BCSDA to Make Submission on Productivity Commission’s Interim Net Zero Transformation Report

Sydney, 6 August 2025 - The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSDA) will make a formal submission in response to the Productivity Commission’s interim report, Investing in Cheaper, Cleaner Energy and the Net Zero Transformation. The report outlines key reform areas to lower the cost of Australia’s net zero transition, accelerate energy infrastructure development, and unlock private investment in climate adaptation.

BCSDA welcomes the Commission’s recognition that reducing emissions and enhancing productivity go hand in hand, and that consistent policy signals and well-designed frameworks are critical to achieving both. As a constructive and credible voice on sustainable finance, infrastructure and disclosure reform, BCSDA will highlight areas of alignment, opportunity, and constructive critique across the Commission’s proposals.

The submission will examine how proposed market settings, including post-2030 electricity reform, an expanded Safeguard Mechanism, and technology-neutral policies for hard-to-abate sectors like heavy transport, can support business contributions to Australia’s 2035 emissions reduction targets. It will also explore opportunities to align these reforms with evolving corporate reporting requirements, including those based on ISSB-aligned climate disclosure standards.

BCSDA will also respond to the Commission’s call to expedite approvals for clean energy infrastructure, including the recommendation to establish a dedicated strike team to support priority projects. Drawing on insights from its member companies, BCSDA will identify practical pathways to improve coordination and investment confidence in the delivery of energy infrastructure.

In addressing climate adaptation, the submission will support measures such as a national climate hazard database and a housing resilience rating system, recognising these as important enablers of private investment in adaptation. BCSDA will examine the implications for key sectors across its membership and the links to climate risk disclosure, asset resilience, and long-term economic productivity.

BCSDA looks forward to contributing to this important national conversation and working collaboratively with the Commission and stakeholders to ensure the final recommendations support a competitive, climate-resilient, and investable transition to net zero.

About BCSD Australia 

The Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to operationalising sustainable development practices among Australian businesses.  BCSD Australia was established in Australia in 1991 and works with over 70 leading global businesses and other organisations to drive systemic transformation in key sectors, advocating for sustainable leadership and rewarding action through education, partnerships, and policy influence.

In 2014 the organisation was appointed Australia’s Network Partner for World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

BCSD Australia’s members believe that by integrating social and environmental impacts with financial results, business lowers its risk profile, makes better decisions and creates the solutions needed to meet the Sustainable Development Goals.

BCSD Australia’s members include leading Australian businesses, from all sectors, who share a commitment to economic, environmental and social development. It represents member companies, public sector enterprises and institutions, BINGOs and community organisations, which in turn represent 120,000 + Australian employees. www.bcsda.org.au.

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For further information contact: Andrew Petersen, CEO, Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia, +61 412 545 994