A study by the State Government has found the use of verandahs, decks and patios is making a major contribution to limiting green house gas emissions by reducing the use of air conditioners. Deputy Premier Paul Lucas spoke to the Sunday Mail recently urging people to spend more time outside to fight global warming. A State Government survey revealed that 9 out of 10 homes in the tropics have air conditioners and three quarters of those in the sub tropical coastal region stretching from the Gold Coast to Mackay also had them.
The Government report also said that 70% of house holders in those areas used outdoor living areas frequently especially in summer. The Deputy Premier said “The statewide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is estimated between 940,000 tonnes and 2.1 million tonnes a year, that’s equivalent to taking 188,000 and 420,000 cars off the road per year,” Mr Lucas said.
The study was undertaken as part of moves by the State Government to introduce regulations requiring all new homes to meet a five star energy-efficiency rating from early next year. Ninety percent of the respondents supported the move, with nearly three-quarters of people in the tropics and subtropics turning off their cooling systems when they were outdoors. Many outdoor areas are used several times a day at breakfast, lunch, after school, at dinner and into the evening. The Deputy Premier went on to say “Decks have always been part of the Queensland way of life. This shows they will be an important part of our future as well”.
Timber Queensland welcomes the State Government survey, and trusts that the Deputy Premier and his Building Codes Department will ensure that Queenslander’s are not penalised in achieving five star energy ratings by integrating the outdoor living areas into an energy rating system for Queensland. Timber Queensland has been lobbying the Deputy Premier and his Department for some time to ensure the five star housing in Queensland does not discriminate against our outdoor lifestyle. — Timber Talk (Timber Queensland’s fortnightly newsletter).
