Energy
Energy Future: 6 step action plan
The NSW Government has announced a $150-million Energy Efficiency Strategy to help families and businesses save money and help the environment. The package will reduce the growth in energy use and the State's greenhouse gas emissions.
The NSW community is becoming more and more aware of the impacts that producing and using energy have on the environment. The Who Cares about the Environment in 2006? survey reported that climate change and energy issues had jumped to being the 4th and 5th most important environmental issues respectively: an increasing number of respondents also reported taking their own steps to reduce energy use, such as reducing fuel consumption on a regular basis.
In Australia, 90% of household energy comes from fossil fuels such as coal. This creates greenhouse gas pollution and causes global warming and climate change. One tonne of greenhouse gas would fill a family home and Australian households produce an average of eight tonnes of greenhouse gas every year.
DECC coordinates the NSW Government's response to climate change, which includes strategies to reduce emissions, encourage efficient use of water and promote adaptation research.
DECC supports energy efficiency in the community through the $340 million NSW Climate Change Fund, established in July 2007. The fund offers residential rebates for hot water systems, insulation and rainwater tanks. It will also provide $40 million to support the development of renewable energy sources.
GreenPower enables households to choose to buy their energy from clean, renewable sources such as wind turbines, solar, micro-hydro and biomass. Green Power providers are government-accredited to provide assurance that your purchase is decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and actively contributing to the development of the Australian renewable energy industry.
DECC manages the national NABERS (the National Australian Built Environment Rating System) tool in NSW. NABERS is designed to provide you with a simple indication of how well you are managing environmental impacts compared with your peers and neighbours.
Our environment - It's a living thing website offers tips and suggestions for buying efficient products, making your home energy smart and employing EnergySmart building design.
Advice about renewable energy, solar power and energy-efficient appliances can also be found at the Energy, utilities and sustainability website.