Australia’s built environment to reach net zero by 2040

Researchers from UNSW Sydney have developed a national reference guide to help Australia hit its net zero targets. The free online resource provides a pathway to achieving ‘whole of life’ net zero carbon for Australian buildings by 2040.

Race to Net Zero Carbon: A Climate Emergency Guide for New and Existing Buildings in Australia is a 40-page guide which details critical information about materials and construction best practices to help architects, engineers and planners transform the building industry towards net zero carbon buildings.

“Our guide draws on Australian climate data but has global applicability,” says Professor Deo Prasad, lead researcher of the guide.

“This guide provides a deeper level of knowledge on how this sector can rapidly move towards net zero carbon buildings in the short term. Using science-based evidence and analytics, the guide maps a clear roadmap to achieving net zero by 2040 in the building industry. It goes beyond the aspirational and into the achievable,” he says.

The guide is the first to detail a holistic approach to achieving net zero and fills knowledge gaps on net zero carbon buildings.

The guide also details post-life opportunities for buildings destined to be demolished – creating opportunities to expand the circular economy.

Race to Net Zero Carbon is a short guide based on a book by the same researchers Delivering on a Climate Emergency: Towards a Net Zero Carbon Built Environment. The book is said to be recommended for those who want more in-depth information about how their projects can achieve net zero.