澳大利亚从7月1日起向现有住宅开放家庭能源评级系统，旨在帮助房主了解其居住房屋的能源效率水平，并为节能改造提供指导。[1] 该举措针对的是澳大利亚广泛存在的能源效率问题——约70%的1100万套房屋和公寓建于最低效率标准推出前，其中典型现有住宅的平均能源评级仅为2-3星，远低于新建房屋7星的最低强制标准。[1]
为支持居民进行节能改造，各州政府推出了相应的资金扶持计划。[1] 新州居民可获得2000至15000澳元的零利息贷款，用于能源评估和升级工程。[1] 维州则将从明年3月实施最低租赁标准，要求房东关注隔热、防风和电器升级等方面。[1] 成本效益最高的升级方案是安装门窗密封条，这种改造成本最低但效果显著。[1] 以Bruce Pearson的山地住宅为例，通过升级后，其能源评级从初始的1.2星提升至2.5星。[1]
Australia has introduced a Home Energy Ratings system for existing residential properties, opening to homeowners from July 1st.[1] The initiative aims to help residents understand their homes' energy efficiency and direct investment toward cost-effective improvements.
The country faces a significant energy efficiency challenge, with approximately 70 percent of its 11 million homes and apartments built before stringent efficiency standards were established.[1] While new construction must meet a minimum 7-star energy rating, existing dwellings average only 2 to 3 stars.[1] State governments have responded with financial support, including interest-free loans ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 Australian dollars available to New South Wales residents for energy assessments and upgrades.[1]
One homeowner's experience illustrates the potential for improvement. Bruce Pearson's mountain residence initially received a 1.2-star rating but achieved 2.5 stars after targeted upgrades.[1] Among retrofit options, installing weatherstripping around doors and windows emerged as the most cost-effective solution, offering significant efficiency gains at minimal expense.[1] Victoria will introduce minimum rental standards beginning in March of the following year, requiring landlords to prioritize improvements such as insulation, weatherproofing, and appliance upgrades.[1]