Energy resilience is becoming a cornerstone of sustainable living in Australia, as highlighted in CoreLogic’s latest report. With the nation striving to meet net-zero emissions targets by 2050, the energy efficiency of homes is under greater scrutiny than ever before.
The report sheds light on the stark differences in energy performance between modern and older homes, and how evolving building standards are driving change.
The Energy Efficiency Gap: Modern vs. Older Homes
CoreLogic’s analysis reveals a substantial disparity in energy resilience between homes built before and after 2010. Homes constructed post-2010 achieve a median energy star rating of 5.9 out of 10, compared to just 2.8 for those built earlier.
This gap reflects advancements in construction practices driven by updates to the National Construction Code (NCC).
Since 2010, new homes in Australia have been required to meet a minimum 6-star energy rating, and the latest NCC mandates a 7-star rating. These changes emphasise improvements in insulation, glazing, and energy-efficient design, enabling homes to better regulate indoor temperatures and reduce energy consumption.
However, many older homes remain inefficient unless they’ve been retrofitted with upgrades such as insulation, double glazing, or modern heating and cooling systems.
Regional Energy Performance
Energy efficiency ratings vary widely across the country. Areas with newer housing stock tend to perform better, while regions dominated by older homes, such as Tasmania and parts of Sydney, lag behind.
For example:
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ACT leads the nation: The Molonglo region has the highest median star rating of 6.1, reflecting Canberra’s proactive adoption of energy efficiency standards and incentives like its Energy Efficiency Improvement Scheme.
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Melbourne’s new suburbs excel: Suburbs such as Clyde and Officer in Melbourne’s outer south-east consistently score 6.0, thanks to a predominance of new housing developments.
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Hobart lags behind: Hobart has some of the lowest median star ratings, attributed to a significant stock of older homes and heritage properties, which are harder to retrofit for energy efficiency.
Why Energy Ratings Matter
Residential buildings account for around 24% of Australia’s energy usage and over 10% of carbon emissions, primarily due to heating and cooling demands.
Improved energy efficiency reduces energy consumption, lowering household bills and contributing to the nation’s emissions reduction goals.
The importance of energy ratings extends beyond sustainability. Financial institutions are increasingly using energy efficiency metrics to offer "green loans" with favourable terms. These loans incentivise the purchase, construction, or renovation of energy-efficient homes, aligning property markets with sustainability objectives.
The Role of Technology and Retrofitting
Tools like CSIRO’s RapidRate model, which uses AI and data analytics, are helping to estimate the energy performance of homes and guide upgrades. For established homes, retrofitting is essential to improve energy ratings. Key upgrades include:
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Installing roof and wall insulation.
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Replacing single-glazed windows with double or triple glazing.
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Incorporating solar panels and efficient appliances.
These interventions not only reduce energy costs but also enhance a home’s comfort and market value.
The Path Forward
As Australia progresses towards its emissions targets, energy resilience will remain a focal point in housing policy.
While the NCC has successfully raised the bar for new builds, retrofitting older homes will be crucial to bridge the efficiency gap. Government incentives, such as rebates for insulation and solar panels, will likely play a pivotal role in encouraging homeowners to make these changes.
As awareness and incentives grow, energy resilience is set to become a defining feature of Australia’s housing market.
Publisher Website: www.homeshelf.com.au