With the impending implementation of the mandatory Sustainability Declaration for Queenslanders looking to sell their homes in 2010, many potential vendors are still in the dark about what the government is trying to achieve with this policy. With new homes being built in QLD requiring an overall 5/10 for energy efficiency, the Queensland government aims to bring current homes up to this standard.
In order to achieve this, the Queensland Government is implementing a variety of strategies to help current homes reach a suitable energy efficiency level and reduce the impacts of climate change in the state. Through the Queensland Climate Change Fund, the Queensland Government will be investing $430 million to tackle climate change. This figure includes a number of different rebates and initiatives available to help home owners in the QLD reduce their impact on climate change.
Residential ClimateSmart Home Service
The Queensland residential ClimateSmart home service is designed to help people reduce their home’s carbon footprint. It costs $50 and can help households save up to 20.4 tonnes of green house gas and up to $250 on water and energy bills a year.
As part of the service householders receive the following:
- An energy audit by a licensed electrician
- An installed wireless energy monitor
- Up to 15 free energy efficient light globes (CFLs), supplied and installed
- A free water and energy efficient showerhead, supplied and installed
- A customised Energy and Water Efficiency Plan
- My ClimateSmart Home, a customised online resource for more energy and water savings
Visit the Queensland Government website ‘ClimateSmart’ to learn more about the ClimateSmart Home Service.
Solar Hot Water Program
The Queensland State Government has committed to delivering up to 200,000 affordable solar hot water systems to Queensland households over the next 3 years, beginning July 1 2009.Through the Queensland Solar Hot Water Program, eligible participants will have access to a standard installed and warranted, solar or heat pump hot water system for a payment of $100 for eligible pensioners and low-income earners, and $500 for other eligible participants.
Visit the Queensland Government website to learn more about the Solar Hot Water Program.
Residential Gas Installation Rebate Scheme
The Queensland Government is now offering a gas installation rebate of up to $500 to Queensland homeowners installing gas appliances replacing electric, and some non-electric appliances, in existing homes. The rebate promotes gas as an efficient and reliable energy option for Queensland homes. There are two categories of eligible gas appliances.
- Category 1 – gas hot water system, with a minimum 5 star energy efficiency rating.
- Category 2 – gas cooktop (minimum 4 burner); gas oven; gas stove; internal gas space heater with a minimum 4 star energy efficiency rating, which is externally flued and complies with Australian Standard 4553; and gas clothes dryer with external flue.
Visit the Queensland Government website to learn more about the Residential Gas Installation Rebate.
Solar Bonus Scheme
The Queensland Government Solar Bonus Scheme pays households and other small customers for the surplus electricity generated from roof-top solar photovoltaic (PV) panel systems, that is exported to the Queensland electricity grid. The scheme is designed to make solar power more affordable for Queenslanders, stimulate the solar power industry and encourage energy efficiency. The scheme rewards customers whenever they generate more electricity than they are using and is designed to boost the state’s use of renewable energy, encourage energy efficiency and stimulate the solar power industry in Queensland.
Visit the Queensland Government website to learn more about the Solar Bonus Scheme.
Home Insulation Rebate
The Home Insulation Program offers ceiling insulation worth up to $1,200 to owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants.The program targets homes that are currently un-insulated, or have very little ceiling insulation and were built before the mandatory thermal performance requirements under the Building Code of Australia were introduced commencing in 2003. If the total cost of installation is less than $1,200 there will be no more for the householder to pay. This will be the case for most households. If the cost of the insulation is more than $1,200, the householder will ordinarily have to pay the difference or the full amount if they are ineligible.
Note: This rebate is not available in conjunction with the Solar Hot Water rebate. You now must chose one or the other.
Visit the Governments Home Insulation Program website for more information and eligibility requirements.
Free Home EnergyWise Kit
The Home EnergyWise Kit contains energy efficiency information and do-it-yourself auditing tools to help consumers identify energy use patterns in the home, and take positive steps to reduce their energy consumption and lower their energy bills. The kit contains no-cost, low-cost and added-cost energy saving ideas grouped according to how and where energy is used in the home.
The kits are mailed to households free of charge by the Department of Mines and Energy.
Visit the Queensland Government website to learn more about the Free Home EnergyWise Kit.
Brought to you by Tony Nash – RE/MAX Property Associates Sunshine Coast
Phone Tony and his team today on 07 5452 4545
www.rentaladvice.com.au
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