Released 14/03/2023 - Joint media release
Ceiling insulation has been added to the list of eligible items covered by the ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS).
The SHS helps ACT households to reduce household costs by increasing energy efficiency - providing zero-interest loans of up to $15,000.
The Scheme has improved the sustainability of thousands of Canberra homes and significantly reduced household bills. The Scheme removes the upfront capital costs that can act as a barrier to households improving energy efficiency, using less energy and saving money.
Ceiling insulation helps to keep homes comfortable during the ACT’s cold winters and hot summers. Around half of the energy used in an average Canberra home is for heating and cooling.
Earlier this year, the ACT Government allocated an additional $50 million to the highly popular program.
The SHS has been extremely popular with more than $110 million in loans settled as of February 2023. This equates to over 9,000 Canberra homes investing in new energy-efficient products.
More information about the SHS including how to apply for a loan, are available on the Everyday Climate Choices website.
More information on minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes can be found at www.justice.act.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Chief Minister and Minister for Climate Action Andrew Barr:
Over 9,000 Canberra households have already utilised the Sustainable Household Scheme. With the upfront capital costs spread over time under the loans scheme, Canberrans are installing new energy-efficient products to reduce their household costs.
Practical changes, such as ceiling insulation, make a real difference when it comes to reducing household energy costs and taking climate action.
The interest in the Scheme shows how willing Canberrans are to make climate-conscious choices that deliver energy cost savings and emission reductions.
The Scheme contributes to the ACT achieving a sustainable future as we progress towards our target of net zero emissions by 2045.
Quotes attributable to ACT Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury:
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.
From 1 April 2023, new energy efficiency standards will be implemented that require rental properties to meet a minimum standard for ceiling insulation. This is an important reform that will mean more Canberrans have healthy homes that support improved wellbeing and reduce energy costs for heating and cooling.
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.
Credit provided by Brighte Capital Pty Ltd (ABN 74 609 165 906). Australian Credit License Number 508217. All applications are subject to Brighte’s credit approval criteria. Fees, Terms and Conditions apply.
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Andrew Barr, MLA | Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases