At Home

Many Queenslanders live in homes that work against the climate, rather than with it. These homes are often energy inefficient, too cold or too hot and comparatively expensive to run. In addition, many homes are now also being used for
home-based businesses which imposes further energy demands.

There are a number of relatively cheap and simple things consumers can do to lower their energy use and be EnergyWise.

Since 1 March 2006 all new homes built in Queensland have been required to install energy efficient hot water systems (solar, gas or electric heat pump) and use energy efficient lighting for at least 40 percent of internal floor space. These energy efficiency measures form part of the Sustainable Housing Legislation.

Other Queensland Government departments such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Office of Climate Change deliver a range of initiatives to help consumers improve the energy performance and thermal comfort of their homes.

The National Framework for Energy Efficiency is also examining ways to improve minimum energy efficiency standards for homes and provide energy information to purchasers and/or lessees of buildings.

The EnergyWise Calculator helps you estimate the electricity costs of running household appliances.

The National Framework for Energy Efficiency is working nationally to further improve the energy efficiency of appliances and equipment.