South Australia
The South Australian Government reports that based on international and interstate experience there is the potential to reduce energy use in South Australia (SA) by at least 20 per cent using cost-effective energy efficiency measures.
It states that taking advantage of these cost-effective energy efficiencies could create around 850 to 2700 net new jobs - many of which would be the result of energy users redirecting savings in energy costs to other areas of the South Australian economy.
The Office of Sustainability was established to tackle climate change. It developed South Australia's Greenhouse Strategy to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The South Australia government has adopted the 5 Star energy efficiency provisions of the Building Code of Australia for all new houses to be built in South Australia from May 2006. It also applies to alterations and additions to existing homes.
The major changes under the new requirements are an increased level of insulation required in walls, roofs and suspended floors, and more comprehensive requirements placed on glazing.
In early 2006, SA increased its renewable energy target for electricity supplied to the grid to 20 per cent within 10 years.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics South Australia leads Australia states with 78.2 per cent of South Australian homes being insulated (ABS rpt 4602.0 29).
ICANZ has made representations to the SA government to assist it to reduce energy demand and improve the energy efficiency of buildings in the state.