A report identifying the most rapid and least cost approach to the decarbonisation of building operations will be released in the next few weeks.
The report, which examines the critical role of the built environment in delivering Australia’s net zero emissions by 2050, will be released by the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC).
A discussion paper was released earlier this year and was followed by months of industry consultation.
Speaking at the ARBS Exhibition ASBEC executive director, Alison Scotland, said the final report will be released in the next few weeks.
"The technology already exists to reach net zero and we can get there before 2050, let's aim for the year 2035" she said.
"Australia will need a lot more heat pumps, staff skilled to install them and another problem is that gas is still in widespread use especially New South Wales and Victoria.
"This report looks at what technology will get us to net zero the fastest and at the least cost."
ASBEC modelled three different scenarios out to the year 2050.
The first scenario was electrification with renewable energy. This is where all new buildings are fully electric and powered by renewables and existing buildings retrofitted.
The second was a mix of renewable electricity and renewable gas.
In this scenario renewable electricity is dominant with natural gas displaced with biogas.
The final scenario was renewable electricity and gas blends.
This is where renewable electricity is dominant, some natural gas is displaced with renewable gas and credible offsets are used to achieve net zero and/or green hydrogen.
"The transition to net zero is different depending on where you live in Australia because gas is a big factor," Scotland said.
"It is even more complex when addressing HVAC; there are so many different plant rooms and all of them are unique in their own way.
"When it came to HVAC this project raised more questions than answers. Hopefully this paper will help address many of these issues."
Because Australia requires rapid solutions Scotland said electrification is the most likely route to take.
She said it needs to be an orderly transition with clear public policy and HVAC needs to be at the forefront of decision making.
"Investing in skills development is also critical," Scotland said.