The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has launched a new online tool to help renters assess their home energy efficiency and reduce their energy costs.
Minister for Water, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Shane Rattenbury said the new tool, Actsmart Home Energy Assessment Webtool, asked renters a series of questions, then produced a tailored report listing the best actions the household could take to reduce energy use and increase their comfort.
“While it is designed for renters, the Webtool can be used by anyone who wants to find ways to reduce their energy bills and make their home more comfortable all year round,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“We want to ensure homes are comfortable and affordable for everyone, but renters and people in older homes in the region know how challenging it can be to keep cool in summer and warm in winter,” he said.
“In a recent survey on the ACT Your Say Community Panel, more than four in 10 renters said they cannot keep their homes comfortably warm.”
Mr Rattenbury said the Webtool suggested the best actions renters could take to reduce energy used on heating, cooling, appliances, hot water, lighting, and cooking.
“Importantly, the webtool also generates a report with steps that the building owner can take, such as installing insulation,” the Minister said.
He said the Parliamentary and Governing Agreement for the current term of the Legislative Assembly included a commitment to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties this year, with staged implementation over the coming years.
“Setting energy efficiency standards for rental properties and setting higher standards for new homes are essential to achieving a net-zero emissions ACT,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“While those are being developed and implemented, this webtool is something renters can use today to cut emissions, save money and make their homes more comfortable,” he said.
The Directorate’s Actsmart Home Energy Assessment Webtool can be accessed at this PS News link.
