Upfront embodied carbon is one of the biggest and most immediate opportunities to reduce emissions in Australia’s built environment. But tackling it isn’t straightforward. It requires coordinated, cross-sector action and policy change.
That’s why the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), in partnership with thinkstep-anz, has developed a national policy roadmap for reducing upfront carbon in buildings and infrastructure.
In this webinar, ASBEC CEO Alison Scotland and thinkstep-anz Impact Director Nicole Sullivan unpack the challenge, share key findings from years of research and industry engagement and outline a practical pathway forward.
Watch the webinar replay, or scroll down for a summary
Here’s what we learned:
Why upfront embodied carbon matters
Embodied carbon from construction materials is locked in from the start, providing a powerful lever to reduce emissions now, not decades from now.
What it is, why it’s urgent, and the scale of the challenge
Upfront embodied carbon includes emissions from material extraction, manufacturing, transport and construction. While Australia lacks comprehensive data, early findings show it’s a major emissions source across both buildings and infrastructure.
What’s standing in the way
The sector faces policy gaps, data inconsistencies and limited incentives. Developers and suppliers want to decarbonise but need clearer rules and support to act confidently.
How we can act
ASBEC’s roadmap outlines a coordinated national approach, including measurable targets, procurement reform, minimum standards, and incentives to drive change throughout the supply chain. Our consultation report explains what stakeholders need to support low-carbon success.
What’s next
The solutions are here. The industry is ready. With alignment across sectors and government support, we can make a big impact now - when it matters most.