Myths and misconceptions, poor standards and slow business are some reason why Australia is behind the rest of the world when it comes to having inefficient residential and industrial buildings. Residential and commercial buildings account for nearly half of annual global energy intake and greenhouse gases.
In Reality, the Australian Academy of Science states that in keeping our standard of living, every Australian generates enough carbon dioxide (CO2) to replace the column of air above one square meter of land, each year.
Moreover, the average Australian Home will produce enough CO2 to replace the air above it with greenhouse gas completely. There’s absolutely no way our present levels of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions could be sustained.
Designing and construction energy efficient Residential and commercial buildings is a priority for Australia. It’s crucial that the construction and construction industry moves to higher star rating buildings that provide better energy and thermal efficiency and comfort. Overseas, the transfer to power efficient construction occurred over 30years ago. The US and Europe have been driving sustainable construction through government initiatives, business construction codes and standards. However, the Australian construction sector has been slow in ensuring all factors of building are contributing to energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
Energy and thermally efficient buildings significantly lower the energy needed for cooling and heating.
Windows accounted for over 55 per cent of all new and replacement Windows in America in 2012. In Australia, it is estimated that the dual Glazed window market is less than five per cent, though we have a similar climate to portions of the USA.