Ceiling insulation has been added to the loan scheme managed by the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate’s (EPSDD) to encourage Canberrans to make their homes more sustainable.
Announced by the Minister for Climate Action, Andrew Barr, the Directorate’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) helps households reduce costs by increasing energy efficiency – providing zero-interest loans of up to $15,000.
“The Scheme removes the upfront capital costs that can act as a barrier to households improving energy efficiency, using less energy and saving money,” Mr Barr said.
“With the upfront capital costs spread over time under the loans scheme, Canberrans are installing new energy-efficient products to reduce their household costs,” he said.
“Practical changes, such as ceiling insulation, make a real difference when it comes to reducing household energy costs and taking climate action.”
Mr Barr said ceiling insulation helped to keep homes comfortable during the ACT’s cold winters and hot summers.
He said that around half the energy used in an average Canberra home was for heating and cooling.
Attorney General Shane Rattenbury said the new addition to EPSDD’s SHS would also help landlords cover costs to meet the ACT’s new energy efficiency standards for rentals, coming into effect next month.
“Many renters in the ACT are living in housing that is expensive to heat or cool and doesn’t meet expectations around having a suitable home to help maintain health, comfort and happiness,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“From 1 April 2023, new energy efficiency standards will be implemented that require rental properties to meet a minimum standard for ceiling insulation” he said.
“The introduction of zero interest loans for ceiling insulation will help homeowners and rental property owners improve energy efficiency, increase thermal comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of ACT homes.”
Further information on the Scheme can be accessed at this PS News link.
