The Australian Retailers Association has welcomed the Victorian Government's announcement that it aims to cut the state’s greenhouse gas emissions by 45-50% by the end of the decade.
A hot-button topic in both the fashion and retail industry, the ARA said the announcement by the state government was a significant step in pursuing a low-carbon economy.
"We know that many of our members are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and to playing their role in the transition to a net-zero future," ARA CEO Paul Zahra said.
"The recent announcement by the Victorian Government is important for our members because it creates certainty that the market needs to invest in more renewable generation and build capability in low-emissions vehicles.
"Without that certainty and investment, our members would need to look at other, and more costly, means to meet their ambitious targets.
"This announcement also demonstrates the positive role that government can play in leading by example, helping to build the case for a transition to renewable energy for all businesses, including retail," he said.
Other goals in the Andrews government's Climate Change strategy include investment of over $100 million to transform the transport sector, working towards a 50% of all new car sales in Victoria to be zero-emissions vehicles (ZEVs) by 2030, and a $20 million investment into Victorian farms to reduce emissions and make farms more sustainable.
Victoria was the first Australian state and one of the first jurisdictions in the world to legislate net zero emissions by 2050 and has already cut its emissions by 24.8% based on 2005 levels, achieving its 2020 emissions reduction target two years early.
"The Victorian Government has a proven track record of delivering on its sustainability commitments, having met it’s 2020 emissions reduction earlier than planned," Zahra added.
"The ARA looks forward to working with government, our members and other stakeholders to help meet the Victorian emissions reduction targets by 2030," he said.