Australia has made significant progress towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building a low carbon economy, according to ClimateWorks which launched its major research project last month which is entitled "Tracking Progress Towards a Low Carbon Economy."
The report is a whole-of-economy report on Australia’s progress in reducing emissions and covers key sectors such as power, industry, buildings, land-use and waste, as well as a special report on factors affecting energy efficiency activity for 47 large industrial companies that account for 70 per cent of Australia’s industrial energy use.
ClimateWorks Australia is a research-based, non-profit organisation established by the Myer Foundation and Monash University five years ago.
The report found that from 2002/03 to 2011/12, there has been no growth in greenhouse gas emissions despite an increase in economic growth of 31 per cent over the same period.
If recent trends are sustained, Australia will achieve over 40 per cent of the minimum 5 per cent national emissions reduction target by 2020 through domestic abatement alone.
The Power Report shows the emissions intensity of Australia’s grid-supplied electricity generation decreased by eight per cent from 2008/09 to 2012/13 with strong reductions in coal generation.
Total emissions have decreased by 13 per cent over the same period.
Looking forward to 2020, there is a strong pipeline of renewable energy projects and a slow down of the energy demand growth trend.
This could deliver 32 per cent of the available emissions reduction potential in this sector as identified in the Low Carbon Growth Plan for Australia.
The Industry Report shows industrial process emissions have been substantially reduced, industrial energy efficiency has tripled compared to historic levels, and there has been more self-generation of electricity using gas.
This has led to an estimated 10 per cent improvement in industrial emissions intensity, which has been offset by large increases in production.
The Buildings Report shows the energy intensity of Australia’s buildings has decreased by three per cent between 2002/03 and 2010/11, led by improvements in the operation of buildings, improved energy efficiency standards, more efficient appliances and distributed energy.
However, these improvements have been offset by additional buildings and increased use of electricity by electronics in homes.
The Special Report on factors influencing large industrial energy efficiency involved in-depth interviews with 47 large industrial companies that account for 70 per cent of Australia’s industrial energy use.
The report found that rising fuel prices, the carbon price, the Australian Government’s Energy Efficiency Opportunities (EEO) program and organisational changes have been the main reported drivers leading respondents to increase their energy efficiency activity in recent years.
For the full report go to www.climateworksaustralia.org