Australia has set a national emissions abatement target of 43% below 2005 levels by 2030, has pledged to support a 30% global reduction in methane emissions by 2030 and is moving towards net zero emissions by 2050.

The built environment represents a sizeable portion of these emissions targets and must be a substantive part of the solution.

The built environment has the technology to decarbonise now – but Australia must do this at speed and scale to smooth the way for other hard-to-abate sectors. The task ahead is to transition the Australian economy at the least cost.

Key policy recommendations:

• Upgrade the National Construction Code
• Develop a national plan for fossil gas phase out
• Introduce incentives to address capital cost constraints
• Demonstrate government leadership
• Address market inequities
• Build capacity