Industry consultation has begun for the draft National Carbon Offset Standard for Buildings and the draft National Carbon Offset Standard for Precincts.
Submissions on the voluntary standards officially close on February 10, 2017.
The Standards set rules for measuring, reducing, offsetting and reporting emissions required to make carbon neutral claims for building and precinct operations.
The Federal Department of the Environment and Energy is working with the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA), carbon accounting experts and property sector businesses to develop the draft Standards.
Certification against the Standards will be provided through the Australian Government’s Carbon Neutral Program, and for buildings also through the NABERS Energy and Green Star – Performance rating schemes.
They are an expansion of the existing National Carbon Offset Standard already available for organisations, products and services. Key principles and international best practice on which the requirements of the National Carbon Offset Standard are based, are not for review.
According to the GBCA’s head of market transformation, Jorge Chapa, the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark finds Australia’s property sector already leads the world in the design and delivery of low-carbon buildings, but this work will provide clear guidance as industry works towards eliminating emissions from buildings.
“Around a quarter of Australia’s emissions come from our buildings,” Chapa said.
“Australia’s property industry is recognised the world over for its leadership in sustainability, but we need to accelerate our efforts if we are to limit global warming to within the 1.5˚C target outlined in the Paris Agreement.
“Accelerating market transformation requires clear definitions of what a carbon zero building or precinct looks like. Up until now, industry hasn’t had clear guidance, making it hard to make comparisons or verify claims.
“Our work with the National Carbon Offset Standard sets a clear definition of carbon neutrality. It will help building owners understand how to measure, reduce and offset their operational emissions.
“Clear standards and guidelines are essential as we transition to a zero carbon economy."
The building and precinct standards will be launched in 2017.