As we face the extremes of more record-breaking weather conditions, the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) has welcomed the decision by Commonwealth, State and Territory energy ministers to support a ‘Trajectory for Low Energy Existing Buildings’.

Existing buildings contribute to almost a quarter of Australia’s emissions, along with more than half of the country’s electricity consumption, through their operation alone.  Buildings could also meet over half of the national energy productivity target, and more than one quarter of Australia’s national emissions target.

“Low energy homes and commercial buildings can provide great outcomes in terms of energy and emissions, whilst also delivering much more!” said ASBEC’s Executive Director, Suzanne Toumbourou.  “More energy efficient buildings offer more resilience to extreme weather, better comfort and reduce stress on the electricity grid.”

Earlier this year, ASBEC applauded the release of the COAG Energy Council’s Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, which outlined a pathway for improving the energy performance of new buildings. A new addendum from COAG expands this focus to existing buildings, driving better outcomes through a holistic suite of measures including:

• improved information, ratings tools and data collection;
• disclosure of energy performance;
• minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties, renovations and refurbishments;
• improved energy productivity in government operations; and
• financial incentives.

ASBEC’s modelling has shown that, with the right level of support, Australia’s building sector could deliver over a quarter of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target, whilst saving $20 billion and creating a healthier, more productive built environment.

An alliance of community groups, including the Australian Council of Social Service, National Shelter, Brotherhood of St Laurence and Renew, has also called to substantially improve the energy efficiency of existing homes, in the interests of healthier, safer and more affordable housing for all Australians.

“The COAG Energy Council’s ‘Trajectory for Low Energy Existing Buildings’ provides a critical commitment to helping Australians save money on energy bills, lower emissions, ease the strain on our energy infrastructure and be truly comfortable and safe in our buildings, in all extremes of the Australian climate.” said Ms Toumbourou.

Read the COAG Energy Council Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings

Read ASBEC’s full media release