Buildings must be front and centre in a global Emissions Trading Scheme

Include the built environment in an Emissions Trading Scheme and provide incentives for building owners and developers to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

That is the message that Property Council New Zealand chief executive Connal Townsend will be delivering to the government following the conclusion of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia.

“By including developers and building owners in an Emissions Trading Scheme, the government would quickly and painlessly enable major cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The United Nations Sustainable Building and Construction Initiative argues that buildings are responsible for 40 per cent of total greenhouse emissions. Research undertaken by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also reveals that the building sector provides the greatest opportunity for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

“If governments around the world are serious about saving the planet from global warming, they need to start by providing substantial incentives for the property and construction sectors to cut emissions within buildings. The inclusion of building and property sectors in an Emissions Trading Scheme would be a logical step in the right direction. Energy-efficiency gains can be achieved throughout the lifespan of a building; from construction, operation and maintenance, to demolition,” Connal Townsend said.

Property Council New Zealand has been a longstanding proponent of good urban design, which leads to the creation and retrofit of buildings that reflect a minimal carbon footprint. Property Council New Zealand is also a signatory to the Urban Design Protocol and helped facilitate the development of the New Zealand Green Building Council.

About the Property Council New Zealand

The Property Council is New Zealand’s property voice. The Property Council represents New Zealand's Commercial, Industrial, Retail, Property Funds and Multi Unit Residential Property Owners. The Property Council has branches throughout the country and its members represent some of the largest commercial property portfolios in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Tauranga, the value of which exceeds $20 billion.

ENDS

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