Brisbane, Gold Coast and Ipswich to benefit most from roof insulation rebate

As the state with the lowest level of insulation and the most energy inefficient housing in the country, Queensland stands to reap substantial gains from the Federal Government's Energy Efficient Homes program, according to the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ).

Mr D'Arcy, ICANZ CEO, said, "At only 42 per cent, Queensland has the lowest level of insulation in Australia (ABS 2005).

This, and the rising aspirations of Queenslanders for an air conditioned lifestyle, has seen Queensland's contribution to national greenhouse gas emissions from air-conditioner use, rise from 22 per cent in 1990, to 27 per cent in 1998, and is projected to reach 30 per cent by 2010.

The number of air-conditioners in homes also grew from 17.6 per cent in 1994, to 58 per cent in 2005. The ABS also found that people living in Queensland were using their coolers for more months of the year compared to people living in any other state, apart the Northern Territory.

Mr D'Arcy said, "The Federal Government's insulation package gives Queensland the opportunity to slow their residential energy consumption trends, and delay their need for costly energy infrastructure. Insulation of homes will deliver real cost savings and improved comfort to home occupants, as well as providing significant benefits in energy and greenhouse savings for the environment. This is a real win-win."

He added that traditional suspended timber floor houses or ‘Queenslanders' will continue to be part of the Australian architectural landscape and were not under threat.

Research commissioned by ICANZ affirms that insulation can improve the energy efficiency and comfort levels offered by these homes.

In both hot and cool climates, insulation prevents the movement of hot air, either from the outside environment into the house or from the house to the outside environment.

For air-conditioners to work effectively the movement of hot air or radiant heat into the cooled space must be prevented. Of course providing adequate shading for windows is also important to maximise the effectiveness of the insulation.

With the rise in the number of air-conditioners being installed into existing uninsulated homes, insulation is the most cost effective way that people in Queensland can achieve the comfort levels they need while limiting stress on the home budget, the energy generation system, and the environment.

"Importantly, the Federal Government's insulation measures are a key to addressing burgeoning household energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions for all Australians," Mr D'Arcy said.