City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

Examples of policy or financial instruments used include measures such as direct investment or grants and subsidies, as well as penalties for non-compliance. The city also has the option of buying, selling and developing land in its own right, making representation to state and federal government on policy and regulation, and zoning and regulatory powers. Capital investment for this initiative was projected to come from encouraging private finance to invest in ‘green' buildings and technologies, taking advantage of the natural cycle of rebuilding and refurbishing in Melbourne to improve design and energy efficiency 130 under the guidance of regulations. The city would fund its own transition to carbon-neutrality, as reduced energy use would translate into lowered operating costs in the long- term. The aim of the plan is to support innovation and assist in the development of both service and technology products that could be exported. 131 The 2008 figures showed a reduction of 41% in city operation emissions from 1997, 132 close to the interim target of 50% by 2010. Primarily achieved through the implementation of energy efficiency measures in public buildings and lighting; public engagement initiatives have seen further reductions in emissions. These include the Postcode 3,000 programme encouraging people to move back to the inner city by providing financial incentives as well as technical and street-level support. The mandatory requirement for extensive developments to have energy performance ratings of 4.5 stars under the Australian Buildings Greenhouse Rating Scheme (ABGR); the implementation of a house auditing programme; and the CitySwitch Green Office alliance, which works with commercial building tenants 133 have all contributed to reducing energy emissions in the building sector. Energy, Buildings, Transport and Food

RMIT University, Melbourne (Source: Yongpeng Shen, Victorian Eco-Innovation Lab, 2009)

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