Net-Zero Emissions by 2030
Major property groups in Australia are aiming for net-zero emissions by 2030. As well, over half of Australia’s largest listed property companies have made commitments that align with the Paris Climate Agreements, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Trends of property companies with their emissions pledges are being recorded by ClimateWorks Australia in The Net Zero Momentum Tracker – Property Sector Report.
Amandine Denis, Head of Research from ClimateWorks Australia wrote about trends recorded in the report in Property Observer late in 2019. Of Australia’s largest property companies, 43% have made commitments to achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.
Commitments to achieve net-zero emissions before 2030 include GPT Group, Vicinity, Dexus and Mirvac. Charter Hall also announced a net-zero emissions target by 2030. Charter Hall and other property groups are incorporating commercial rooftop solar as a means to achieve the target. Charter Hall reported:
“On-site renewables is another significant stage to our pathway to net zero. Last year, our retail team began an ambitious solar power and battery storage rollout plan that will over time see us generate 31,000MWh of 100% renewable energy across our retail centres.”
Lendlease fund set a 2025 net zero carbon target across its 4.5 billion commercial property portfolio. The Clean Energy Finance Energy Corporation, says of Lendlease’s target: “The net zero carbon goal is well ahead of the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council’s call for buildings to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 to meet international obligations.”
Amandine Denis noted that in the Momentum Tracker report, no property group had net zero emissions targets that covered all their emissions. “There is still significant opportunity for property companies to strengthen their commitments towards net zero emissions. This requires targets which address the full scope of direct and indirect emissions within each company’s influence, supported by detailed plans to achieve this.”
GPT – Carbon Neutral by 2030
Solpod has installed its solar pods on buildings owned and managed by large property groups, including GPT Group, Mirvac and Property NSW. These property groups were involved in Solpod’s demonstration program, supported by a $975,000 grant from The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).
GPT aims to reach a carbon-neutral target before 2030 for all GPT Group assets, and by the end of 2020 for all assets owned by the GPT Wholesale Office Fund.
GPT states that: “Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally are at unsustainable levels and the science indicates urgent response is necessary to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.”
Solpod has installed solar arrays on GPT owned buildings. This included Solpod installing its solar pods on ‘Workplace 6’ in Pyrmont; the home of Google Australia. Google have globally announced emissions pledges, we wrote about this exciting development here.
Mirvac – Net-Positive Carbon by 2030
In June 2019, Mirvac made the announcement they will aim to reach net-positive carbon by 2030. In their report Planet Positive -This Changes Everything, David Palin, Sustainability Manager, Office and Industrial, is quoted:
“In essence, our view is that the cheapest tonnes of CO -e for your purse and the planet is the one you don’t emit. Our strategy is to maximise energy effieincy, and build all electric buildings powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.”
Solpod has installed our solar pods on Mirvac buildings. The below image shows a Solpod installation on Mirvac’s Stanhope Gardens Village in Sydney:
Mirvac joined RE100 – a global clean energy initiative, with a commitment to 100% renewable energy by 2030. The initiative is a collective of large businesses and corporations who are committed to 100% renewable energy. Mirvac was the first Australian property group to join.
Sarah Clarke, Mirvac’s Group General Manager, Sustainability and Reputation, says that: “Joining RE100 reinforces the Group’s commitment to being a force for good and reducing its impact on the planet.”
Solpod for Commercial & Industrial Rooftops
At Solpod, we see great potential for growth in the commercial property rooftop market. Building owners now have more options in choosing rooftop solar that suits their needs.
Solpod developed the worlds first re-deployable rooftop solar solution, with flexible terms available. Solpod offers a solar rooftop rental product, meaning commercial landlords and tenants can benefit from rooftop solar with a commitment starting from only one year.
Solpod’s solar pods are appropriate for a range of industrial rooftops, including government buildings, cool stores, schools, shopping centres and commercial property assets. Solpod is also soon to announce a more compact product range that uses a rail mounting solution, suitable for a wide range of commercial and industrial rooftops. Stay tuned!
Solpod is positive that our innovative products can help more businesses reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint. We are thrilled to see more property groups making the commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.
To find out more about Solpod’s relocatable and rentable rooftop solar solution, contact info@solpod.com.au or +03 9089 0753.