The Built Environment in Australia

The pressures from climate change, population growth and other social, health, well-being, liveability, usability and affordability factors on Australia’s built environment are significant and complex, as it is the case with many developed and developing countries around the world. Increasing evidence from around the world is demonstrating that improving the environmental sustainability of our built environment can help to address a number of these elements such as reducing environmental impacts, improving occupant health and reducing operating costs. This chapter outlines the state of play of energy performance of the built environment in Australia and places it within the global context. Despite many examples of improved buildings and outcomes for the environment, occupants and society, most new and existing buildings around the world fall significantly short of such low/zero carbon performance outcomes. This is a cause for concern as we transition towards a low-carbon future, with the globally scientific and political consensus that we must take urgent action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions if we are to mitigate significant climate change outcomes.