Insulation brings health and well-being spin-offs
12/Feb/2009
The Federal Government’s Energy Efficient Homes package will bring many additional spin-off benefits for the nation’s general well-being, productivity and health economy, according to the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand.
Mr D’Arcy, ICANZ CEO, said that insulating Australia’s 2.7 million uninsulated homes, as outlined in the Government’s package will, in addition to the substantial greenhouse and energy savings, provide many substantial benefits to the health and well-being of home occupants, stressed health systems and productivity.
“Numerous authoritative medical studies have shown that effective insulation in homes improves the health and well-being of occupants, thus reducing costs to the health system and improving work and education productivity.
“While outcomes such as these are less obvious than the immediate benefits of economic growth, cost and greenhouse savings, they are no less important,” Mr D’Arcy said
International studies have found that occupants in insulated homes with improved comfort levels that offset temperature extremes were less likely to report sick days, or days off school.
They also indicated that occupants of insulated homes would be admitted to hospital less often for respiratory conditions, and the number of fatalities during temperature extremes could be reduced.
Mr D’Arcy also reported that Australians are seeking more comfort by buying air-conditioners instead of insulating or improving the energy efficiency of their homes first.
The number of air conditioners installed in Australia rose from 33 per cent of homes in 1994 to 60 per cent of homes in 2005
“This trend has continued and is one of the main reasons for burgeoning home energy demand.
“Importantly, the Federal Government’s insulation measures are a key to addressing burgeoning household energy demand and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. These measures will also help many less fortunate Australians to achieve the health and comfort levels they desire and need at a more reasonable cost,” Mr D’Arcy said.
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Media inquiries: Glenn Schaube GRS Communications: 03 9478 5224, 0439 320
