Decarbonizing Cities - Pt 3: Policy and Partnerships

With governments around the world signing up to Net Zero Carbon agreements and climate change quickening its pace, a joined-up approach to reducing emissions and reversing temperature change is needed. Government policies are already aiming to stimulate change with both incentives and changes to regulations. New partnerships will need to be forged so we can all work together to reach the ambitious zero carbon targets being agreed to.

Collaborations, policy changes and a changing perspective on the responsibility of developers, investors, owners, occupiers and our governments are some of the crucial shifts we need to see for a net zero carbon future to be realised. Without this approach, it is unlikely we will gain the momentum needed to create the sustainable future we’re all aspiring to.

CAPTION: Bringing the people together to collaborate could solve the puzzle of creating a net zero carbon future (Photo by Vardan Papikyan on Unsplash)

Government policy can only drive change so far

It’s all very well and good to set targets for decarbonizing cities and sign agreements for net zero carbon societies, but changes to policies are needed for the right actions to be created. At present, policies vary from government to government and city to city. As yet, very few of these policy changes have been backed by clear plans for credible action that will deliver on these targets.

Governments have an opportunity to lead by example as well as legislate for change. This can be done by opening tenders for private-sector construction firms, contractors and developers to retro-fit existing government building stock, construct new schools, hospitals and social housing or simply influence supply chains through procurement and introducing whole life-cycle carbon and circular economy principles. These types of initiatives can work to influence the wider transformation of the market.

When it comes to policy making, both incentives and regulation are being used to varying degrees around the globe. Minimum emission standards that are incrementally becoming more stringent each year and coupled with fines and penalties for building owners and developers who don’t comply are one of the common regulations being used across Europe, APAC and the Americas.

Benchmarking, reporting and publicizing a building’s efficiencies in energy and water use are other ways in which governments are increasing social pressure on developers and building owners. Making these types of metrics public and visible is also increasing the participation in clean and sustainable energy practices amongst the wider population.

In Australia, this type of benchmarking and publicization of energy ratings is only voluntary. However, when a building is sold or leased, energy efficiency ratings, as defined by the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS) much be disclosed. This energy rating system has since been linked to rents and sale prices with lower-rated buildings seeing less demand and less interest from prospective buyers and tenants.

Incentivizing change to carbon neutral cities

The flip side of regulation is incentivization. By making the preferred route to carbon-neutral societies more attractive, greater interest and momentum can be built in achieving the targets that have been set.

In Victoria, Australia, the Solar Victoria program incentivizes the installation of Photovoltaic solar panels and battery systems via rebates. In other parts of the country, the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme offers incentives to households and small businesses for installing eligible renewable energy systems. Other energy efficiency projects are being supported with direct funding, grants, rebates and other forms of government assistance, depending on the nature of the project.

Along with financial incentives, resource hubs, training programs and support for technological innovation in the area of renewables are also driving change and new collaborations between private and public sectors and nations.

Progressing faster and further with partnerships

All of the resources for creating significantly decarbonized societies are spread across public and private sectors. To effectively tackle the challenge of responding to a changing climate, new partnerships are needed. Collaborative approaches should aim to harness the skills, intelligence, innovation and financial judgement of people in the real estate and technology sectors, governance roles and investment sectors.

Owners and occupiers should also familiarize themselves with government targets, understand environmental challenges and aspirations and look to become active players in creating change in the cities where they live or hold assets.

The best sustainability strategies take a rounded approach toward reaching environmental goals. In doing so, they create better outcomes not just for our environment but also for governance systems, residents, workers and other members of the societies they impact. International collaborations and sharing of best practices can help expedite local initiatives, bringing less affluent nations closer to their targets too.

If we are to reach the net-zero carbon targets set by our governments, make greater reductions to our emissions as recommended by scientists, build more resilient cities, and maintain and extend the quality of life we have reached in the developed world we will need to work together diligently, proactively and relentlessly for the betterment of all.