Green Building Council of Australia

Industry dismay at budget

The federal government’s abandonment in the budget of tax breaks for green buildings has left the property industry in a state of shock.

The Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) said the government had missed an opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions quickly and cost effectively.

The Green Building Council of Australia said the move meant Australia’s low carbon economy had taken a step backwards. ”The decision … is extremely disappointing … and bewildering,” said GBCA chief executive Romilly Madew.

Leading quantity surveyors Napier & Blakeley said the about-face showed a lack of real commitment to the carbon reduction agenda. ”Energy efficiency improvements to the existing building stock is the single most cost effective and fastest way to reduce our collective carbon footprint,” said director Alastair Walker. Continue reading