Insulation
Unlocking a reduction in energy demand By James Bedford Product Portfolio Manager, Knauf Insulation
Changing the way households pursue energy savings will reduce the requirement for energy generation
chain benefits by reducing peak load on the power grid. The Australian Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources identifies Australian households as being directly responsible for 20% of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Initial data from smart metering In order to achieve ambitious 2050 net technology in the EU suggests that the zero carbon targets, it is essential for renovation of 400,000 homes, focusing both Federal and State governments on improving the thermal resistance of to address the demand side of energy the external building envelope, would efficiency with similar focus and investment that is currently dedicated to reduce demand by 2,000 gigawatt hours per year. the supply side of the market. Further European studies have shown Over the last 20 years, many countries have implemented successful initiatives that slightly improving the thermal to improve energy efficiency in buildings, resistance of the external envelope of a house can reduce household power and recently many governments have usage by up to 70%, highlighting why further prioritised energy efficiency insulation is the low-hanging fruit of in buildings as a rebound mechanism energy efficiency upgrades. To provide out of the economic challenges caused a sense of the opportunity in Australia, by the COVID-19 global pandemic. a pitt & sherry report has estimated that Improving the energy efficiency of buildings is not only a jobs multiplier but between 800,000 and 1.4 million homes do not have ceiling insulation, and also delivers positive health outcomes, even more do not have wall insulation. environmental outcomes and supply
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