Emissions Reduction Framework
There are no current CO2 emissions targets set for Healthcare Facilities in Australia.
Each State has their own standards and most have sustainability guides, however there are no hard and fast emissions targets that new and existing health facilities must meet other than those resulting from compliance with the National Construction Code.
The aim of this section is to set out a framework for voluntary adoption by both public and private health operators to move towards Net Zero.
Simple, Universal Framework
The framework for CO2 reduction targets must be simple to understand, easy to implement and suitable for new and existing facilities.
On this basis, we have used the 2022 National Construction Code (NCC) as the Reference Point from which all targets will be based.
As the National Construction Code is updated (typically on a 3 year cycle), the targets can be re-set to allow the Reference Point to move with the latest code.
New Builds - Reference Building
The starting point for setting all targets is to establish the Reference Building Emissions (RBE).
For all projects new building projects, a Reference Building will be created in energy modelling software.
The Reference Building will be based on a Deemed To Satisfy, NCC compliant building.
It will be provided with internal conditions from the database available within the energy modelling software.
This will allow the building's annual energy consumption and corresponding carbon emissions to be estimated. This will then become the Reference Emissions Point for the building.
Setting Targets
New buildings are considered to have a life span of 30-50 years. As such, the building being designed and constructed now, will be there for 2050.
On this basis, the building must have a plan for achieving the following target reductions (against the Reference Building):
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40% reduction by 2030
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60% reduction by 2035
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80% reduction by 2040
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95% reduction by 2045
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100% reduction by 2050
This allows flexibility for the design / constructor / operator to achieve each target in any manner they see fit.
They must provide 5 versions of the Actual Building energy model for each of the above stages to show how they intend to achieve the reductions.
Existing Buildings - Refurbishment / Remodelling Projects
Where an existing building is to be remodeled or refurbished, there is no requirement to create a reference building as the actual energy consumption / emissions data should be available (or can be established with energy metering).
The same principles apply. The party responsible for the remodelling / refurbishment, must put a plan in place to show how the area being developed will reach the following reduction targets:
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40% reduction by 2030
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60% reduction by 2035
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80% reduction by 2040
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95% reduction by 2045
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100% reduction by 2050