Boosting efficiency seen as a means to lower ongoing energy expenses
Australians are placing increased value on energy-efficient homes as the country faces a cost-of-living crisis, according to a new report.
The PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, which gathered insights from over 4,500 participants of the realestate.com.au Residential Audience Pulse Survey and nearly 1,500 Origin customers, has revealed that 59% of Australian renters and buyers consider energy efficiency ratings crucial when purchasing, renting, or constructing homes.
In the context of soaring home and rental market prices, a notable proportion of buyers (77%) and renters (72%) value energy efficiency as a means to lower ongoing energy expenses.
Among renters, the adoption of smart appliances emerged as a favoured method for improving energy efficiency at a minimal cost, with 25% of renters surveyed owning at least one such device.
Solar energy, in particular, has gained popularity among both renters and buyers as a strategy for boosting energy efficiency, with 85% of buyers and 67% of renters expressing interest in solar panel installations.
Geographically, Tasmanians (69%) show the highest concern for energy efficiency, closely followed by Victorians and South Australians (each at 62%).
“With home prices and median rents growing across the country, adopting energy-efficient features could help Australians reduce their bills amid an ongoing cost-of-living crisis,” said Karen Dellow (pictured above left), senior analyst at PropTrack. “Regardless of their home-ownership status, Australians are looking to energy efficiency to help manage the cost of living.
“Increasing energy efficiency in the home will play a pivotal role in cutting carbon emissions and managing the cost of living for many Australians. Therefore, it is important we understand what is motivating households and holding them back from certain energy-efficient features to ensure they are accessible to as many as possible.”
Jon Briskin (pictured above right), executive general manager for retail at Origin Energy, stated that while there has been growing interest in smarter and cleaner energy solutions, the research also found barriers and challenges that remain for some people to understand and access their benefits.
“With cost-of-living pressures having an impact for Australian households, the energy industry has an important role to play in making sure no one is left behind and that all Australians, regardless of their circumstances, can take control of their energy and benefit from a cleaner and smarter energy future,” Briskin said.
“The energy solutions that work for different Australian households will vary significantly based on their specific needs, so it is our role to help customers navigate the complexity and make it simple and easy for them.”
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