An article posted in the Sydney Morning Herald by Wendy Frew describes a house exhibition in Wollongong which could be a prototype for reduced greenhouse gas emissions in housing for the future. The article “Saving Energy: Homes Lead the Way” contains $100 000 in household rebates due to the energy efficient appliances installed in the house, and is likely to affect up to 1000 households by reducing their energy consumption.
The article attempts to push the idea that while some power saving appliances are better than none, houses can be designed and constructed to reduce the cost both economically and environmentally in a substantial amount. The orientation of the house was pushed as a major reductor in heating and cooling energy, while the construction of local materials can reduce the embodied energy in transportation.
While the article states that the government has continually failed to address this issue, Frew argues that it is in the best interests of the company to do so considering the immediate reduction on electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases could be reduced by 20% if consumers switched to solar hot water systems, while the correct insulation materials may reduce the output even further.
The article finishes by stating that while the requirements for new housing on energy efficiency is adequate, states may cave in to federal pressure and reduce the requirements in an attempt to create a national energy regulation.
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