18 Jun 2025
Since our last edition of Policy Snapshot, the Australian Labor Party has returned to government in the May election. GBCA welcomes the clear mandate the government has received to accelerate meaningful progress on sustainable building policy.
As always, we remain committed to working closely with ministers and departments to advance our policy priorities and to urge continued ambition and action. Strong collaboration between government and industry is essential if we are to unlock the full potential of sustainable, low-carbon buildings and precincts across Australia.
We recently welcomed the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Josh Wilson MP, to Sydney. During his visit, we had the opportunity to tour two exemplary buildings that highlight what’s possible when energy efficiency, embodied carbon reduction and other sustainability features are prioritised. These buildings are living proof that sustainable outcomes can be achieved with the right policy settings and a shared vision for innovation.
Housing continues to be one of the most complex and pressing challenges of our time. Australia needs more homes and fast. But we also know that Australians expect their homes to be comfortable, energy efficient, and future-ready. This edition of Policy Snapshot explores the intersection of housing supply and sustainability in greater detail.
Our national Green Building Day roadshow has also provided a timely platform to highlight government leadership on a range of projects. In Adelaide, we heard from Daniel Bennett of the Premier’s Climate Change Council on how South Australia is driving climate leadership through cross-sector collaboration. In Melbourne, Sally Moxam from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action outlined the policy reforms guiding Victoria’s energy transition. These events continue to bring together stakeholders from across the country and enable meaningful conversations with policymakers about what’s working and where policy can go further.
GBCA is supporting the Australian Public Service (APS) to achieve its net zero by 2030 goal and implement the Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy. Jorge Chapa, Chief Impact Officer, and Nick Alsop, Senior Manager – Buildings, Precincts and Homes, recently joined industry colleagues from NABERS and members of the APS Chief Sustainability Officer Network to talk about how government buildings can play a role in reducing government’s emissions.
Read how we're working together to support climate change initiativesLast month, GBCA launched research that shows our homes weigh a tonne – of carbon, per square metre. While the average, new, all-electric Australian home will emit 24 tonnes of carbon over 60 years in operation (and close to zero if powered by solar), it generates 185 tonnes of carbon emissions during construction. In other words, most of the damage is done before move-in day.
Check out the research and our call to action for government and industry to help reduce upfront carbon.
Read the reportThe Justice and Equity Centre (JEC) has launched a Roadmap which sets out the actions required from governments and decision-makers to upgrade Australian homes, and how to co-ordinate and prioritise efforts.
Read the roadmapGBCA commends the Victorian Government’s decision to permanently roll out the State Electricity Commission’s (SEC) Electric Home Planner. The online tool is a one-stop-shop offering tailored advice to Victorian households considering a switch to electric appliances.
Read our media releaseOther policy updates from around Australia
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