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
Swan Lite Produces a Carbon Hangover!!
Within the Budget, the Government has abandoned the tax breaks for green building upgrades that they had flagged for commencement on 1st July 2012.
For some time, their rhetoric had been; “we have a $billion contribution to energy efficiency”. Whilst the promised accelerated depreciation for green retrofits may not have changed behaviour to a great degree – given the up to 3 year wait required toreap the benefit – this about-face is significant as it displays 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. Continue reading
