Energy efficiency retrofits are a valuable investment when renovating, as they can result in significant cost savings, improved comfort and health for occupants, and a reduction in carbon emissions. By reducing energy consumption, retrofits can help to lower electricity bills and reduce the carbon footprint of a building.
In Australia, energy production is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing the energy usage of buildings is an important strategy for mitigating climate change. The government’s National Construction Code includes minimum building efficiency requirements, but the lack of consistent adoption across all states and industries means that emissions reductions may fall short of what is needed.
Retrofitting existing housing stock is becoming increasingly important in light of the growing intensity of natural disasters such as storms, heatwaves, bushfires, and floods. Retrofits can range from low-cost measures such as replacing appliances and adding insulation to more comprehensive upgrades such as building cladding, ventilation, and glazing.
Investing in energy efficiency retrofits can not only benefit individual homeowners but also contribute to a more sustainable future for all. Governments, businesses, and individuals can all play a role in promoting and adopting energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
