Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA)

The ABSA applauds the government for committing to helping householders manage the impact of a carbon price; but in doing so, encourages them to ensure that at least some of the compensation paid to householders under the proposed carbon price is directed towards permanently improving home energy efficiency, so that change is "hardwired‟.

"The case for improving building sustainability exists with or without a carbon price," Michael Plunkett, ABSA‟s Chairman said.

"We have over eight million existing dwellings across Australia and if compensation is to be paid to householders, as the Federal Government has consistently indicated, we believe that some of those funds must be earmarked to hardwire change in the home.

"The first step in constituting change is the most important. ABSA believes that each householder needs to understand what the best solutions are for them to improve energy efficiency in and around the home. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. A detailed assessment by a qualified assessor ensures that households can identify proven ways to lower their carbon emissions and save a considerable amount on their quarterly utility bills," Mr Plunkett said.

"It is only when an assessment has been undertaken that the best methods for improvement can be identified - we strongly believe that you can‟t manage what you haven‟t measured.

"Without first understanding then targeting the specific needs of individual households, compensation dollars may not be well spent by Government.

"Compensation to those householders who are most affected, but are least able to pay, should take precedence. Handing out money as a simple offset against cost increases does nothing to secure long term change, and won‟t help us to substantially reduce emissions from existing housing stock," he said.

"There is a big job that must be done in Australia - that of creating lasting and meaningful change in homes across the country. Change that is hardwired into the fabric of the home," Mr Plunkett said.

The Multi-Party Climate Change Committee (MPCCC) in its 'Principles to guide development of a carbon price mechanism' indicates, "assistance should be provided to those households and communities most needing help to adjust to a carbon price, while striving to maintain incentives to change behaviour and reduce pollution." Ref.

"ABSA believes that householder compensation should be targeted and well thought through and the best way to do this it to link payments to a range of recommendations made as a result of assessment of an existing home by a qualified assessor. In improving the existing building stock in this way we should not forget the other essential component to ensure a less energy and water intensive future in our built environment, that is to continue to improve standards for new homes", Mr Plunkett said.

"Directing carbon compensation in these ways will help hardwire change in the household and will ensure that carbon compensation is money well spent," he said.