Energy Efficiency Council - Efficiency Providers | Energy Users | Australia

The EEC today welcomed the Albanese and Minns Governments’ joint announcement to increase the energy performance of social housing in NSW.

EEC Head of Policy Jeremy Sung said the funding would help some of Australia’s most vulnerable households access the multiple benefits that energy efficient homes deliver.

“Energy efficient homes are cheaper to run, more comfortable and healthier to live in, so this funding will deliver real improvements to people’s lives,” Mr Sung said.

With NSW aiming to slash its greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, and by 70 per cent by 2035, upgrading the performance of the state’s building stock – including social housing – is an urgent priority. 

“Every building counts in this transition,” Mr Sung said. “It’s important that all Australians can participate – irrespective of whether you live in a multi-million dollar mansion or government housing.”  

The four-year, $200 million package is expected to boost the energy performance of 24,000 social housing properties via heat pump hot water systems, ceiling fans, reverse-cycle air conditioners, insulation and draught proofing, as well as solar systems. 

While this is an important step in the right direction, and follows Victoria’s $108 million co-investment last year, the EEC noted that even greater investments in government assets like social housing could help transform the market for high performance homes more broadly. 

“Government leadership is critical to jump-start the transition to zero-carbon-ready new and existing buildings. Investing in efficient, all-electric social housing will energise the market, making it cheaper and easier for other householders to retrofit their own homes.“