Property lobby to help tackle climate change

Property Council of Australia chief executive Ken Morrison said property is a significant player in the climate change debate and has a key role to play in helping the Australian government reduce emissions.

“Some 23 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to the built environment – and it’s in property that some of the biggest emission reduction gains at the lowest cost to the economy can be made,” he said.

“The Property Council is currently working with our allies through Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council to mark out an election-year roadmap of potential emission reductions policies.”

Earlier this year, the Australia and New Zealand region topped an international ranking of sustainability in real estate for the fifth consecutive time.

“Australia’s property leaders already lead the world on sustainability,” Mr Morrison said.

“With the right policies they can go harder and deeper, and more of these efficiencies can be spread industry-wide. That's good for the planet, whatever the outcome in Paris.”

[Related: Climate change becoming 'top concern']