The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) is the peak body of key organisations committed to a sustainable, productive, resilient built environment in Australia.

The Rapid and Least Cost Decarbonisation of Building Operations project – which encompasses new and existing, commercial and residential buildings – examines the lowest cost pathways to decarbonise building operations aligned with a net zero by 2050 target. For possibly the first time, scenarios that combine actions at the building level coupled with strategies to decarbonise energy supply to achieve net zero will be explored together.

Buildings constructed today will still be standing in 2050 and must be set on a trajectory to net zero in order to achieve our international commitments. Guidance on the least cost pathway to decarbonisation is necessary to support industry decision making and technology selection, as well as helping policy makers plan for the physical and regulatory infrastructure that is needed to support sector decarbonisation.

The purpose of this important project is to create resources for industry and government that set out the decarbonisation options available to building owners, managers and developers, and the likely take up of those options in various scenarios over time.

This discussion paper is a first step to engaging the broad group of stakeholders that will contribute to Australia’s built environment achieving net zero operational emissions. In the paper, you will find a link that allows you to provide your feedback - your ideas, knowledge and concerns as Australian cities, towns, homes and businesses transition to a more sustainable community.