Environment and Climate Change >
Climate Change Policy
Climate Change is one of the fundamental issues of our time. It is affecting our rainfall and weather patterns, and poses a threat to our economy and livelihoods. In 2004, Australian greenhouse emissions per capita were the highest in the world, at 28.2 tonnes.
Since 1950 Victoria’s average temperature has increased every decade and is predicted to rise by between 0.8 and 5 degrees Celsius by 2070. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change advises that dangerous climate change and irreversible damage to our ecosystems occur when temperatures rise by more than two degrees. For Victoria, this means a much drier climate with serious water supply challenges; more bushfires, floods and storms of greater intensity; and more pressure on our threatened animals and plants.
Our Government recognises the threat of climate change and has taken on the challenge to reduce Victoria’s greenhouse emissions. The Government’s plan to tackle climate change is based on the dual strategies of establishing a regulatory framework for reducing emissions, through the strategy Tackling Climate Change: Helping Victoria play its part, and assisting households to reduce their energy demand and switch to sustainable alternatives through Tackling Climate Change: Helping families play their part.
Tackling Climate Change: Helping Victoria play its part
Targets for greenhouse emissions reductions are necessary to achieve real progress and create certainty for businesses and households.
Our Government is implementing a Victorian Renewable Energy Target (VRET) to ensure the strong growth in the renewable energy industry continues. VRET requires energy retailers to purchase 10 per cent renewable energy by 2016 and will cut greenhouse emissions by 27 million tonnes – equivalent to removing every car off Victoria’s roads for a period of two years. Victoria is the only State to mandate that energy retailers are required to purchase a minimum of 10 per cent renewable energy.
We are investing in energy efficiency, both in renewable energy and in reducing the emissions from coal. The Government has invested $50 million in the Solar Systems Pty Ltd solar power station in north-west Victoria and $7.1 million for a Clean Coal Authority to develop clean coal industries.
Tackling Climate Change: Helping families play their part Individuals account for a large proportion of our greenhouse emissions. It is important that Victorians understand climate change and know what they can do at a personal level to reduce their contributions of greenhouse emissions and adapt to its effects.
Our Government is currently identifying ways to support further action such as:
- Adopting a target of a 10% reduction in household emissions by 2010
- Requiring energy retailers to help households reduce energy consumption through energy efficiency
- Cutting Government energy use by 20% by 2010 based on 2000 levels
- A commitment to increase the Government's purchase of Green Power to 25% by 2010
Since 2003 it has been compulsory for new houses to have a 5 star energy rating for their building fabric and to include a rainwater tank or a solar hot water system, in addition to minimum standards for heating and cooling appliances. Five Star environmental ratings are now mandatory for all new Government office accommodation and we are also investigating minimum energy and water efficiency standards for building renovations.
Through the mandatory Minimum Energy Performance Standards, households and businesses are encouraged to upgrade to more efficient key appliances and equipment through rebates. The current programs include:
- A $100 rebate for the purchase and installation of ceiling insulation in uninsulated houses
- A $100 rebate for replacing an old washing machine with a high efficiency model that also has at least a Four Star water rating
- A $100 rebate for replacing an old fridge with a high efficiency model and further rebates for new heaters, coolers and other appliances with energy efficient models
- A $100 rebate for upgrading heating and cooling systems to high efficiency models
- $2.1 Million for energy efficiency retrofits for public housing estates
A Snapshot of Victorian Climate Change Achievements
- Renewable energy projects announced since VRET include: Waubra wind project near Ararat; Mt Gellibrand wind project near Colac; and Macarthur wind project near Portland
- Regional climate change projections incorporated into key impact and vulnerability assessments for water, infrastructure, alpine resorts, agriculture and bushfire
- Government has exceeded its target for a 15% increase in energy efficiency in its facilities
- 20,000 existing homes and offices have switched to solar power
- Over 100,000 Victorians now buy Green Power
- The 500 largest greenhouse gas emitters in Victoria now save over 1 million tonnes of greenhouse gases
- Over 3000 homes retro-fitted to help low-income families save on power bills
- 95% of all households have access to kerbside recycling
- The world’s highest newspaper recycling rate at 80.3%
- Over 55% of all packaging waste including paper, cardboard, glass, steel, aluminium and plastic is now recycled
Existing strategies and programs to reduce greenhouse emissions or adapt to impacts
- Clean Energy Technology: Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS)
- Education and Behaviour Change: “Black Balloons” awareness campaign
- Industry: EPA Industry Greenhouse Program; Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans
- Energy Supply: The Greenhouse Challenge for Energy
- Transport: Melbourne 2030; TravelSmart; hybrid bus trials
- Adaptation: Our Water Our Future; Victorian Climate Change Adaptation Program
- Government: sustainable energy targets; Environmental Management Systems
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