Australian lobby groups say zero carbon homes within reach

A coalition of environmental trade associations and pressure groups in Australia's Victoria claims that zero-emissions and water saving measures are an attainable reality in the state, with the right government support.


The groups say that new building standards are required to protect the state from the worst effects of climate change.

The report, Towards climate safe homes: The case for zero emissions and water saving homes and neighbourhoods, was prepared by Environment Victoria in partnership with the Alternative Technology Association (ATA), Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), Friends of the Earth (FoE) and the Moreland Energy Foundation (MEFL).

Environment Victoria’s campaigns director Mark Wakeham said the Brumby Government had a unique opportunity to reduce emissions and help climate-proof our homes.

“At the moment our inefficient homes are part of the climate change problem,” he said.

“However, the report shows that greenhouse gas emissions from the average home can be reduced by more than 75% with energy efficient design and appliances, while the rest of the home’s energy needs can be supplied by renewable energy.

“This means our houses can be effectively emissions free and part of the climate change solution.

“With the State Government about to revise the Building Code there is a golden opportunity to set Victoria on the path to zero emission homes by 2020.”

The release of the report signals the beginning of a new national campaign calling on governments Australia-wide to strengthen building standards for new homes, provide green makeovers for existing houses and set zero emissions and water efficiency standards for new homes and neighbourhoods over the next decade.

The report can be downloaded from the Environment Victoria website.

Sam Bond

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