Rockingham charity’s insulation drive

A Rockingham-based charity is working to fight climate change and cut power bills for low-income families.

The Australian Insulation Foundation provides insulation to families in need and has just installed insulation in 19 social housing homes.

The free insulation will help residents cut down their power consumption.

Foundation chief executive Stephen King said all homes should have the benefit of the energy standards applied to new homes.

“Newly constructed homes carry a mandatory roof insulation minimum rating of R4 and above,” he said.

“We would like to see the same legislation applied to all existing homes.

“Vulnerable communities are unfairly disadvantaged when it comes to the health benefits and energy savings that come with appropriate insulation.

“We would like to see R4 and above ceiling insulation to be installed and mandatory for all rentals and especially social housing.”

Clean State Director of Research and Policy Chantal Caruso said insulation could make a huge impact on climate change at a low cost.

“It costs the government around $300,000 to build a new social housing dwelling, but only an extra $1500 to make it meet a six-star energy standard,” Ms Caruso said.

“That standard means a huge saving in power consumption, which benefits the residents and the grid for many years to come.

“Retrofitting existing homes would also have an incredible positive impact for the environment and for people’s cost of living.”