Government's solar policy gets lukewarm response

Archicentre, the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, welcomed the increased rebates of up to $8,000 for homes and $12,000 for schools and community groups as a means of increasing the number of solar installations, but warned that it is also important for the community generally to become more informed about the management of their homes.

Managing Director of Archicentre Robert Caulfield said that all political parties should be looking at a fundamental education program for schools that imbeds environmental consumer education into the curriculum on buying or building a sustainable home. "Combating global warning is not rocket science and most of the weapons are within the collective hands of the community and government at all levels and a national consistent environmental education program aimed at changing behaviour and attitude towards energy and water use should be both a short and long term strategy", Mr Caulfield said.

"These measures could be implemented in all home renovations, new homes and by buyers of existing homes."

Mr Caulfield said that the community should not depend on political parties to fix the greenhouse issue by just throwing money at the problem.

"The biggest issue is changing peoples' attitudes on how they manage resources in their homes and workplaces. The simple task of placing a desk near a window in the home office could see natural light being used rather than full time lighting being required".

"Wearing warmer clothes in winter in the home could see the lowering of the level of heat required".

"Simple measures such as switching to energy efficient light bulbs, better insulation and ventilation, utilising overhanging eaves, installing shade pergolas, water efficient taps, showerheads and toilets and the use of blinds in hot climates can all contribute to combating global warming".

Mr Caulfield said that a better use of materials in construction, orientation of buildings to maximise solar energy, lessening the use of air conditioners and heaters in homes and offices could make a major impact on global warming.

The Australian Conservation Foundation said that while the Federal Budget contains some useful funding for environmental initiatives, it shows "no commitment to reduce greenhouse emissions by 2020 and does not match the scale of the action required to tackle climate change".

Source. http://www.mortgagebroker.com.au Educating Australians