The Energy Efficiency Council’s latest report, The World’s First Fuel, examines the energy efficiency policies that leaders across major global economies have introduced, and what the key lessons are for Australia.

This report examines key energy management policies in other countries and is informed by extensive research and interviews with global experts from the US, Europe and Asia. EEC found that global private and public investment in energy efficiency was AU$346 billion in 2018, delivering dividends in reducing energy bills, ensuring energy security, reducing emissions and creating economic jobs and growth.

A chapter in the report is dedicated to improving the energy efficiency of residential and commercial. The report emphasises that no single policy can optimise energy management in the building sector, as energy is affected by a wide variety of factors. It therefore proposes that an effective approach to improving the energy efficiency of buildings requires an integrated strategy, such as the EU’s Energy Performance of Building’s Directive (2002).

In comparison to major global economies, EEC argue that Australia lags behind in pursuing energy efficiency. The report recommends that Australian governments take actions that include:

• Reforming institutions and introducing policies to ensure that we meet our national target to improve energy productivity by 40 per cent by 2030. While this target should be raised, we are already falling behind our current target.
• Adopting the principle ‘energy efficiency first’ to ensure that our energy strategies, policies and markets deliver the right mix of energy supply and energy management.
• Ensure that there is either a national energy efficiency scheme (EES) or an EES operating in every state and territory
• Help manufacturers identify and invest in opportunities to manage energy
• Introduce strong minimum standards for appliances, buildings and vehicles.

The report highlights a number of policies and programs that EEC assert Australia should adopt to ensure that our energy system is affordable, reliable and sustainable.

More information here