Queensland
The Queensland Government reports that it is working to improve the energy performance and thermal comfort of homes. While a clear date on the adoption of the new 5 Star energy efficiency provisions of the Building Code of Australia has not been given, ICANZ understands that the government is working to satisfy itself that the AccuRate rating tool (which determines the star rating of buildings) adequately addresses hotter climate issues in Queensland.
ICANZ believes 5-Star is applicable to all regional climate zones in Australia and that improved insulation levels are vital for Queensland to address its burgeoning energy demand which will require an estimated $15 billion over 10 years to upgrade transmission infrastructure.
Estimates on the growth of greenhouse gas emissions from air-conditioning in Australia from 1990 to 2010 show that Queensland was responsible for 22 per cent of Australian emissions in 1990. This grew to 27 per cent in 1998 and this year is projected to reach 30 per cent by 2010. The total emissions from air-conditioning are projected to double in Queensland.
Only 42 per cent of Queensland homes are insulated, the lowest for any state in Australia. (ABS rpt 4602.0 29). ICANZ has written to the Queensland government outlining the substantial energy savings to be gained by improving the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
ICANZ has also urged the Queensland government to adopt the 5-Star energy efficiency provisions in the Building Code of Australia.
ICANZ Comments to Qld Government 'Towards Sustainable Housing'