The Nature Conservation Council of NSW is calling on Australian governments to follow the community’s lead and support further energy savings by government, business and households.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Energy Use in Australian Homes report released today found almost 90 per cent of the community said they “tooks steps to limit their personal energy use in 2007-08”.
“The community is streets ahead of government in recognising that saving energy is a simple and cost-effective way of reducing our greenhouse emissions,” said Climate Campaigner Max Phillips.
“The Institute of Sustainable Futures, using latest projections of NSW’s electricity use by Transgrid, has shown greater energy efficiency, demand management and renewable energy could eliminate the need for new power stations in NSW.
“Other research has indicated current technology could reduce energy use in the manufacturing, commercial and residential sectors by 30 per cent, with an average payback on investment in only four years.
“The science is telling us that NSW needs to reduce its emissions by at least 40% by 2020 and prioritising energy saving can achieve immediate, substantial cuts to our emissions.
“It’s time the government implemented policies that help households and businesses capitalise on energy efficiency opportunities, and assists them with the cost of purchasing energy saving solutions,” Mr Phillips said.
