The Australian Retailers Association has welcomed the Victorian State Government’s commitment to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 45-50 per cent by the end of 2030.

According to the pledge, all government buildings will be powered by renewable energy by 2025, and half of all vehicles sold will be zero-emissions vehicles by 2030.

The move is important for retailers, ARA chief executive Paul Zahra said, as it showcases certainty that the market can feel comfortable investing further into renewable generation and build up capabilities to serve 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,” Zahra said.

“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.

“This announcement also demonstrates the positive role that government can play by leading by example, helping to build the case for a transition to renewable energy for all businesses, including retail.”

Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino said the ambitious target is achievable and will make Victoria the nation’s leader in sustainability, but not all believe they are ambitious enough.

According to the ABC, Environment Victoria CEO Jono La Nauze said the target falls short of what is needed to keep warming levels below 1.5 degrees Celsius,

“The science is clear. Victoria really needs to be aiming to cut our emissions by around three-quarters by 2030,” said La Nauze.

“If the world adopted targets, in the order that Victoria has today, we would still be exceeding 2C global warming,” Mr La Nauze said. “And that puts us in a very dangerous place.”