Improving Australia's energy efficiency

Australia’s untapped energy efficiency potential has been illustrated in a new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The report also highlights the massive potential of energy efficiency to create jobs, cut bills and address climate change — and according to the IEA, Australia can do much more to seize this opportunity.

The 10 recommendations, published by national leaders, ministers, top business executives and prominent energy experts that make up the Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency, show how energy efficiency can play a central role in fixing the social and economic damage of the COVID-19 crisis.

“A major drive to improve the energy efficiency of homes and businesses could create 120,000 job years of employment in Australia, while reducing cost-of-living pressures for businesses and households,” said Luke Menzel, CEO, Energy Efficiency Council.

“Action on energy efficiency would immediately help those most affected by the economic impacts of COVID-19, including financially stressed households and businesses, and workers seeking new opportunities.

“However, in 2018 Australia was ranked the world’s worst-performing developed country on energy efficiency. We must do better and seize this moment so that we can create thousands of jobs, lower energy bills, and slash emissions.”

Over the last month, multiple joint statements — including from organisations as diverse as the Australian Council of Social Service, the Property Council of Australia, Australian Industry Group, the Business Council of Australia and Australian Council of Trade Unions — have called for state and federal governments to put energy efficiency at the heart of stimulus measures.

“There is near-universal support for energy efficiency as a key stimulus measure because projects can roll out rapidly, deliver a long-term productivity dividend, slash emissions and are highly job intensive,” said Menzel.

“The Global Commission has called on governments around the world to show leadership, upgrading their own schools, hospitals and other public [buildings] to save taxpayers’ money and create jobs straight away.

“Global experts have given us a plan. Now we need state and federal governments to invest at a speed and scale that matches the magnitude of the economic challenge ahead of us.”

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