SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
AUSTRALIA'S JOURNEY TO NET ZERO IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR BY DR EHSAN NOROOZINEJAD FARSANGI URBAN TRANSFORMATIONS RESEARCH CENTRE, WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY, NSW, AUSTRALIA Australia, a nation renowned for its diverse landscapes and unique ecosystems, stands at a pivotal juncture in the global movement towards sustainable development. As the world grapples with the escalating threats of climate change, the emphasis on transitioning to a net zero carbon future has never been more pronounced. The building and construction sector, a significant contributor to Australia's carbon footprint, is uniquely positioned to lead this transition. This article delves into the intricacies of achieving net zero emissions within this sector, exploring the strategies, challenges, and the way forward for Australia's civil engineers, architects, contractors, consultants, and policymakers.
42 Construction Engineering Australia • Oct/Nov 2023
The Paris Agreement of 2015 and subsequent international summits have set the stage for nations to commit to ambitious carbon reduction targets. Australia, with its vast resources and technological prowess, has the potential to be at the forefront of this movement. However, the journey to net zero is riddled with complexities, especially in the building and construction domain, which encompasses a myriad of stakeholders, processes, and materials. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state, challenges, and future directions for Australia's path to net zero in the building and construction industry.
BACKGROUND OF GLOBAL CLIMATE COMMITMENTS The Paris Agreement, a landmark in international climate diplomacy, set the ambitious goal of limiting global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Recognizing the urgency, the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow further emphasized the need to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. These targets necessitate a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with countries like Australia playing a crucial role. The building and construction sector, responsible for a substantial portion of Australia's emissions, is under the spotlight to drive this change.