All new homes in Canberra would be built to a net-zero emissions standard within a decade under a new plan to improve the energy efficiency and sustainability of construction in the ACT.
Building Minister Rebecca Vassarotti will on Monday release the 10-year pathway for sustainable construction in Canberra, setting out how the government plans to cut emissions from new buildings and from running existing buildings.
"A sustainable building is an affordable building, and the pathway is a showcase of how sustainable building does not need to increase cost," Ms Vassarotti said.
"Better design, materials efficiency and reductions in waste reduce up front, operational, and whole-of-life costs. Delivering sustainable buildings is not just better for the environment, it's also better for the economy."
Net-zero emissions residential buildings would be achieved by increases to minimum-energy performance standards.
Canberrans will benefit from lower maintenance and operating costs, reduced waste and water usage and smaller energy bills, the strategy will say.
"Homes and buildings with green certifications and sustainable features can achieve higher market values, providing economic benefits to owners," the strategy will say.
"Improved air quality, natural lighting, ventilation, and the use of non-toxic materials inside buildings positively impacts occupant health and wellbeing."
While construction costs are expected to be higher on net-zero emissions standard buildings, the government believes adopting the policy will avoid affordability issues for home owners faced with high running costs in the future.
Ms Vassarotti said the strategy would help the territory's construction industry transition to best practice.
"As a born Canberran, I've often heard of the plight of Canberra homes. Too cold in winter, they say, and far too hot in summer," she said.
"That's why earlier this year, I was proud to implement seven-star energy-efficient buildings for all of Canberra, but there's more to we can do to deliver cost-effectiveness and better comfort.
"This plan will set in motion a building system made for Canberrans by Canberrans so that homes built here are ready to adapt to our climate."
The strategy points to case studies including a renovation of a Belconnen house that raised the energy efficiency rating of 2.9 stars to 7.8 stars.
The renovation, designed by Light House ArchiScience, had a build cost of about 70 per cent of an equivalent new home and cut energy needs by 75 per cent, the strategy will note.
Light House ArchiScience managing director Jenny Edwards said sustainable housing did not need to be big, high-tech or expensive.
"A science-based approach to home design and construction can deliver fabulous, affordable and efficient homes. Homes that are climate-resilient, low-carbon and comfortable," Ms Edwards said.
"We encourage people to demand sustainable buildings from designers, builders and developers. Everybody should live in a healthy home with low energy bills."
The ACT will also advocate to toughen national building standards to set out a clear trajectory for net zero construction with "straightforward regulation", the strategy will say.
The strategy will say the government wants new buildings in the ACT to minimise the carbon emissions created during construction, use and demolition.
The government said circular economy strategies - which include waste reduction, efficient use of materials and recycling - can result in "significant" cost savings for the construction industry.
Buildings also need to be designed to withstand a changing climate and existing public buildings, including schools and hospitals, will need to be modified to become resilient to climate impacts.
"Enhancing the resilience of buildings can minimise property damage, insurance premiums, business disruptions and health impacts from extreme events," the government's strategy will say.
The strategy will be reviewed every three years.
