A key challenge for Victoria is the significant growth in the demand for energy. Our energy consumption has doubled since 1973. Current demand for final energy is growing by an average of 1.6% per year. At this rate demand for energy will increase by 50% by 2029-30. Final energy is the energy actually consumed by the end user and is also called end use energy.
This compares with the national annual growth rate of 2.1% and total growth of over 65% by 2029-30.
ICANZ has been active in providing informed argument and reliable data to the Victorian government concerning the need for improved building energy performance for new and established homes.
Victoria was the first Australian state to introduce minimum energy performance standards for residential buildings, during 1991.
In May 2011 the Victorian Government was the first state government to adopt 6-Star energy efficiency building regulations for residential homes and is implementing programs outlined in its Greenhouse Strategy. This includes all new homes, renovations and additions (Class1), Including habitable garages or sheds (Class 10A), appartments (Class 2) and a dwelling wihin a commercial building (Class 4). Simple work that does not require a building permit will not need to meet a 6 star energy rating.
The average Victoria household produces 10.7 tonnes (213,000 black baloons) of greenhouse gas emissions each year from energy used. An increase of one star will give energy savings of 10-30% depending on the type of appliance (Source: saveenergy.vic.gov.au).