Policy Snapshot - May 2023

Every Building Counts

A joint report by GBCA and the Property Council of Australia, Every Building Counts 2023, was launched on 27 April by Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Every Building Count’s federal policy platform provides 39 policy recommendations over eight themes that will help Australia to decarbonise.

Policy platforms with recommendations for state & territory and local government will follow later this year.

Billions in the Budget for a cleaner, more resilient, sustainable Australia

The Commonwealth Government has allocated billions to new measures that will supercharge the net zero transition and build a resilient, sustainable nation. These include support for home upgrades to achieve better energy performance, low-cost loans for double‑glazing, solar panels and other improvements that lift the energy efficiency of homes as well as a new Net Zero Authority. Further detail on specific budget commitments for energy efficiency can be found below.

“We have spent 20 years championing a greener, healthier, more resilient built environment – and this is the response we have been waiting for,” says the GBCA’s Chief Executive, Davina Rooney.

Expanding energy efficiency ratings for homes and appliances

As part of the Budget, the Commonwealth Government announced it will invest $36.7 million over four years to expand and upgrade the Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS) program and to expand the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme rating system (NatHERS) to apply to existing homes. 

GBCA commends this step towards a single, national, rating for home energy performance. Creating a single national rating to empower owners, buyers and renters is a key recommendation in our report, Every Building Counts. 

Tax incentives for small business energy efficiency measures

In a pre-Budget announcement, the Commonwealth Government committed to the Small Business Energy Incentive, which secures $314 million for businesses with annual turnover of less than $50 million, an additional 20 per cent deduction on spending that supports electrification and more efficient use of energy. It will help small businesses make investments like electrifying their heating and cooling systems, upgrading to more efficient fridges and induction cooktops, and installing batteries and heat pumps.

Green Building Day

Green Building Day is back for 2023! Join us in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney or at our virtual event to learn about the latest in Green Star, innovative case studies from around the country and hear from industry experts who will share their experience and learnings on key challenges such as embodied carbon, electrification, circular economy and nature and biodiversity. 

Keynote speakers include The Hon Reece Whitby MLA, Minister for Environment and Climate Action (Perth) and Deputy Premier Susan Close, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water (Adelaide).

Esperance electrifies

The town of Esperance, WA has successfully transitioned to electric power and ceased supply of reticulated gas. Western Australia's regional energy provider, Horizon Power, has been supporting customers in Esperance since September 2021, with an Energy Transition Plan. The plan has provided financial assistance to customers for like-for-like replacement, guidance from energy efficiency experts, connection with local tradespeople, and dedicated phone and email support. The first electrification of this kind in Australia provides a blueprint for other communities to follow.