Energy efficiency scheme a step in the right direction for Victoria
02/May/2007
A $14 million scheme to encourage Victorian householders to improve the energy efficiency of their homes was welcomed today by the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ).
Dennis D'Arcy, ICANZ President, said that the policy move announced yesterday in the Victorian Budget is a step in the right direction in addressing the impact of climate change.
"Improving the energy efficiency of buildings, such retro-fitting insulation into uninsulated homes and upgrading to more energy efficient domestic appliances, will deliver immediate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings to householders," Mr D'Arcy said.
Installing insulation is the lowest cost, highest benefit option for householders living in homes without insulation.
"You don't have to wait decades for the benefits of insulation to flow through - demand side solutions such as retro-fitting insulation provide immediate and long-lasting financial, environmental and social benefits," he said.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics nearly 40 percent of Australian homes have no insulation, making them wasteful of the energy they consume and adding substantially to greenhouse gas emissions.
"Australian homes are among the least energy efficient in the developed world, and government policies that seek to redress this situation are to be applauded," Mr D'Arcy said.
