New energy saving initiatives

On World Environment Day, June 5 2008, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts announced three new initiatives to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

• 10-star television labeling scheme to identify energy-efficient sets at point of sale;
• ‘Your Home Renovator's Guide’ for householders and renovators identify ways to incorporate energy saving measures into their homes; and
• accelerated phase-out of incandescent light bulbs 

The television rating scheme will be phased in over the next 12 months. The label is similar to those used on other electrical appliances. The voluntary scheme will come into effect within the next six months, followed by a proposal to introduce mandatory labeling and standards in 2009.

The guide provides tips for homeowners to drive down energy usage, while making their homes comfortable and more environmentally friendly from the front door to the backyard.

The Australian government and Lighting Council Australia joined forces to fast-track the phase out of inefficient light bulbs in Australia, bringing forward an import ban to November 2008.

The 12-month acceleration of the 4-year phase out, beginning with the introduction of a ban on imported incandescent lamps from 2008, will result in earlier cuts to greenhouse emissions of over four million tonnes per year.

Retailers will then have a further 12 months to sell existing supplies before any retail bans come into effect.