Big step forward for the energy future of Australian homes
30 July 2019
The
energy efficiency of new homes is set to
improve with the nation’s building ministers agreeing to strengthen
provisions in the
National Construction Code (NCC) for residential
buildings.
The commitment, made at yesterday’s Building Ministers Forum (BMF) in
Sydney, has been warmly welcomed by the
Green Building Council of
Australia (GBCA).
CEO Davina Rooney said the GBCA had advocated strongly for the changes
alongside other industry leaders and that governments should be
congratulated for taking this important step forward.
“This is a major milestone in our journey towards a low emissions future
and one that recognises the tremendous opportunities in the
built
environment,” Ms Rooney said.
“Greater energy efficiency in our residential buildings will mean
healthier, more comfortable homes as well as reduced energy costs for
households.”
The update of the residential energy provisions will be informed by the
COAG Energy Council’s national plan that sets a trajectory towards zero
energy (and carbon) ready buildings for Australia. This trajectory
aligns closely with research-based recommendations from ASBEC, in
partnership with ClimateWorks, and includes the implementation of
cost-effective increases to energy performance standards.
“ASBEC’s work highlighted how urgently we need this update of energy
requirements in the residential sector, as well as the potential
benefits of making cost-effective improvements to building efficiency,”
Ms Rooney said.
“We are proud to be a member of ASBEC’s Building Code Taskgroup and
welcome the certainty the BMF’s decision will bring to the construction
industry.”
Ms Rooney said the GBCA was continuing to champion the transformation of
the residential sector through its work on homes.
“As the source of more than 57 per cent of built environment
emissions
in Australia, it is crucial that we leverage the residential sector’s
potential to help reach our emissions targets under the Paris
Agreement,” Ms Rooney said.
“We will continue advocating for the establishment of targets that align
with the transition to net zero emissions, along with a forward
trajectory for NCC energy requirements to achieve these goals.
“We look forward to working with the
Australian Building Codes Board as
it begins consultation on options to implement the new provisions in the
NCC.”
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Source: Green Building Council of Australia - www.gbca.org.au
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