The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and the Property Council of Australia have jointly released a report titled "Every Building Counts – For Local Government." This report presents 19 policy recommendations spanning six key areas, aimed at helping local governments reduce carbon emissions in buildings. It stresses the significance of local governments taking a proactive role in establishing ambitious targets for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and supporting these objectives with long-term strategies that promote the construction of environmentally sustainable and resilient buildings.

The report recognizes that each level of government is pivotal in crafting policies that facilitate the decarbonization of both new and existing buildings. By implementing the suggestions in the report, local governments can incentivize high-performance building practices, encourage the use of established rating tools, and showcase their commitment to environmental leadership.

In conjunction with this report, the City of Melbourne has introduced the "Retrofit Melbourne" plan, which focuses on reducing emissions, cutting energy costs, and enhancing the sustainability of buildings. This initiative is particularly crucial because existing buildings currently account for 66% of the city's carbon emissions, and Melbourne aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. The plan seeks to strike a balance between preserving historic buildings while expediting the transition to net-zero emissions, offering benefits such as heightened tenant appeal and increased property values.

Furthermore, the Global Cooksafe Coalition has welcomed the support of the City of Sydney and the City of Melbourne, as well as Scape Australia. These entities have pledged to phase out fossil fuels from government-owned buildings, advocate for electrification in residential and commercial properties, and explore planning controls related to electrification. This commitment signifies a practical step toward preparing cities for a future free of carbon emissions, particularly in the context of fossil fuel-free kitchens.

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