One Million Homes Best Way to Meet Upgrade Promise
Tuesday July 27, 2010
The One Million Homes Alliance today welcomed the Victorian Government’s commitment to increase the energy efficiency of Victorian homes to an average of five stars by 2020 and to a comprehensive retrofit program that includes support for low-income households and public housing tenants.
Kelly O’Shanassy, the CEO of Environment Victoria, said: “The best way to achieve a five-star standard in low-income homes is through a One Million Homes energy and water efficiency retrofitting program.”
The One Million Homes program has the backing of leading social and environment groups, including the Alternative Technology Association.
“The commitment to a comprehensive retrofit program must now be backed up by financial investment to ensure low income households have no out of pocket expenses,” said Ms O’Shanassy.
Damian Sullivan, Manager – Equity and Climate Change, Brotherhood of St Laurence said “Helping low income households improve the energy efficiency of their homes is an important step, as it reduces the impact of rising energy prices on their cost of living whilst also assisting people to live more sustainably.”
Ian Porter, CEO of the Alternative Technology Association, said: “A five-star standard is a big step up from the one-two star standard of most houses today and should ensure measures such as low-flow shower roses, insulation, sealing of gaps and cracks, efficient hot water and compact fluorescent globes are in place in all homes. These changes don’t have to be expensive as many Victorians have shown over recent years.”
Kate Colvin, Policy and Public Affairs Manager Victorian Council of Social Service said “Minimum rental standards and additional investment in retrofitting public housing will be needed to achieve the Victorian Government’s 5-star goal for low income renters.”
For more information about the One Million Homes program go to: http://www.environmentvictoria.org.au/sites/default/files/OneMillionHomesReport.pdf
To see the full list of One Million Homes Alliance members go to: http://www.environmentvictoria.org.au/content/one-million-homes-alliance
