Embodied Carbon Policy in Australian Building Sector: Where We Stand and What’s Next
Australia’s built environment is responsible for nearly one-third of the nation’s carbon emissions, with embodied carbon (emissions from materials and construction) contributing a growing share. While operational energy is increasingly regulated, embodied emissions have only recently begun to receive policy attention. This article provides an overview of where Australia stands at both federal and state levels, how our efforts compare globally, and how embodied carbon fits within Australia’s broader net zero transition strategy.