Page 3437 - Week 11 - Tuesday, 14 November 2006
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MR HARGREAVES: Yes, there are. There are many things that the Stanhope government has introduced that will help. We have introduced mandatory energy efficiency rating declarations at the point of sale for dwellings and introduced a five-star energy rating for the building code. I would like to congratulate my colleague Mr Corbell on driving that one.
The ACT government has also developed a series of community programs, including the ACT energy wise program. The program provides home energy audits and rebates for energy efficiency improvements. The home energy advisory service provides advice to residents and small businesses on energy efficiency measures. The home energy efficiency advice service has responded to about 5,500 inquiries since 2002. In November 2005, the ACT government committed to purchasing appliances with low standby power usage, the first Australian jurisdiction to do so.
There are 13 licensed electricity retailers in the ACT. Not all of them operate in the small user end of the market, but they do all offer some version of green power. The government would encourage all consumers of electricity to convert to one of those products. In fact, the government encourages the wider community to follow its lead in using renewable energy, and there are many things that individuals within the community can do. I would encourage consumers to consider the following.
Changing to an accredited green power option eliminates household emissions from electricity. Installing solar hot water systems may reduce household emissions by up to 30 per cent. Installing solar panels can eliminate household emissions from electricity. Using energy efficient whitegoods can result in a substantial reduction in household emissions from electricity. A AAA-rated shower head may reduce household emissions by up to 12 per cent. Using energy efficient light bulbs may lead to a 10 per cent reduction in household emissions.
Choosing your next car on the basis of its fuel efficiency may result in a great reduction in transport emissions. Walking, cycling or taking public transport can reduce transport emissions. Transport and household emissions can be eliminated by calculating our carbon footprint and acting on the findings. There are a number of public websites that simplify this calculation. Implementing the findings of workplace energy audits can result in a reduction in emissions of up to 30 per cent.
The government has provided incredible leadership. I know that the Chief Minister has driven a lot of it and Mr Corbell has driven a lot of it. I am happy to do my bit. We have provided that leadership and we call upon the community and business to follow that leadership and see how we can do our bit to combat climate change.
MR SPEAKER: Members, in framing and referring questions to ministers, please be mindful of the proper titles of the ministers, otherwise those listening to question time might find it difficult to hunt down a name if a minister is not referred to by his or her proper title.
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