Green Building Council of Australia welcomes ACT feed-in tariff

According to the Green Building Council of Australia's (GBCA's) ACT State Manager, Jeff House, the ACT Government's decision will have tremendous direct benefits for the environment.

"Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is now the principal environmental challenge for the global community and the ACT needs to do its part," said House.

"The introduction of Feed-in Tariffs is one way for Australia to reduce its reliance upon non-renewable, greenhouse gas intensive energy sources.

"Feed-in Tariffs also enable the general community to become directly involved in the effort to reduce greenhouse gases, while also supporting Australia's viable domestic renewable energy industry - one that has the potential to be a world leader," House said.

"It will be important for the ACT Government to closely monitor the operation of the scheme and to make adjustments to the premium price and the scheme's coverage to ensure it is achieving a net environmental benefit.

"The scheme is definitely a step in the right direction and complements industry led initiatives such as the Green Star environmental rating tool for buildings, which encourages and rewards the use of renewable energy sources.

"The Green Building Council of Australia welcomes the scheme and will continue to work with the ACT Government on this and a range of other initiatives to improve environmental outcomes for the people of the ACT," House concludes.