International Practice
Australia lags behind other OECD countries
Almost all developed countries have an ongoing, progressive program to increase energy efficiency in both new and existing buildings.
The International Energy Agency, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Research Laboratories of the US Department of Energy, the European Commission, and many other overseas institutions have delivered detailed and unequivocal advice to their respective governments that there are substantial opportunities for cost effective improvements in energy efficiency in buildings.
They also advocate for the legitimacy of government intervention in this area where market forces have demonstrably failed to deliver change. In Australia and New Zealand, despite many years of industry promotion, market forces have failed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings or address the growing energy demand.
Compare Australian regulations to the USA
Improving the energy efficiency of Australian and New Zealand buildings is an essential step in managing peak energy demand, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and creating a sustainable economy.
Australia and New Zealand must improve the energy efficiency of their buildings from being among the least energy efficient in the OECD countries. With a life expectancy of 60 or 70 years these buildings will continue to be an unnecessary cost and environmental burden on present and future generations.
Global warming will also place additional pressure on an Australian energy sector that is already unable to cope with peak load demands. In summer, the increasing number of domestic air conditioners being installed is already causing blackouts in some areas. With forecast increased temperatures due to global warming, this situation will only become more widespread as people try to maintain their personal comfort and well-being.
The following document comprises a global view of improving energy efficiency as part of the solution to addressing climate change and illustrates the benefit of various energy savings measures and initiatives both economically and environmentally.
Insulation and Energy Efficiency.pdf
Signatories include the:
- North American Insulation Association (NAIMA)
- European Insulation Manufactures Association (EURIMA)
- Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ)
- Association Mexicana de Fabricantes Aislamientos Termisos y De Fibros Mineralis, AC (AMFATFM)
- NAIMA Canada
- Glass Fibre Manufacturers Japan (GFM)
- Rock Wool Industry Association Japan (RWIA)
- Associaquao Brasileria dos Frabricantes De Las Isolantes Minerals (ABRALISO)
- Acociacion De Frabircantes De Lanas De Aislacion (AFLARA)