A new and renamed energy efficiency rating is being used to guide upgrades in Australian homes, with the change extending beyond new builds to include existing dwellings. Reporting across Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane says the standard has been updated and expanded, so homeowners with older properties can assess performance and plan improvements using the same framework previously focused mainly on new construction.
One example highlighted in multiple outlets is a 1930s weatherboard cottage described as feeling uncomfortably hot and poorly insulated, likened to a “damn tent.” The coverage explains that the updated rating helps identify energy-related issues and supports decisions about targeted upgrades such as insulation and other building improvements.
While the outlets focus on different local contexts, they broadly agree on the practical impact: the renamed rating applies to a wider set of homes, making it more accessible for residents seeking to reduce energy use and improve comfort. The stories also note the change reflects an ongoing shift toward improving the energy performance of Australia’s existing housing stock, not only newly built dwellings.
