Categories: Sustainable Commercial Buildings, Processes and Tools Sectors: Developers
The Federal Minister Peter Garrett outlined the Government's current position on the environment and the built environment at a recent sustainability forum held in Sydney and how they will impact the property sector.
Speaking at the Property Council of Australia's 'Sustainability Obligation' forum, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts clarified the current steps being taken on a federal level in relation to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and the new National Strategy on Energy Efficiency and their impact on the property sector.
Garrett detailed the "red tape reduction tools" being implemented to help streamline regulation in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act including a clarification on the current bi-lateral agreements for environmental assessments.
According to the Minister, developers will now only to need to complete one assessment application to fulfill state and national requirements.
During the speech delivered to property professionals at the Hotel Intercontinental, Garrett also spoke about the Government's new National Strategy on Energy Efficiency.
The strategy, agreed by the Council of Australian Governments will help to accelerate energy efficiency efforts in the property industry, streamline roles and responsibilities across levels of governments, and help households and businesses prepare for the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS).
The National Strategy on Energy Efficiency was identifies as Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's second plank in addressing climate change, as well as putting a price on carbon.
Please view the video footage above to hear how these issues will impact your building.
