INTRODUCTION
These articles examine energy efficiency and energy use in Australian homes. The articles discuss the use of renewable and green energy sources in households, the size and building characteristics of homes and the selection and use of household appliances and white goods.
The residential sector accounted for about 8% of Australia’s total energy use in 2006–07 (ABARE 2008). Space heating/cooling and water heating together accounted for nearly two-thirds (63%) of household energy use (DEWHA 2008).
Energy consumption in households is an important contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly because of Australia’s heavy reliance on fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas) for electricity generation. Australia’s direct greenhouse gas emissions for the residential sector (including transport) were about 9% of total emissions, an increase of 25% since 1990 (DCC 2008).
It is generally considered that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contribute to climate change, including the likelihood of greater rainfall variability and more extreme temperatures (SoE 2006). Australia’s per capita greenhouse gas emissions are the highest of any OECD country (Garnaut 2008).
| The ABS welcomes feedback on this analysis in terms of its relevance, usefulness and quality. Please send any comments to callie.piccoli@abs.gov.au or phone (02) 6252 5012. |
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