{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location {{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationMember and guest login
Enter your email and password to access secured content, members only resources and discount prices.
Did you become a member online? If not, you will need to activate your account to login.
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
Forgotten password
Need some help?
If you are having problems logging in, please call HIA helpdesk on 1300 650 620 during business hours.
If the email address you have entered is registered, you will receive an email with further instructions.
Become part of the HIA community
Enables quick and easy registration for future events or learning and grants access to expert advice and valuable resources.
Create a guest account
Enter your details below and create a login
Embodied emissions of building materials
HIA’s Position Statement
- The selection and use of low embodied carbon materials should be the choice of customer
and/or driven through government incentives, as opposed to a mandatory requirement that
would regulate a maximum target or cap on the embodied (carbon) emission of building
materials for all homes and apartments. - Any future regulation on embodied carbon of materials needs to apply in a holistic manner,
considering the whole life cycle of the product any regulation on this issue, must not conflict with
or compromise other energy efficiency, building or related policies. - Where governments are seeking to introduce mandatory embodied (carbon) emission of
building materials, the scheme should:
- be designed by industry and led by HIA
- be applied at a national level, as opposed to it being introduced by an individual state or territory government or with varying approaches across states
- establish a national industry-agreed methodology and framework for measuring and reporting embodied carbon
- have the thresholds or caps set based on industry benchmarking data as opposed to theoretical or academic studies
- follow the preparation of a regulatory impact assessment that can clearly demonstrate a net benefits to society
- support locally made and manufactured products over imported products
- recognise and support innovation in products and materials and investments made in producing alternate or lower carbon materials
- be introduced over a staged approach over multiple years with initial focus on industrial buildings followed by commercial buildings, multi-residential and lastly on houses
- only apply to the core elements of the building fabric
- have rating tools and/or calculators as part of measuring embodied emissions that are simple to use and provide consistent outcomes
- be implemented and enforced as point of sale obligation, as opposed to it being applied through building certification or planning approvals at a building by building level; and
- have its introduction supported by a comprehensive industry and home owner education program.
Background
Government regulations over the past two decades have focused on policies to reduce the operational carbon emissions through energy efficiency regulations. This has focused on the building fabric and services to reduce energy use, and in turn emissions, from the operational use.
Globally a number of countries are shifting gears and looking at regulating the embodied emissions of the materials going into buildings, as part of their sustainability commitments.
Regulation of embodied carbon in the built environment is gaining momentum. Embodied carbon assessments are being incorporated into planning, building and procurement requirements in a growing number of countries around the world.
Australia does not currently regulate for embodied carbon measurement for building materials, though it is expected that regulation and potential caps or targets will be considered in future regulations as part of broader discussions as Government look to measures as part of their net zero emission commitments.
Policy endorsed by HIA National Policy Congress: May 2023
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!
Was this page helpful?
Off-the-Plan Contracts and Obsolete Restrictive Covenants
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) takes this opportunity to respond to the Discussion Paper (Paper) on the review of Contracts and Covenants released by the Office of Registrar General on 22 January 2025. The Paper explores potential reforms to laws governing off-the-plan contracts and covenants.
Review of the Fair Work Act Small Business Employer Definition
HIA refers to the December 2024 Review of the Fair Work Act Small Business Employer Definition - Consultation Paper released by the Fair Work Ombudsman as part of the review of the Fair Work Act 2009 definition of 'small business employer'.
Building Electrification Regulatory Impact Statement (Vic)
The Victorian Government has been developing policies to shift Victoria’s energy system toward full electrification as part of its net-zero strategy. This includes implementing its Gas Substitution Roadmap to progressively electrify homes and businesses.
Unlocking the missing middle in housing
'Gentle density' or 'light density' can unlock significant housing stock and bridge NIMBY's'
2025-2026 Pre-Budget Submission - Let's Build
HIA’s 2025-2026 Federal Pre-Budget Submission includes a comprehensive suite of measures to support the industry substantially boost the supply of housing, address the significant skills shortages hampering the industry’s capability and targeted funding to get homes shovel ready sooner.
Homes for NSW Plan
HIA has read with interest the Homes for NSW Discussion Paper, and particularly the intention to deliver more and better homes and develop a system that is flexible enough to respond to emerging needs and new approaches.