The Albanese Government has unveiled its Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy, fulfilling an election pledge to achieve net zero emissions for the Australian Public Service (APS) by 2030.
This ambitious plan represents a significant step towards tackling climate change and demonstrates leadership in emissions reduction.
The strategy outlines a comprehensive approach to achieving net zero across key areas, including:
Transitioning to renewable energy, facilitated through a whole of government coordinated procurement of electricity
Improving building energy efficiency and electrification transitioning the APS fleet to Zero Emission Vehicles where appropriate.
The Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, said that the strategy is all about the Australian Government showing leadership in its strong commitment to emissions reductions and decarbonisation of Australia’s economy.
“There’s no reason why the Commonwealth Government can’t set the benchmark for major workplaces around the nation,” Gallagher said.
“This strategy is all about the government leading by example by providing a credible path on how Government will reach net zero within its operations by 2030.”
The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen said the Albanese Government is ensuring the Australian public service leads by example and secures cleaner energy for its operations.
“Reducing public sector emissions shows how serious the government is about combatting the impacts of climate change, while reaping the economic opportunities from affordable renewable energy,” Bowen said.
Assistant Minister for Climate Change Jenny McAllister said the strategy will change the way the government ran properties and conducted business.
“The Albanese government is leading by example by making properties energy efficient, meaning they will use less energy, lower emissions, and be more comfortable in extreme weather,” McAllister said.
“The strategy sets ambitious minimum energy performance standards for offices, data centres and warehouses, as well as encouraging the use of more energy efficient travel and accommodation. By setting energy performance standard we can drive down energy use and emissions.”
The strategy was developed through extensive consultation across the APS, industry, and with domestic and international stakeholders and was informed by entity emissions data, as well as domestic and international best practice.
A roadmap based on this strategy will be presented in Dubai at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 on 8 December 2023 as part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to the US-led Net Zero Government Initiative in November 2022.