Viridian glass for 6 Star energy efficient homes

The peak body representing the Australian glass and glazing industry today called on federal and state governments to move vigorously towards increasing the energy efficiency of new homes mandated under the Building Code of Australia.

Dennis Loudoun, President of the Australian Glass & Glazing Association, said that a commitment to improve the energy efficiency of new Australian homes was made by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) when it met in special session on 5 February.

"COAG showed great vision and leadership when it recently resolved to build on the Energy Efficient Homes component of the federal government's $42 billion stimulus package," Mr Loudoun said.

"The COAG communique includes a commitment to examine and resolve an increase in the energy efficiency provisions of the Building Code of Australia from 5 stars to 6 stars, nationally by 2010," he said.

Mr Loudoun said that when COAG leaders next meet in April they must keep up the momentum and move decisively to mandate 6 star energy efficiency standards for new homes.

"The energy efficiency of Australian homes remains poor compared with much of the developed world, and the move to 6 Star housing is a step that Australia needs to take.

The additional cost of building 6 Star energy efficient homes is around 1 percent of the total building costs, is largely off-set by recent falls in mortgage interest rates, and is quickly recouped through lower energy bills," Mr Loudoun said.

Dennis Loudoun said that 6 star homes can easily and economically be achieved with high technology energy efficient windows. After installing adequate insulation, the most cost effective way of improving home energy efficiency is by fitting modern energy efficient windows. In an average insulated Australian home, 90 percent of solar heat gain and 50 percent of heat loss is through ordinary windows and glass.

A recent study[i] conducted by Prof. John Bell of Queensland University of Technology found that energy efficient windows installed in a range of Queensland housing styles and climates can raise the operational energy efficiency of homes by 1.5 - 2.5 stars. This was consistent with findings from studies conducted in other climatic zones.

"In recent years the Australian glass and glazing industries have invested heavily in new plant, equipment and staff training and we are now ready to deliver energy efficient windows nationally. The glass industry recognises the need, both environmental and economical, to improve home energy efficiency and support the move to 6 Star," Mr Loudoun said.

[i] Professor John Bell, The Role of Advanced Glazing in Queensland Homes: Reducing Electricity Load and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 2008.