The recent release of new strategies and a joint vision by the South Australian Government and City of Adelaide have received praise from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). The Weatherill Government has released the State’s new Climate Change Strategy (2015-2050), which commits to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The City of Adelaide’s Carbon Neutral Strategy also outlines a framework to establish the world’s first carbon neutral city.

According to GBCA’s Chief Executive Officer Romilly Madew, the South Australian Government and the Adelaide City Council are sending a clear signal to businesses, investors and people around the world about their low-carbon future goal.

Madew explains that the South Australian Government has shown an enduring commitment to sustainability over many years, investing in large-scale Green Star projects including the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and communities such as Tonsley and Bowden. The State Government has also brought in new legislation facilitating private sector finance for commercial building upgrades; and using government leasing policies to drive the market towards high performing office buildings.

With 89 Green Star-rated projects around the State coupled with various initiatives targeting the emissions created by buildings in the city, Madew believes the Government’s strategy will position South Australia at the forefront of research and innovation, attract investment and create jobs for the future.

She added that the City of Adelaide was also adopting several smart strategies including improving the energy performance of government and council owned buildings, setting an example for others to emulate.

Appreciating the leadership of both governments in their sustainability efforts, Madew concluded that these outcomes can be expected by Australians when their governments are bold and ambitious, and work together.