Page 39 - Climate Control News Mag October 2019

THE ACT GOVERNMENT has announced plans to expand the Energy Efficiency Improve- ment Scheme (EEIS) including a new initiative to support better insulation.
Over 74,000 Canberra households and busi- nesses have saved over $400 million since the EEIS was established in 2013, including $70 million saved off the energy bills of low-in- come households.
Average weekly savings are $5.80 for partici- pating households and $100 for participating businesses. The existing scheme has assisted more than 45 per cent of Canberra households, including 19,000 low-income priority households and 16,000 rental properties. The scheme has also achieved lifetime emission reductions of around 500,000 t CO2–e, equivalent to taking approxi- mately 165,000 cars off Canberra roads for a year.
Earlier this year ACT Minister, Shane Ratten- bury, announced that the scheme would be ex- tended from 2020 to 2030 and expanded to in- clude several new programs.
This includes support to transition away from gas with new rebates up to $5,000 to replace ducted gas heaters with more efficient electric reverse cycle air conditioners.
It is estimated that 55 per cent of Canberra households have inadequate ceiling insulation. New energy efficiency activities, such as resi- dential insulation and business heating and cooling, will also be introduced to expand the options available for electricity retailers to offer to ACT’s households and businesses.
The new insulation activities must be deliv- ered by licensed tradespeople and accredited in- sulation installers.
Heating and cooling account for roughly 40 per cent of an Aussie household’s energy us- age. Older homes are often leaky but simple steps can be taken to deal with this problem. For example, double glazing is a good way to trap air between two panes of glass and extra draft seals will help make a home more ther- mally efficient. According to the annual Houzz
Double glazing traps air between two panes of glass.
& Home Australia survey of more than 8,800 respondents, energy efficiency and green ma- terials are a priority for Australian homeown- ers. Two in five homeowners prioritise energy efficiency (43 per cent) during renovations. Houzz principal economist, Nino Sitchinava, said this includes replacing windows and im- proving insulation.
Insulation & Ducting
Scheme extended to better insulate ACT residents
FABRIC DIFFUSERS
AD?
the way of the future
www.cosair.com.au
CLIMATE CONTROL NEWS OCTOBER 2019
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