Climate change starts at home
14.04.09
Australian householders can start to address climate change in the home, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Climate Change Greg Combet said today.
Visiting Labor candidate for Fremantle Peter Tagliaferri's home today in Beaconsfield, Greg Combet said every Australian could make a difference.
"Climate change is a high priority for the Federal Government, as evidenced by the Energy Efficient Homes program announced in the February stimulus package," Mr Combet said.
"The Rudd Government has developed an action plan to address climate change and reduce emissions and this includes helping households and businesses to use energy more wisely."
Mr Combet said direct financial incentives and stronger energy efficiency regulations are helping households use less energy while saving money.
"Peter Tagliaferri's home showcases what every Australian householder can do to help reduce our environmental footprint," he said.
Mr Tagliaferri said he started to make changes to his house in Beaconsfield five years ago.
"My family and I wanted to make a difference and reduce our impact on the environment," Mr Tagliaferri said.
"I have installed rainwater tanks, energy efficient lights and solar panels and we re-use grey water in the house using the certified Greyboss system.
"About 50 per cent of household generated greenhouse emissions come from electricity.
"If our household needs power we draw 100 per cent renewable energy from the electricity grid through the government accredited GreenPower program.
Mr Tagliaferri said he had a strong track record when it came to protecting the environment.
He has:
- Opposed the transport of lead carbonate through the Port of Fremantle;
- Advocated for the use of sustainable transport options in Fremantle including continuing the CAT and FreoStar bus services and exploring alternative modes of transport;
- Promoted green initiatives including the planned application of $174,000 of Federal community infrastructure grants to install photovoltaic cells and solar hot water on council buildings; and
- Capped the former South Fremantle Landfill site.