Sustainable built environment high on agenda

The peak national body representing the building and construction industry has taken another step in its commitment to a sustainable built environment by joining the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC).

Master Builders Australia chief executive officer Denita Wawn said the industry was committed to meeting its net zero obligations and is formalising partnerships with key stakeholders to better use the network of expertise on critical policy reform areas.

“The transition to a net zero built environment is one of the most significant policy reform areas impacting building and construction and the future direction of the sector.

“Building a sustainable future requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, and the building and construction industry has a crucial role to play in achieving this goal.

“Master Builders has committed to supporting this agenda with three essential factors that need to be in place to support this transition such as mitigation of risks in the transition journey, suitable information and education resources developed to support industry transformation, and adequate transition timeframes to enable the sector to effectively transition.”

ASBEC executive director Alison Scotland welcomed Master Builders Australia to the collaborative industry network, saying it will add immense value to ASBEC’s work.

“This partnership will enable Master Builders to contribute to and participate in the collective efforts of built environment stakeholders in shaping policy and boosting sector capability that helps deliver more sustainable, decarbonised communities, effective regulation, codes and standards, and that improves Australia’s new and existing building stock,”she said.

Key priorities that Master Builders would like to see more work on include:

• Skilling the sector for energy transformation
• Retrofitting and improving existing building stock
• A plan for decarbonisation of building products and product assurance, and
• Developing resources that raise awareness about risks from regulatory change in the constructon sector, such as moisture management and how to deal with it.