While the ACT Government has committed to introducing minimum rental standards by requiring landlords to have ceiling insulation installed, organisations across Australia say they’re ignoring other options.
More than 30 organisations have formed a joint submission for the ACT Government to have greater ambition as it begins to introduce minimum energy efficiency standards for rental properties next year.
Climate Council of Australia councillor, Professor Will Steffen, said improving housing standards is an important step to continuing the ACT’s climate action record.
“The ACT Government has shown outstanding leadership on climate action, achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity and taking strong measures to decarbonise the transport sector, but there is more to be done,” he said.
“Heating and cooling also generate significant emissions, and the ACT Government has the opportunity to ratchet up its proposed action on ceiling insulation to encompass a broader, more effective suite of actions to both cut emissions further and improve liveability for Canberra’s growing rental community.”
ACTCOSS CEO Dr Emma Campbell said addressing energy poverty to create a fair journey to net zero emissions cannot be done without minimum energy efficiency rental standards.
“We need to be reducing emissions and doing it in a way that supports vulnerable households. For people on low incomes, energy bills chew up a big chunk of the household budget,” she said.
“Helping people heat and cool their homes more cheaply means that people can afford their bills while still being able to put food on the table.”
Executive director of Better Renting, Joel Dignam, said the ACT Government needs to seize the opportunity to improve renters’ health outcomes.
“With more families renting with children, and more people renting long-term, this is not a time for half-measures when it comes to protecting health. Improved standards will mean healthier indoor temperatures in summer and winter,” he said.
“This means fewer trips to the doctor and less chance of ending up in the emergency department. The ACT Government now has the opportunity to show greater ambition.”
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