Research: Energy Efficient Buildings Plan

A practical ten-year plan

Efficient Buildings Plan is the first comprehensive, nation-wide plan for retrofitting Australia’s buildings to reach zero emissions from operation within ten years. Produced with University of Melbourne – Energy Research Institute, and in collaboration with industry, it details a suite of recommended retrofit measures that are practical and widely available.

A practical ten-year plan

Australia can transform its building stock to:

reduce energy bills

generate renewable energy

add health and comfort to our living spaces

make our workplaces more productive

Australia’s buildings were not designed to meet today's challenges

Back in the era of cheap energy, little attention was given to insulating houses as we could affordably heat and cool them with gas and electricity. The escape of hot and cool air didn't seem to matter. Were we also less aware of the damage that burning coal and gas were doing to the atmosphere by creating greenhouse gases.

Back then, we lacked the materials to insulate houses efficiently. Now, we have advanced materials that require minimal energy for heating, cooling, lighting and other services. For example, electric heat pumps can provide the same amount of heat as gas heaters, using one-fifth of the energy and cost. They can also keep rooms cool in summer and offer similar cost and energy savings compared to old gas and electric systems.

While individuals can benefit greatly from insulation and switching to electric heat pumps, Australia needs decisive action on multiple levels to tackle climate change and rising energy costs. The Zero Carbon Australia Buildings plan aims to transform the country's building stock to address these challenges.

Energy Efficient Buildings Plan shows how Australia can:

Reduce residential energy by 53%
Homes can generate more electricity than they use, becoming renewable energy power stations
Buildings can go gas free, eliminating gas bills and significantly reducing energy use as well as greenhouse gas emissions

Save $40 billion over the next 30 years. If the full upgrades were implemented, Australians would save money
Reduce non-residential energy use by 44%
Create tens of thousands of jobs: from residential retrofits alone, around 50,000 jobs can be created in the trades sector

Your DIY guide to building or renovating an energy efficient home

Beyond Zero Emissions’ Energy Freedom is a practical resource for renovators and builders that details how you can create an energy efficient home. It details nine steps to achieving a comfortable, high-performance home that costs nothing to run:

Insulation: Cut your heating use by up to 80%
Rooftop Solar: Generate your own energy
Lighting: LED downlights save 80% of the energy used by halogens
Draught proofing: Fixing draughty homes improves comfort and can cut winter heat loss by up to 25%
Hot water systems: Hot water accounts for up to one third of energy bills. Use the heat from the sun or the ambient air to cut your bills.
Energy monitoring and control: Real-time monitoring of energy use in your home can save you 9-15% on your energy bill.
Heating and Cooling: Reverse Cycle air conditioners (heat pumps) are the most efficient heater and cooler you can have - save 60% on bills compared to ducted gas heating.
Cooking and Appliances: Efficient appliances and induction cooktops use half the energy of standard electrical appliances and gas
Glazing: Upgrade to double or triple glazing to reduce heat loss and heat gain through windows and doors by up to 85%.

Energy Efficient Buildings Plan

A practical plan to fix Australia’s buildings in a decade

Driving down energy bills and emissions

A practical ten-year plan

A practical ten-year plan

Download the report

Australia can transform its building stock to:

Industry leaders support this research

Australia’s buildings were not designed to meet today's challenges

Energy Efficient Buildings Plan shows how Australia can:

Your DIY guide to building or renovating an energy efficient home

For more details purchase the Energy Freedom book for renovators and builders.

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