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Policies

The information in this article could be out-of-date or no longer relevant.

Here you will see examples of federal government department sustainability policies as well as discussion papers, which may assist you and your department in the preparation of similar sustainability policies. If your department has a policy which you would like included below, please let the GBCA Advocacy team know.

Clean Energy Finance Corporation

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) was established under the Clean Energy Finance Corporation Act 2012 and operates like a traditional financier to seek ways to secure financing solutions for the clean energy sector spanning renewable energy, low emissions technologies and energy efficiency.

Department of Environment - Emissions Reduction Fund

The Emissions Reduction Fund is the Australian Government's central policy to encourage emissions reduction activities in the Australian economy. The ERF will have an initial allocation of $2.55 billion with further funding to be considered in future budgets. These funds will be used to purchase low-cost carbon abatement through a ‘reverse auction’ process. The Department of Environment has worked with industry to develop a range of methods for measuring emissions reductions, including several which apply to the built environment.

Department of Industry - Renewable Energy Target Scheme

The Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme is designed to ensure that 20 per cent of Australia’s electricity comes from renewable sources by 2020. The RET scheme is helping to transform our electricity generation mix to cleaner and more diverse sources and supporting growth and employment in the renewable energy sector.

Since January 2011 the RET scheme has operated in two parts—the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) and the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET).

The SRES in particular has encouraged the property and construction industry to invest in renewable energy solutions across Australia.

The Treasury - Clean Building Managed Investment Trusts

The Tax Laws Amendment (Clean Building Managed Investment Trust) Act 2012 allows a concessional withholding tax rate for foreign investors with managed investment trusts (MITs) that only hold newly constructed energy efficient commercial buildings.

The concession will be available in relation to office buildings that have obtained a 5 Star Green Star rating or a predicted 5.5 star NABERS rating, and retail centres and non-residential accommodation that meet equivalent standards. The new regime will apply where construction of the building commences after 1 July 2012.

Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development - Progress in Australian Regions: Yearbook 2015

The Progress in Australian Regions: Yearbook 2015 provides a statistical resource that includes information on how regions are progressing against economic, social, environmental and governance indicators. The report can assist governments, private investors and the community identify trends that are important for policy development and investment decisions.

Department of Infrastructure and Transport - State of Australian Cities 2014-2015

The State of Australian Cities 2014-15 report was the fourth edition of the popular and successful annual publication . It contains research and data to present a picture of the progress of  our major cities.

Creating Places for People: An urban design protocol for Australian Cities

Creating Places for People: An urban design protocol for Australian Cities is a collective commitment to best practice urban design in Australia developed in collaboration with peak industry bodies and all levels of government. The document establishes 12 broadly agreed principles for quality urban places in Australia. These principles can be applied to any project or location - whether it is in a large capital city, regional centre or rural town.

Department of the Environment - ESD Guidelines for Owners, Managers and Tenants

The Environmentally Sustainable Design Operations Guide for Owners, Managers and Tenants looks at the opportunities available to owners, managers and tenants for better environmental performance. The Guide highlights examples from the private and public sector to show what has been achieved on issues including energy, greenhouse, water, waste, indoor environment quality, transport, materials and land use.

The Department of Human Services - Environmental Sustainability Policy

The Department of Human Services - Environmental Sustainability Policy outlines the department's environmental policy. The policy aims to improve performance and mitigate high risk environmental aspects identified in their risk assessment.