Pathways for Decarbonising Building Operations

SPR and DeltaQ were commissioned to undertake this major study and consultation process for ASBEC, a peak body for building sustainability. The project involved developing a discussion paper, consulting widely with stakeholders,undertaking simulation modelling (DeltaQ) and benefit cost analysis (SPR), and preparing a report to recommend the most rapid and least cost pathways for emissions abatement in both residential and commercial building sectors. The study was one of the first to highlight the critical importance of electrification of new and existing buildings, particularly from the perspective of rapid abatement. At the same time, it noted that electrification was not always cost-effective for commercial building owners, particularly for existing and large gas-using buildings in cold climates. This research was published by ASBEC as ‘Unlocking the Pathway – why electrification is the key to net zero buildings’.