What does the Climate Change Action Plan mean for individuals?
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The plan feels like a good combination of providing incentives and education about smart environmental choices.
On the incentive side
Unsurprisingly the main highlight is that there will be more rebates for solar hot water installation. The will also be a new voluntary emissions offset program for road users and doubling the current Victorian Energy Saver Incentive. There will also be support for the electric vehicles market but this doesn't seem to have a direct impact on individuals except for our comfort that better technical and safety standards will be pursued, and re-charging infrastructure will be bolstered. However, instead of the existing $50 discount on car registration for hybrid cars, the discount will be doubled and will also apply to electric cars.
On the education side
Home energy performance will be mandatory to disclose when homes are sold or leased which will help create awareness and establish a direct link between energy efficiency and dollar value. This will also be an interesting challenge for the estate agency market. All new houses to be built with a minimum 6 star energy rating and all existing homes will be targeted to have a minimum 5 star energy rating by 2020. Climate change education will be introduced into more schools through the AuSSI Vic program and various other programs like the Climate Change Preparedness Program (prepare Victorians for change, obviously) and Community Registers to support more vulnerable community members. Possibly the most exciting part (if done well) is the Climate Communities Web Portal - where people will have better access to comprehensive info and advice.
These are the broad strokes. Want to point out we've missed something? Or have a comment?
Electrical Quotes
from local electricians
