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Green Loans Subsidy axed

10 March 2010

The Green Loans Subsidy program, an initiative of the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, was a great idea to help Australian homeowners improve the green credentials of their homes. It was therefore a disappointment to hear that on 19 February 2010 the Minister announced that the program will be discontinued from 22 March 2010.

Householders will now pay their own bills for solar power

Despite this, the green-star rating for residences due to start in May 2011 will put pressure on all home owners and investment property owners to ‘green up’ their properties in terms of energy and water efficiency. The message is clearly stated on the Department of Environment’s website:

Under the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency, Australian, state and territory governments have proposed to introduce compulsory disclosure of residential building performance information when selling and leasing homes.

If adopted, this may require owners of existing homes to assess and rate their home’s energy, water and greenhouse performance and provide the information when selling or leasing.

The proposed framework for mandatory disclosure is expected to start with energy efficiency disclosure by May 2011. A number of states and territories (such ACT and QLD) have already implemented some kind of compulsory rating system for homes.

http://www.environment.gov.au/greenloans/households/faqs.html

The good news is that the free home sustainability assessment program is continuing. Quality, trained assessors are visiting households around Australia to undertake inspections of major energy and water systems, heating, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment systems and waste management. Even the smallest changes can have huge benefits on sustainability and save money too. Householders are asked to allow between 1.5 and 2 hours for an assessment.

To organise a home sustainability assessment, call 1800 895 076 or visit the Department of the Environment website.