Home Renovations to Support the Environment

A recent study has illuminated the potential for Australians residing in older homes to significantly reduce their energy bills by half through modest renovations, according to the Climate-Ready Homes report released by Monash University. The findings, unveiled at Parliament House in Canberra by Anna Skarbek, the chief executive of Monash University's Climateworks Centre, emphasize the opportunity for households to save up to $2195 annually through energy-efficient upgrades, including enhanced insulation and more efficient appliances.

While acknowledging these potential savings, the report issues a cautionary note, suggesting that the most substantial benefits may necessitate state and federal government assistance to ensure universal efficiency improvements across households. Anna Skarbek underscored the significance of the report's revelations, stating, "Supporting home upgrades can help reduce energy bills and prepare homes for more frequent extreme temperatures while reducing the emissions that contribute to climate change."

The comprehensive study delved into 16 prevalent home designs in Australia, encompassing various houses, townhouses, and apartment styles. Researchers explored three levels of renovation strategies to enhance energy efficiency, ranging from quick-fix solutions to more comprehensive climate-ready changes. Notably, homes constructed before the introduction of minimum energy-efficiency standards in 2003 were identified as having significant room for improvement, with suggested enhancements including insulation in ceilings, floors, and walls, as well as the addition of heavy drapes or roller shutters for windows, electric heat pumps, and double-glazing.

The report outlined potential energy cost savings of up to 51%, translating to an average annual saving of $2195 for houses, $1476 for townhouses, and $1188 for apartments with a full array of upgrades. However, it cautioned that top-tier upgrades might not be economically viable for all home types, necessitating government support for some households to achieve meaningful savings.

Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Managing Director Leigh Wallis said federal and state governments should consider offering financial assistance to low-income households, seniors, ex-servicemen, and any disadvantaged groups looking to cut power bills.
 

"What better way to support families right now than to help them reduce their overall expenses, and also help them upgrade to a more liveable, comfortable home," Leigh said.
 

"There is absolutely no doubt that modern building materials, building methods, and home design can have a massive impact on the 'climate-readiness' of a home. With this in mind, renovating to achieve a better climate rating makes so much sense and will save the homeowner and the government money in the long run, but of course, is common sense for the planet. And households need policy support to make this level of renovation cost-effective."
 

The report concluded with recommendations for a national framework establishing minimum energy-efficiency standards for new homes, energy-efficient rating disclosures during sales or leases, and a proposal for states and territories to phase out gas in new homes by mid-2024. This report follows the launch of the Energy Upgrades for Australian Homes project by the Race for 2030 co-operative research center, which aims to enhance the energy efficiency of one million older homes.