Australia's approach to energy efficiency and the building code

Panel: Panel 4: Sustainable Energy Use in Buildings

Authors:
Stephen Berry, Australian Greenhouse Office
Tony Marker, Australian Greenhouse Office
Philip Harrington, Australian Greenhouse Office

Abstract

The energy and greenhouse efficiency of buildings in Australia has been subject to considerable debate and action over the last ten years. In March 1999, the Australian Government announced it had reached agreement with the building industry to reduce the energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions from the operation of buildings.

This paper outlines the research into the energy and greenhouse performance of Australian buildings that lead to the agreement between Government and industry and the action plans designed to achieve the greenhouse abatement.

Voluntary best practice initiatives and consumer demand strategies, integral to this holistic program, are noted, as are details of the partnership approach taken by the Australian Government.

The paper concludes with details of the building code change process underway in Australia, and the research into existing prescriptive building energy requirements that has influenced the performance approach adopted.