What could soon be missing from our homes

Every Australian home should be given an energy performance rating, allowing buyers or

renters to know the energy efficiency of their home before moving in, according to a new report.

A gas heating and appliances should be phased out to improve Australia’s energy emissions.

The joint report by the Property Council of Australia and the Green Building Council of Australia titled ‘Every Building Counts’, will be launched on Thursday.

It lists 39 property-focused recommendations that the two councils say would help Australia achieve its decarbonisation goals.

One of the key recommendations is the phasing out of fossil fuels in existing buildings and appliances, that would see the end of gas water heaters and cooktops in Australian homes.

The report has called for the electrification of all new residential and commercial buildings and the retrofitting of existing buildings, including a program for low-income households.

This would also include the skilling up of the workforce.

Green Building Council of Australia Chief Executive Officer Davina Rooney said the report also has a strong skills focus.

“The shift to low carbon, resilient buildings cannot be achieved without improving the skills and capacity of the workforce,” Ms Rooney said.

“Transitioning 85 per cent of homes off gas by 2040 requires retrofitting hot water systems in 5000 homes every week until 2040, starting now. Much of Australia’s building sector is not equipped or trained for this task, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

Also the report recommends the creation of a national rating scheme for the energy performance of homes, similar to white goods and electronic appliances.

Property Council Chief Executive Mike Zorbas said while most people are now used to knowing the energy performance of their fridge.

“The energy rating on your fridge tells you if you are cooling your food and drinks efficiently, but there is no national rating scheme up and running to tell you about the efficiency of heating or cooling your whole home – your most important purchase of all,” Mr Zorbas said.

“It’s high time all Australian home buyers and renters had access to a consistent national rating, so they know the energy bill costs and comfort levels to expect during colder months.”

Rooney said the implementation of a reliable rating system would allow buyers and renters to easily compare homes on the market,

and ensure Australia joins other nations successfully implementing similar policies.

“Locally, we’re living with the impacts of climate change and a cost-of-living crisis, while healthy, affordable, energy efficient homes are increasingly out of reach for everyday Australians,” Ms Rooney said.

Assistant Climate Change and Energy Minister Jenny McAllister will attend the launch in Sydney on Thursday.