The built environment is a major user of energy, a major investor in end-use equipment and energy management, and is increasingly involved in energy supply through distributed generation. Around 20 percent of Australia’s final energy consumption occurs in the built environment, and a further 39 percent is used in transport, a component of the built environment. Therefore the White Paper should consider the role of the built environment in energy demand and supply.
Focusing on the right metric is crucial. This metric should be the size of energy bills and total cost of energy services, rather than the cost per unit of energy. For example, while Californian homes face per unit energy costs higher than the US national average, their relatively high level of energy efficiency means they have some of the lowest energy bills in the US.
This submission goes on to consider: regulatory reform, including tariff reform; workforce productivity; unlocking potential energy productivity; and, encouraging alternative and emerging energy sources and technology.