The Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) President, Mr Hayden Groves said the Building Ministers’ meeting held last week is a step in the right direction of getting Australia’s housing sector at the forefront of energy efficiency.
“Any policies implemented to help reach a zero emissions target is a positive for all Australians.”
Australia’s Building Ministers met last week to discuss upgraded energy efficiency provisions for residential buildings, implementation and transition timeframes for the 2022 edition of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Mr Groves said REIA supported the move of building new energy efficient homes which assists the economy’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050.
“For the average new home, achieving a 7-star rating may require elements like better insulation, higher quality glazing and smarter floor plans – which will help address rising inflation and energy costs.”
Mr Groves said REIA has been focusing on engaging consumers on the role of agents in building better communities as well as sustainable living and housing affordability.
Mr Groves said he also expected demand for sustainable living and homes to continue to gain momentum.
“This could be anything from preferences for complexes with electric car charge points right through to homes built with green materials or powered by renewable energy.
“It is great to see the Building Ministers ordering further research on adapting Australian’s built environment, and homes, for the uptake of electric vehicles.”
Mr Groves cautioned against moving towards a mandatory disclosures program for existing housing stock in the absence of support for homeowners.
“Governments will need to incentivise homeowners and investors to make their properties more sustainable similar to those in place in Canada and the USA, through Greener Home Grants and tax offsets.
“REIA, through our member Institutes, have a strong commitment to Sustainable Real Estate through our policy priorities outlined in Getting Real with the focus being on incentivising sustainable adaption rather than regulating housing stock,” he said.
The government information sheet said that meeting the annual energy use budget requires consideration of the efficiency of the appliances used in new homes and roof top solar and batteries.
“While this will differ from house to house depending on factors like climate, orientation and construction materials, Ministers recognised that overall these changes will improve amenity and drive down energy bills in new homes.”
The Building Ministers Communique can be viewed here: Building Ministers’ Meeting: Communiqué August 2022 | Department of Industry, Science and Resources
