Green groups aim at revitalising our homes

Age
Thursday 17/9/2009 Page: 4

ENVIRONMENTAL groups are looking beyond the carbon trading stoush to call for the next round of climate reform: cutting the 17.5% of greenhouse gas emissions that cone from homes. Emissions from houses are not directly dealt with by the two main federal climate planks - an emissions trading scheme and a renewable energy target.

A report to be launched today by five green and clean energy groups will call on governments to follow Britain's lead by introducing regulations to make all new hones emissions free by 2020. Proposals include minimum seven-star energy efficiency and 40% water efficiency for new homes by next year. Federal and state governments this year agreed to introduce minimum six-star ratings for new hones.

Australian Conservation Foundation spokeswoman Monica Richter said that, along with existing rebate programs, it was a good start, but not enough to deal with the poor current housing stock. "We really need to ensure that our homes that are going to be around for the next 50 years are comfortable and sustainable to live in," she said.

The report, also by Friends of the Earth, the Alternative Technology Association and the Moreland Energy Foundation, found emissions from the average home could be cut by more than 75% through improving efficiency of design and appliances.

Recommendations include the setting of minimum standards at the point of sale or lease and the banning of electric storage hot water installations. Environment Victoria campaigns director Mark Wakeham said new homes needed to be able to withstand what was ahead. "That is going to be some extreme weather conditions and the need to urgently slash emissions," he said.

Doctors Ken and Jenny Harvey recently upgraded their Hawthorn hone office to 6.5 stars. It includes double-glazing windows, 12 roof-top solar panels, solar hot water, insulation, a grey water system, three water tanks and blinds and sails to block out direct sun. The am was to be sustainable and reduce water and power bills.

Efficiency ratings are based on the amount of energy used per sqm. The average house has a rating of little more than two stars. Victoria was the first state to sign up to five stars for new homes in 2005. Details of the national six-star agreement are still to come. In June, Environment Minister Gavin Jennings gave $6 million towards Australia's first zero emissions communities, starting with Armstrong Creek, Geelong.