On 29 May, the Climate Action and Property Data branch hosted the second in-person Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Network panel event. The event was a great success, with a fantastic turnout and insightful presentations.
The Net Zero in Government Operations (NZGO) Strategy encourages entities to appoint a CSO to champion the various initiatives that support climate action in government operations. The Department of Finance established the CSO Network in 2024 to support officials in this role.
Quarterly Network events create an opportunity for CSOs to share insights, work through challenges together and discuss ways to effectively implement and reach set targets through case studies, policy updates and capability uplift opportunities.
The recent CSO network event was centred around the Buildings chapter of the NZGO Strategy, as buildings are a major contributor to the government’s operational emissions. Chaired by Libor Pelecky, First Assistant Secretary - Property and Construction Division, and facilitated by Louise Starr, Assistant Secretary - Climate Action and Property Data, the event included presentations and a panel discussion by the National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS), the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) and Finance’s Property Management and Projects Branch.
Key Highlights
Finance’s Property Management and Projects Branch spoke about their progress in implementing the NZGO Strategy across the Finance-owned property portfolio. NABERS and GBCA spoke about their rating and certification processes and their ability to tailor the process to suit a broad range of property types.
Important Takeaways
- Engage early: Entities are encouraged to reach out and engage early with Finance and NABERS/GBCA to identify the best solutions for their situation. Work through ambiguity by identifying how spaces are assessed and how this impacts ratings.
- Build capability: Education is crucial to navigating assumed knowledge and industry jargon. Available training includes courses from the Climate Action in Government Operations Program on APS Learn.
- Cultural and heritage restraints: There are specific solutions and guidance for heritage buildings available from NABERS and GBCA which consider aesthetic and cost restraints.
- Sustainability: Reusing existing buildings is often better for the environment and more cost effective compared to new builds, despite being a more challenging process.
- Driving change: Ambitious targets led by the government can drive market change. NABERS has seen an increase in hotels voluntarily having their buildings NABERS rated, as the government now considers hotel NABERS ratings in their accommodation bookings.
Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Network panel event.
Get Involved
The CSO Network is facilitated by the Climate Action and Property Data Branch to champion climate initiatives across the APS. Membership to the Network is limited to one representative per entity.
To stay up to date with Climate Action in Government Operations initiatives, APS officers are encouraged to join the Climate Action in Government Operations Community of Practice on GovTEAMS. Additionally, there is a suite of educational courses available on APS Learn, as part of the Climate Action in Government Operations Program.
For membership inquiries or to discuss your organisation’s implementation of the Strategy, contact our Climate Action in Government Operations Team.
