Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings
The Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings and its Addendum (the Trajectory) were agreed by all Commonwealth, state and territory energy ministers in 2019.
The Trajectory is a national plan that aims to achieve zero energy and carbon-ready commercial and residential buildings in Australia. It is a key initiative to address Australia’s 40% energy productivity improvement target by 2030 under the National Energy Productivity Plan.
The Trajectory outlines policies to deliver cost-effective energy efficiency improvements to homes and businesses. The aim of the policies are to:
- lower energy bills
- contribute to energy security and affordability
- reduce carbon emissions
- improve people’s comfort and health
- reduce wastage for the wider economy
- assist in lowering peak demand.
Consultation for both residential and commercial buildings Trajectory work began in December 2017 with the inaugural stakeholder reference group (SRG) workshop.
The SRG continues to be engaged as the Trajectory progresses and has grown to over 600 members representing:
- energy consumers
- the energy-efficiency sector
- the building and property sector
- the appliance and technology sector
- the energy supply sector
- gas suppliers
- environmental organisations
- energy consultants
- universities
- the Australian Government
- state and territory governments.
Trajectory work streams
The Trajectory identified a suite of policies divided into three core areas. The work streams under each core area are:
Enabling mechanisms that provide the foundations for improvements and underpin other policies. These are:
- Practical guidance for consumers
- Supply chain development
- Energy ratings and tools
Targeted building policies overcome specific market barriers that occur at the different stages of a building’s life. These are:
- Energy efficiency requirements for new buildings and renovations
- Energy efficiency disclosure
- Minimum rental requirements
- Improving HVAC performance
- Improving energy efficiency in government operations
Supporting measures assist with cost-effective transition and complement the targeted building policies. These are:
- Apartments and strata titled buildings
- Financial incentives
- Vulnerable households
- Greenhouse and Energy Minimum Standards (GEMS)
- Data collection and analysis
- Other targeted initiatives
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Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings
