Canberra’s renters will be able to assess their home energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs, after the ACT Government launched the Actsmart Home Energy Assessment Webtool. The online tool, which asks the renter a series of questions, instantly downloads a tailored report that lists the best actions the household can take to reduce energy use and increase their comfort.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction Shane Rattenbury said that while it is designed for renters, the webtool can be used by anyone who wants to find ways to reduce their energy bills and make their home more comfortable all year round.
“We want to ensure homes are comfortable and affordable for everyone, but renters and people in older homes in the region know how challenging it can be to keep cool in summer and warm in winter,” Minister Rattenbury commented “In a recent survey on the ACT Your Say Community Panel, more than 4 in 10 renters said they cannot keep their homes comfortably warm.”
Minister Rattenbury explained that the free webtool will suggest the best actions renters can take to reduce energy use on things like heating, cooling, appliances, hot water, lighting, and cooking. Importantly, the webtool also generates a report with steps that the building owner can take, such as installing insulation.
Minister Rattenbury said that the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for this term of the Legislative Assembly includes a commitment to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties this year, with staged implementation over the coming years. The Minister added that the ACT Government has also committed to implementing higher energy-efficiency standards for new homes, to ensure they’re climate-ready, liveable and sustainable, addressing issues such as insulation, glazing, passive design, phasing out gas, and the requirement for electric vehicle charge points.
“Setting energy efficiency standards for rental properties and setting higher standards for new homes are essential to achieving a net-zero emissions ACT,” Minister Rattenbury commented “While those are being developed and implemented, this webtool is something renters can use today to cut emissions, save money and make their homes more comfortable. Climate change is making it more challenging to be comfortable in our homes, so I encourage everyone to try this online tool. It only takes around half an hour, so you can try it out at any time.”
The Australian Energy Foundation assisted the ACT Government in designing the webtool and local organisations like Better Renting are providing input and feedback on the program to help refine the tool for Canberra renters.
“The Australian Energy Foundation is excited to continue to work with the ACT Government on this project. A highlight to date is the new webtool, which will allow both renters and the wider community in the ACT to easily access tailored advice and tips to improve the energy efficiency of their homes – an essential innovation for the good of the community.” Alison Rowe, CEO of the Australian Energy Foundation.
Minister Rattenbury pointed out that the Government’s Actsmart program also offers free, expert home energy assessments for renters and for homeowners, either over the phone or face-to-face, and engages the St Vincent de Paul Society to assist low-income households.