RP3016: The EnergyFit Homes Initiative: Empowering consumers

The EnergyFit Homes Initiative is a collaborative approach to unlocking the value of energy efficient homes for buyers, renters and investors. This project examines the factors that motivate the purchase and lease of low carbon homes. It involves industry (CSR, Stockland, the Australian Windows Association, Fletcher Insulation, Knauf Insulation, AGL Energy, the Clean Energy Council, the Energy Efficiency Council, Low Energy Supplies & Services and the Centre for Liveability Real Estate), government (NSW Office of Environment and Heritage) and research organisations (CSIRO, Swinburne University and UNSW). For details, please contact the project leader.

Numerous assessment and rating tools have been developed to monitor and motivate buyers of low carbon homes. However, the lower-than-anticipated purchase demand, despite the higher potential sale value for these homes, suggests that this emphasis has not resonated with home buyers. In response, this project proposes a consumer-facing, end-user perspective to understand how energy rating tool metrics are utilised, and how the new and existing home buyer and leasing market can be engaged by these or other metrics.

Program

Program 3: Engaged Communities

Project leader

Dr Nina Hall

Project status

Complete

Project period

07/2014 to 07/2016

Peer Reviewed Research Publications
Posters
News
Partners
Students

_{CRCLCL Project Reports}

RP3016: 2016 Final Report & Associated Working Papers

This report and eight associated working papers are a deliverable for the Project RP3016: ‘Enhancing the market for low-carbon homes at point of sale and lease’ funded by the CRC for Low Carbon Living. This project is publicly known as the EnergyFit Homes Project: empowering consumers to recognise and value homes with better health, comfort and sustainability benefits and lower running costs.

The EnergyFit Homes Project seeks to develop a pathway for enhancing the market for energy efficient homes at point of sale and lease. The project takes a consumer-facing, end-user perspective to understand the most effective content, format, source and delivery of tools and other resources to engage the new and existing homebuyer and lessee market and drive a new value proposition in residential real estate. Using this information, the project will develop an Australian framework for a best practice voluntary rating system to measure and communicate energy efficient home performance at the point of sale and lease, and develop the business case and plan for implementation.

This report sets out the recommended implementation pathway and cost benefit analysis for a national voluntary disclosure system to measure, benchmark and effectively communicate information on the energy performance of existing homes, especially at the time of sale or lease. It draws on the eight earlier research streams from the project undertaken by CSIRO and Common Capital.

_{CRCLCL Presentations}

Participants Annual Forum 2015 - RP3016 The EnergyFit Homes Initiative: Empowering consumers

Participants Annual Forum 2015 - Day 1

RP3016 The EnergyFit Homes Initiative: Empowering consumers

Stephen White, CSIRO Energy for Buildings Manager

Participants Annual Forum 2015 - RP3016 project snapshot (1086577 PDF)

RP3016: Participant Annual Forum 2014 - CRCLCL Exemplar 3: Influencing Low Carbon Choices at Point of Sale

Participant Annual Forum 2014 - Day 1

Participant Annual Forum 2014 - CRCLCL Exemplar 3: Influencing Low Carbon Choices at Point of Sale

Dr Nina Hall, Social Scientist in the Adaptive Social and Economic Systems Program, CSIRO

Cecille Weldon, Head of Sustainable Real Estate, LJ Hooker

CRCLCL Exemplar 3: Influencing Low Carbon Choices at Point of Sale (669821 PDF)

_{CRCLCL Project Posters}

Research Snapshot Poster - RP3016

Research Snapshot A3 size poster from Participants Annual Forum 2014

Research Snapshot Poster - RP3016 (237009 PDF)

Student Poster 2014 - RP3016

Student Poster - Participants Annual Forum 2014, Liz Locksley - Size A2

Student Poster 2014 - RP3016 (4425194 PDF)

_{News articles}

Media Release: Consumers Want Energy-Efficiency Info on Homes

1 August 2016

New research by the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) reveals strong consumer demand for home energy-efficiency information. Most buyers want these details in building reports, at inspections, and in property ads, with half willing to pay for it.

The EnergyFit Homes Project, led by CSIRO and Common Capital, found that 90% of building professionals also support energy disclosure at the point of sale or lease. Dr Stephen White from CRCLCL said a national voluntary rating system would be widely accepted and could increase home values by 3–14%, as seen overseas. Simulated tests showed Australian buyers preferred homes with high energy ratings.

The study recommends a national, low-cost rating system overseen by government and industry, offering energy performance ratings and improvement tips. The proposed system could deliver up to $733 million in household bill savings, $5 billion in industry investment, and significant electricity savings.

Lead author Henry Adams said it’s time for a consumer-friendly energy rating system, similar to GreenPower or NABERS. Luke Menzel, CEO of the Energy Efficiency Council, added that energy disclosure is a basic consumer right and would help buyers and renters understand comfort and running costs before moving in.

Media Contact:
Sharon Kelly – s.kelly@lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au | +61 414 780 077
More info: info@lowcarbonlivingcrc.com.au

RP3016 EnergyFit Homes Media Release August 2016

_{Partners on this project}