As the planet reels from the devastating consequences of global warming, it has become increasingly imperative for municipal powers to blaze the trail in fostering sustainable and robust settlements. One of the critical areas that require attention is the built environment, which according to the IEA consumes around 30% of the world's energy and contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. To mitigate this impact, it is imperative that local governments prioritize zero-carbon buildings.

Zero-carbon buildings are designed and built to the highest energy-efficient standards, reducing energy consumption and costs while improving the comfort of the living and working environment. This is why local governments must play an active role in developing zero-carbon buildings by implementing policies and programs that promote energy efficiency and sustainability.

One of the significant challenges in achieving zero-carbon buildings is retrofitting existing buildings. State governments can encourage building owners to invest in energy-efficient upgrades by providing incentives such as tax credits, rebates, and low-interest loans. These upgrades can result in lower energy bills, creating long-term cost savings for building owners, and play a vital role in reducing energy consumption and achieving zero-carbon global goals.

To encourage zero-carbon building development, local governments can implement pilot efficiency programs and incentives for building energy efficiency. These programs should have tools in place to facilitate data access and analysis, such as benchmarking, to measure and report energy usage. By regularly tracking progress, building owners can identify areas for improvement and local governments can develop policies and programs that encourage and support energy-efficient buildings.

In addition to providing incentives, local governments can also develop a roadmap to achieve net zero carbon new buildings from 2030, with a commitment to own, occupy and develop net zero carbon municipal assets by 2030. They can also enact regulations and planning policies to ensure all buildings operate at net zero carbon by 2050, with interim emissions goals in place by 2025

There are several organizations that offer a wealth of knowledge and expertise on the latest technologies, best practices, and policies to support energy-efficient buildings. By accessing these resources, you can learn about energy efficiency standards in your local government area and find practical tips and resources to help you improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption in your home or business. Here is a brief list to get you started:

• The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA): The GBCA is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable buildings and communities in Australia. They provide information and resources on zero-carbon buildings, including the Green Star certification program and guidelines for building design, construction, and operation.

• The Passive House Institute of Australia (PHIA): The PHIA is an independent non-profit organization in Australia that promotes passive house design and construction, which aims to reduce energy consumption in buildings to near zero. They provide information and resources on passive house design, construction, and certification.

• The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) in New Zealand: EECA is a non-profit organization that provides information and resources on energy efficiency and conservation in New Zealand, including zero-carbon buildings. They provide funding for research and development, as well as support for commercialization of new technologies and products.

• The Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: This website provides information on national energy efficiency initiatives, including the National Energy Efficiency Building Energy Codes and Standards.

• The Energy Efficiency Council: This industry group provides information and advice on energy efficiency and clean energy, including policy and regulation, best practices, and resources for building owners and operators.

• Your local government's website: Many local government areas in Australia have their own websites that provide information on energy efficiency initiatives, building codes and regulations, and resources for homeowners and businesses.

Zero-carbon buildings are crucial for creating sustainable and resilient communities. By prioritizing energy efficiency in our built environment, we can lower energy consumption, reduce costs, and create a more sustainable future. Local governments play a vital role in this transition and have the tools and actions at their disposal to drive the development of zero-carbon buildings.

To join the local leaders taking action to develop zero-carbon buildings you can contact us at admin.oceania@iclei.org or check out the CitiesRaceToZero program page. Together, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Article written by: Dustin Cutler