If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to cut carbon from our workplaces, A2EP’s Decarbonising Commercial Buildings Day is your chance to find out.
Happening across Sydney on Tuesday December 9, the full-day event is open to anyone — business owners, building managers, engineers, students or anyone curious about what “going electric” actually means in practice. You can join one session or stay for the whole day — each offers a fresh perspective on how Australian buildings are being reimagined for a low-emissions future.
Electrification is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to reduce emissions. By switching from gas and other fossil fuels to efficient electric systems powered by renewables, buildings can cut costs, improve comfort and help the country move closer to net zero. This event puts those ideas on the ground, showing what’s already working and how others can follow suit.
The day kicks off with site tours of two Sydney success stories.
At the McKell Building in the CBD, Cromwell Property Group has spent the past year converting an outdated gas-fired heating system to an electric heat-recovery reverse-cycle HVAC system. The result? A fully electric 24,000-square-metre office tower that’s ready for the future.
Then, it’s over to UNSW’s Kensington campus, where Stage 1 of the university’s Electrification Program has removed fossil gas completely from 13 major buildings across 80,000 square metres. The upgrade includes student housing, galleries, commercial kitchens and childcare — all now running on 100% renewable electricity.
In the afternoon, head to ILUMINA on Elizabeth Street for the official program launch. You’ll hear from A2EP CEO Jarrod Leak, Jose Bilbao, David Deller from Cromwell Property Group, Connor McCauley of JLL Australia, and Peter Haenke, A2EP’s Commercial Program Director. They’ll unpack lessons learned, tools you can use today, and what’s next in A2EP’s 2026 Decarbonising Commercial Buildings initiative.
As Jarrod Leak says, “We hope you can join us for part or all of our special event as we launch a new program for 2026 to help accelerate the decarbonisation of commercial buildings in Australia.”
To finish off, unwind at the Panorama Bar at The International in Martin Place, with networking drinks and canapés from 5pm to 8pm — a perfect chance to meet people who are making change happen in the energy and property sectors.
Who is A2EP?
The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) is an independent, not-for-profit coalition of business and research leaders working to help Australian organisations produce more with less energy. Since 2009, A2EP has connected experts, shared practical case studies and advocated for programs and policies that make energy use smarter and more efficient.
Their work spans research, demonstration projects and public advocacy — all focused on helping businesses improve performance, reduce costs and contribute to a zero-emissions economy. Supported by the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney, A2EP believes that improving energy productivity can drive jobs, economic growth and greater energy independence for Australia.
Tickets are available for each session, with special rates for A2EP members. You can register for one, two or all three parts of the day — whatever suits your schedule.
