Close×

The Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) has welcomed plans by the South Australian government to invest $60 million in improving the energy efficiency of government buildings.

The investment will create hundreds of jobs while cutting carbon emissions and public sector energy bills.

EEC CEO, Luke Menzel, said the South Australian government is a leader in energy efficiency.

Energy experts have welcomed the South Australian Government's announcement that it will invest $60 million to improve the energy efficiency of government buildings, which will create hundreds of jobs while cutting both carbon emissions and the government’s energy bills.

“This investment of $60 million to upgrade schools, hospitals and other public buildings is pretty much the smartest action they could take to kickstart their economy right now,” he said.

“It will create hundreds of jobs for tradies and engineers while saving taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. We urge other governments to follow their lead.”

Earlier today the Climate Change (Adaptation and Mitigation) Bill 2020 was introduced to the Australian Parliament by Independent Member for Warringah, Zali Steggall.

Green Building Council of Australia CEO, Davina Rooney, said now is the time for Australia to make a national commitment to net zero emissions by 2050.

“The escalating risks and adverse impacts from our changing climate are unsustainable and so severe as to warrant a legislative response of this nature,” she said.

“The proposed legislation aligns with what the GBCA, and indeed green building councils around the world, have been calling for as part of the global Advancing Net Zero initiative.”

Rooney said the Climate Change Bill puts forward balanced measures that also acknowledge the need for continued flexibility.

“This Bill complements the Australian Government’s work to date on the Technology Investment Roadmap,” she said.