- Ceiling insulation now eligible for zero-interest government loans in the ACT
- SHS helps ACT households increase energy efficiency by providing zero-interest loans of up to $15,000.
- Energy efficiency reforms will soon require rental properties to meet a minimum standard for ceiling insulation
ACT Government’s Sustainable Household Scheme (SHS) has expanded its list of eligible items to include ceiling insulation.
The scheme is designed to help ACT households improve their sustainability by providing zero-interest loans of up to $15,000. It facilitates this by eliminating the initial expenses that may impede households from making sustainable improvements.
The SHS has gained immense popularity, with total loans surpassing $110 million as of February 2023.
Chief Minister and Minister for Climate Action Andrew Barr said over 9,000 Canberra households have already utilised the Sustainable Household Scheme.
“With the upfront capital costs spread over time under the loans scheme, Canberrans are installing new energy-efficient products to reduce their household costs,” he said.
“Practical changes, such as ceiling insulation, make a real difference when it comes to reducing household energy costs and taking climate action.”
Andrew Barr, Chief Minister and Minister for Climate Action
“The interest in the Scheme shows how willing Canberrans are to make climate-conscious choices that deliver energy cost savings and emission reductions,” he said.
Mr Barr says the program contributes to the ACT’s target of net zero emissions by 2045.
The program has enhanced the sustainability of numerous residences, helping households reduce their expenses by increasing efficiency.
The ceiling insulation helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the chilly winters and scorching summers in the ACT. Heating and cooling account for nearly half of the energy consumed in a typical Canberra household.
Earlier this year, the ACT Government allocated an additional $50 million to the highly popular program.
At the beginning of this year, the ACT Government assigned an extra $50 million to the highly sought-after program.
New reform to benefit renters
New energy efficiency standards will be implemented from From 1 April 2023. They will require rental properties to meet a minimum standard for ceiling insulation.
ACT Attorney-General, Shane Rattenbury said this is an important reform.
“Many renters in the ACT are living in housing that is expensive to heat or cool and doesn’t meet expectations around having a suitable home to help maintain health, comfort and happiness,” he said.
“This is an important reform that will mean more Canberrans have healthy homes that support improved wellbeing and reduce energy costs for heating and cooling.
Shane Rattenbury, ACT Attorney-General
“The introduction of zero interest loans for ceiling insulation will help homeowners and rental property owners improve energy efficiency, increase thermal comfort, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of ACT homes,” Mr Rattenbury said.
Further details regarding the SHS, including loan application procedures, can be found on the website of Everyday Climate Choices.
