THE COALITION’S proposed Voluntary Carbon Market could provide a number of opportunities for the commercial building sector, according to Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The GBCA’s Romilly Madew said a Voluntary Carbon Market would allow the commercial building sector to fully participate in reducing its carbon emissions and be recognised for doing so.
Madew said Australia's commercial and residential buildings are responsible for 23 per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions and it is vital the government introduces measures to improve energy efficiency in buildings and reduce Australia's carbon footprint.
The Opposition proposes the establishment of a government-authorised voluntary carbon market, from 1 January 2010, based on the Chicago Climate Exchange, which would enable the immediate recognition and involvement of individuals and communities, agriculture, various forms of bio sequestration, additional energy efficiency measures by business, and importantly, the commercial building sector.
Madew said the Coalition's proposal would complement industry-led initiatives such as the Green Star environmental rating tool for buildings, which encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
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