What are the current and future challenges and opportunities to create a better, zero-emissions built environment sector in Australia? And where is support needed for Australian businesses and communities to realise the opportunities of a zero-emissions built environment sector this decade?
Accounting for almost a quarter of Australia's emissions, the built environment sector intersects with high emitting sectors, such as energy and transport. The latest IPCC report dedicated a chapter to cities and infrastructure, outlining the compounding economic, environmental, and health risks associated with delayed climate mitigation.
Advocates in the field agree there is a need for updated, ambitious, and enforceable policies, to encourage the substantial transformation of buildings and infrastructure and meet emissions reduction targets. The good news is that there are various opportunities to minimise waste, improve energy and water efficiency and create healthier, climate resilient, affordable and better environments for us all to live and work.
Panellists unpacked what the national built environment policy framework looks like if we’re to create better, climate-resilient buildings, homes and communities in Australia. They will share ideas for Australian businesses and community leaders to advocate for building a better, climate resilient future for us all.
Panellists
Jorge Chapa - is the Head of Market Transformation at Green Building Council Australia (GBCA). Jorge oversees strategic priorities, partnerships, and product and services - including Green Star - to deliver more liveable, resilient, and sustainable places for all Australians.
Carlos Flores - is the Director of the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS). Carlos leads one of Australia’s most successful sustainability initiatives, which is at the heart of Australia’s environmental policy for the building sector.
Hudson Worsley - is the Co-founder and Director of Presync, and the Chair of Materials and Embodied Carbon Leaders Alliance (MECLA). Hudson directs a business dedicated to designing infrastructure utilising energy and water efficient technologies, and coordinates an alliance of organisations that aim to uphold Paris Agreement targets by reducing embodied carbon within the built environment sector.
Heidi Lee - is the Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE). With an architectural background, Heidi has extensive knowledge of embodied emissions, materials, and manufacturing. She oversees independent research on opportunities for Australian businesses and communities in the transition to net-zero emissions.
This online event took place 3 June 2022