A Path Forward
How to achieve grid-responsive, net-zero operational and embodied emissions in buildings. These milestones are broadly aligned with leading industry bodies, including the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and the Property Council of Australia (PCA).
Buildings Carbon Trajectory
2025 NCC
2028 NCC
2030
2031 NCC
2034 NCC
2035
2037 NCC
2040 NCC
2045
2050
Science-based targets, IPCC/IEA IEA: Net-zero operational carbon, new buildings
✓
IEA: Net-zero operational carbon, existing buildings
✓ ✓
IPCC: Worldwide zero emissions Regulation, Policy, Operational Carbon NCC update/Commonwealth/state policies: New buildings/major renovations: No fossil fuels
✓
NCC update: New buildings/major renovations: Net-zero operational carbon
✓
NCC outcome: New buildings/major renovations: Net-zero operational carbon
✓
Buildings disclosure: All building classes (office buildings in place)
✓
Minimum performance standards: towards net-zero operational carbon, existing buildings
✓
Upfront Embodied Carbon - New Buildings disclosure: upfront emissions measurement and reporting (NABERS, NatHERS)
✓
NCC update: % reduction in upfront carbon, new buildings, major renovations
✓
RAIA advocacy for industry excellence
40%
Government procurement: net-zero operational, new buildings
No fossil fuels
✓
Government procurement: new buildings, major renovations reduction in upfront carbon (NABERS)
20%
40%
NABERS/NatHERS support for tools expansion
ARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY DECARBONISATION PLAN 2025-2030
60%
80%
90%
100%
60%
80%
90%
100%
✓
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