Western Australia
The West Australian Government’s website,reports that on average each Western Australian household produces around six tonnes of greenhouse gases per year.
Collectively this accounts for six per cent of the State’s final energy use (excluding energy used for personal vehicles and public transport). Heating and cooling accounts for 28 per cent of the energy used in a typical West Australian home.
The Housing Strategy WA aims to deliver a responsive housing system in Western Australia that meets the changing needs, aspirations and choices of all citizens in a sustainable way. This includes improving the long-term viability of the housing sector through sustainable construction, recycling and energy efficient operation of dwellings.
Currently only around 65.6 per cent of Western Australian homes are insulated (ABS report No. 4602.0, Environmental Issues: People's Views and Practices, 29 Nov 2005).
The West Australian Government has committed to a 6 per cent renewable energy target by 2010. Western Australia adopted 5 star regulations in 2006 and is investigating in various building sustainability measures including a version of the BASIX system developed by the NSW government. ICANZ is making representations to assist Western Australians achieve more sustainable outcomes in housing energy efficiency.