Insulation became mandatory in housing construction in 2002, with most homes built prior to this date having little or no insulation.
In Victoria alone the ABS Census revealed that approximately 700,000 homes having little or no insulation, necessitating large energy consumption, and bills, to stay warm.
Australia’s largely mild and warm climate has influenced our construction industry standards which have historically been focussed on the importance of protection from our sometime fierce summers, rather than the health and comfort impacts of the cold.
In the last 10 years there has been many studies conducted regarding the correlation between the cold, and inability to maintain a comfortable body temperature to death and illness.
Poorly insulated and heated homes have been linked to increases in the number of winter deaths and ill health, ranging from colds to pneumonia and hypothermia.
Immigrants from northern hemisphere, cold-climate countries say that their first winter in Australia is often the coldest that they have ever experienced, due to our homes offering little protection from the weather due to poor thermal building standards.
There is a sickening loop here, where the lack of insulation, and draughty homes, necessitates increased use of heating and associated costs which many people cannot afford, thus they live in extreme discomfort, risking their health.
Sustainability Victoria cites insulation as the cornerstone of an energy efficient home being the most cost-effective way to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of your home. A fully insulated home compared to a non-insulated home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling a home by around 40 to 50%.
Adding bulk insulation, either to new or existing homes creates a more comfortable home year round, virtually eliminates condensation on walls and ceilings and can pay for itself in around five to six years whilst you enjoy the associated health benefits.
By draught proofing and insulating your home you can keep the cold outside and the heating inside.
Written with reference to the study Cold Housing: Risk and Vulnerability – Housing Studies, 6 November 2019 and https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/You-and-your-home/Building-and-renovating/Insulation
Now, more than ever, ‘home’ means security, stability – and staying safe.
23,000 dwellings and 168 new homes to benefit from the NEW Victorian Government ‘Building Works Package’
As we face the biggest economic challenge in generations, and as industry and business find new and innovative ways to adapt, the Victorian Government is rolling up their sleeves to drive new economic activity – and with it, creating thousands of new jobs across the state.
The Government launched the first part of their Building Works package on 18 May, which will provide $2.7 billion towards shovel-ready projects – big and small – to get thousands of people back to work.
The package will create 3,700 direct jobs for construction workers, painters, plasterers, gardeners, engineers, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, maintenance workers, administration staff and many others. Thousands more jobs will be created across our supply chains, including manufacturing, logistics, transportation, warehousing and retail – while also pumping extra dollars back into our economy.
While creating solid jobs, these small projects will also mean the world to those who will benefit from them. Now, more than ever, ‘home’ means security, stability – and staying safe. It’s why this package also includes a big boost for public and community housing, with half-a-billion dollars to upgrade 23,000 dwellings and build 168 new homes across the state, all while creating new jobs for Victorians.
Read the full announcement at https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/building-works-more-jobs-for-victorians/