forum which will be addressed by the Victorian Minister for Planning, The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP.

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