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Greens ask where are the energy efficiency measures in Victoria's new building regulations?

05-06-2006 The Greens say the State Government has failed to act on its promise to introduce new energy efficiency standards for home renovations. Bill Pemberton, the Greens planning spokesperson said "The Minister for Planning, Rob Hulls, has announced amendments to the Building Regulations today, but failed to include any changes to improve the energy efficiency of housing. This was despite promises made last year*."

Bill Pemberton said that it was difficult to take the State Government
energy efficiency campaign seriously. "Raising awareness about climate
change is important, but it needs to be supported by action from
government. Greenhouse gas emissions have continued to rise under the
Bracks Government.”

The Building Code of Australia - the national standard - introduced
new energy efficiency standards last month**, but the Victorian
government has failed to incorporate them into the state's building
regulations.

“Heating and cooling costs make up a big part of a household’s energy
bill. So, investment in energy efficient buildings makes good economic
sense," said Bill Pemberton. "When housing stock is being upgraded, we
need to make sure that it is bought into the 21st century and that it
reduces its impact on the environment.”


For more information and comment contact
Bill Pemberton***
Greens Planning spokesperson
mob: 0428 636 316
or
Dave Lane
Media Officer
mob: 0419 156 213

Background:
* The Victorian Greenhouse Strategy - Action Plan Update (2005) states
that “new standards are scheduled for inclusion in the Building Code of
Australia in May 2006 and will be applied to state building regulations
pertaining to renovations.” p 23. See:
http://www.greenhouse.vic.gov.au/images/VicGreenhouse-ActionPlan.pdf

** The Building Code of Australia - a national standard - introduced
new energy efficiency standards on May 1 2006. See:
http://www.buildingcommission.com.au/www/default.asp?casid=3559

*** Bill Pemberton is Director of Scarab Solutions an energy efficiency
consultancy for home users.

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