Towards zero carbon: time to change the National Construction Code

Buildings are one of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for over half of total city emissions on average, and a significant source of air pollution. Currently, half a million people die each year due to outdoor air pollution caused by energy used in buildings. Delivering on the goals of the Paris Agreement with scientific proofs requires urgent and dramatic action to cut emissions from buildings.

This study compares and contrasts Australian and global best practices in policy and regulation for the energy and carbon performance of the built environment. It examines the drivers and opportunities for, and barriers to, the adoption of best practices in Australia.

This report illustrates that adjusting building standards to impact the cities' environment, economy and etc. The standards mentioned here starts from the construction process until the entire lifecycle of the building in Chinese cities. Research support that buildings that are both energy efficient and supplied by clean energy is fundamental in securing a climate-safe future.

Speaker: Ryan Colker, J.D., from the National Institute of Building Sciences Communities are establishing energy performance and/or greenhouse gas emission goals. This requires a new approach to building codes and other policies. One approach is increasing focus on project outcomes for new construction and renovations. Outcomes rely on actual results rather than design and construction-based criteria which may not result in achieving goals.