Net zero sector plans for industry, resources and the built environment

The Australian Government is developing a Net Zero Emissions Plan to set out how Australia will transition to a net zero emissions economy by 2050. It will set out the Government’s priorities, policies and measures to reduce emissions and support investment in low carbon and renewable activities.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) is leading this work in coordination with relevant departments. Six sectoral emissions reduction plans will support the Net Zero Plan to cover the entire economy. Our department is developing 3 of these plans.

Sector plans will take into account all cross-cutting and sector-specific issues. These include:

• appreciating the reduction of emissions
• removing blocks to action
• growing social equality as a result of the transformation
• working internationally.

Sector plans will also take into account key enabling technologies that support the reduction or removal of emissions.

Industrial sector plan

The Industrial Plan focuses on sub-sectors that represent the greatest opportunity and need for decarbonization and that will be most impacted by the economy’s transition to net zero.

The plan will cover:

• aluminum oxide and aluminum
• waste and resource recovery
• chemicals and plastics
• iron and steel
• cement and concrete
• food and drinks
• production
• refining and smelting of metals
• synthetic greenhouse gases.

The Minister of Industry and Science together with the Minister of Climate Change and Energy in consultation with the Minister of Environment and Water are responsible for developing the plan.

We will consult throughout 2024 to support the development of the plan. The Green Metals Industry Consultation launched on 5 May 2024 and will help develop the Net Zero Plan

Resources Sector Plan

The Resources Sector Plan will identify opportunities to reduce emissions in the resources sector, support Australia’s economic growth and support our trading partners on their own net zero journey.

The plan will cover:

• oil and gas extraction and processing
• liquefaction of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
• Coal mining
• mining of metals and non-metallic minerals
• on-site processing of ores
• resource seeking and support services.

The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, together with the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, is responsible for developing the plan.

We will consult throughout 2024 to support the development of the plan.

Built Environment Sector Plan

The Built Environment Sector Plan will provide a pathway for the built environment sector to move to net zero.

The built environment includes buildings, structures, parks and water infrastructure. This includes approximately 11 million private homes and 1 million commercial buildings across Australia.

The plan takes a holistic approach to reducing emissions in the built environment. This includes reducing:

• emissions from the operation of buildings (for example heating, cooling and lighting)
• emissions contained in construction materials used in buildings.

The plan will focus on ensuring Australia has a livable and resilient built environment and a just transition to net zero emissions.

The Minister of Industry and Science, together with the Minister of Climate Change and Energy, is responsible for developing the plan.

We will consult throughout 2024 to support the development of the plan.