Page 2001 - Week 05 - Thursday, 5 May 2011
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• to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with household energy consumption.
The key targets of the program are:
• to provide ceiling insulation and draught sealing (where possible) to all public housing properties built prior to 2002 by 2016-17;
• to provide wall insulation to all class 1 separate properties with 4 or more bedrooms built prior to 2002;
• to replace electric resistive hot water systems upon failure with highly energy efficient hot water systems (such as solar and 5 star gas); and
• to provide pelmets to the windows and sliding doors of bedrooms and lounge rooms at all class 1 separate dwellings upon vacancy.
(2) All new properties acquired must have an energy rating of at least 3 stars. Properties constructed under the Nation Building and Jobs Plan Economic Stimulus Initiative achieved energy ratings of at least 6 stars, and have grey water reuse systems and water tanks. It is proposed that all new constructions will achieve at least 6 stars. The aim of the energy efficiency measures being implemented is to improve the energy rating of the existing public housing in the longer term.
There is not an aim of a minimum star rating for all stock given that the level of thermal performance that can be achieved after upgrading is variable depending on the form of construction, siting and orientation.
(3) The energy efficiency improvements that have been undertaken under the program to improve the energy efficiency of public housing:
• installation of wall and ceiling insulation;
• draught sealing;
• installation of high efficiency gas and electric boosted solar hot water systems;
• installation of electric heat pumps for new dwellings or existing dwellings upon failure; and
• installation of pelmets and curtain rods in all separate houses as they become vacant.
The improvement made to each dwelling is based upon the following criteria/priority:
• properties where ceiling insulation is not installed;
• properties with electric storage water heating, with pre-1999 the highest priority;
• large brick veneer properties which do not have wall insulation;
• all separate houses; and
• remainder of properties.
Following the installation of the energy efficiency measures the energy rating of the properties is not assessed. Energy ratings are generally only required upon sale of a property. There is no program to undertake energy rating assessments for the public housing portfolio as this would divert funds from improving other properties.
Approximate figures for the reduction in carbon dioxide output and the net annual savings to households once the various improvements are carried out are at
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