Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation
The Honourable Andrew McNamara
Queenslanders Get Help To Go Climate Smart
The Queensland Government has announced a new $60 million home-based service to help Queenslanders reduce their household greenhouse gas emissions.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the new ClimateSmart Home Service is a response to the community’s desire to play their part in responding to climate change.
The program, which will commence in January 2009, will be funded from the proceeds of the Queensland Government’s Climate Change Fund.
Mr McNamara said the new service is modelled on the successful Home WaterWise Service, and will help Queenslanders make a difference.
“Many Queenslanders have demonstrated their commitment towards water savings via the successful Target 140 campaign,” Mr McNamara said.
“I hope we can achieve the same outcomes in household energy efficiency that we have for our water use
“From the beginning of next year, the new ClimateSmart Home Service will help Queenslanders across the State reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by assisting them to improve energy efficiency.
“The service will involve the installation of energy-saving devices and detailed advice on ways to further reduce their carbon footprint.
“The State Government-subsidised ClimateSmart Home Service will operate in a similar manner to the Home WaterWise Service.
“For $50, a tradesperson will visit your home to provide advice and energy saving tools, including a smart energy monitor, compact fluorescent light globes (CFLs) and water efficient showerheads.
“The single most important element of this program is the installation of a household energy monitor which will provide householders with real time data about their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Seeing how much energy is being consumed and being able to measure the effect lifestyle changes can make to electricity consumption will encourage consumers to become more energy efficient.
“The end result will be cost savings for individual households and environmental benefits through greenhouse gas reductions.
“The ClimateSmart Home Service will also include a home energy audit to help households further reduce their energy consumption.
“The program will provide 260,000 services across the State in its first two years.”
Mr McNamara said the new service aims to make understanding and addressing climate change around the home a smart, simple low-cost process.
“There is growing evidence that household emissions can be substantially reduced without compromising quality of life,” Mr McNamara said.
“I am confident that Queenslanders will embrace this new home-based program and commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions around the home.
“The average Queensland household uses 30 kWh of electricity per day which results in the emission of 11 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year.
“We estimate that customers who undertake the ClimateSmart Home Service could achieve substantial greenhouse gas and financial savings.
“The installation of 15 CFLs, a shower rose and an expected 15% increase in energy efficiency as a result of the energy monitor means that every house participating in the service could save up to 3.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year and up to $240 on their annual electricity and water bills.”
The ClimateSmart Home Service will be available statewide to homes connected to the Energex and Ergon energy grid.
Queenslanders who are keen to register interest now to receive the ClimateSmart Home Service can do so at www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1800199 794.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the new ClimateSmart Home Service is a response to the community’s desire to play their part in responding to climate change.
The program, which will commence in January 2009, will be funded from the proceeds of the Queensland Government’s Climate Change Fund.
Mr McNamara said the new service is modelled on the successful Home WaterWise Service, and will help Queenslanders make a difference.
“Many Queenslanders have demonstrated their commitment towards water savings via the successful Target 140 campaign,” Mr McNamara said.
“I hope we can achieve the same outcomes in household energy efficiency that we have for our water use
“From the beginning of next year, the new ClimateSmart Home Service will help Queenslanders across the State reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by assisting them to improve energy efficiency.
“The service will involve the installation of energy-saving devices and detailed advice on ways to further reduce their carbon footprint.
“The State Government-subsidised ClimateSmart Home Service will operate in a similar manner to the Home WaterWise Service.
“For $50, a tradesperson will visit your home to provide advice and energy saving tools, including a smart energy monitor, compact fluorescent light globes (CFLs) and water efficient showerheads.
“The single most important element of this program is the installation of a household energy monitor which will provide householders with real time data about their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Seeing how much energy is being consumed and being able to measure the effect lifestyle changes can make to electricity consumption will encourage consumers to become more energy efficient.
“The end result will be cost savings for individual households and environmental benefits through greenhouse gas reductions.
“The ClimateSmart Home Service will also include a home energy audit to help households further reduce their energy consumption.
“The program will provide 260,000 services across the State in its first two years.”
Mr McNamara said the new service aims to make understanding and addressing climate change around the home a smart, simple low-cost process.
“There is growing evidence that household emissions can be substantially reduced without compromising quality of life,” Mr McNamara said.
“I am confident that Queenslanders will embrace this new home-based program and commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions around the home.
“The average Queensland household uses 30 kWh of electricity per day which results in the emission of 11 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year.
“We estimate that customers who undertake the ClimateSmart Home Service could achieve substantial greenhouse gas and financial savings.
“The installation of 15 CFLs, a shower rose and an expected 15% increase in energy efficiency as a result of the energy monitor means that every house participating in the service could save up to 3.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year and up to $240 on their annual electricity and water bills.”
The ClimateSmart Home Service will be available statewide to homes connected to the Energex and Ergon energy grid.
Queenslanders who are keen to register interest now to receive the ClimateSmart Home Service can do so at www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au or by phoning 1800199 794.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004