Master Builders Australia has argued that the release of the Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency’s National Building Energy Standard Setting Assessment and Rating Framework shows the underlying need to focus more on retrofitting current buildings.

 

The framework suggests further improvements should not be made to the thermal shell of new buildings, bur rather energy efficiency focus should shift to improving fixed appliances, equipment and building services and on-site renewable energy systems.

 

In a submission on the draft framework, Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Australia, Wilhelm Harnisch renewed the call to Government and the Council of Australian Governments to shift its focus further towards existing buildings to improve energy efficiency,” Mr Harnisch said.

 

“Increased stringency for the thermal shell of residential buildings introduced over the past few years is close to an optimum level and supports the argument not to increase energy efficiency stringencies beyond the current six star rating.

 

“Policy to ensure existing buildings become more energy efficient is the most effective way of achieving carbon abatement and was identified in the COAG National Strategy on Energy Efficiency Blueprint.

 

“There is $6 trillion in existing stock of buildings to be retrofitted to be more energy efficient and less carbon intensive.

 

The framework can be found here