RP3017: Adelaide Living Laboratory - Value Proposition: Low Carbon Housing Policy

This report systematically presents a framework for which benefits and costs of a low carbon housing policy are perceived by the State Government investor. The research findings extend global knowledge of the value of low carbon living to the Government investor, particularly by incorporating industry learning factors, applying actual energy use evidence inclusive of rebound impacts, and including peak demand network benefits.

 

The report finds clear evidence there are multiple benefits associated with a low carbon living housing policy of mandating net zero energy homes. The Government investor would expect to achieve multiple policy outcomes across areas as diverse as health and wellbeing, productivity, energy, as well as the public budget. From a macro-economic perspective, although many impacts were not able to be monetised with sufficient confidence, the Government investor will experience a net increase in local employment, downward pressure on energy prices, and increased economic activity within a more efficient economy better able to respond to world energy price increases.

 

The empirical evidence demonstrates that low carbon living will provide many benefits including improved energy efficiency, energy network infrastructure savings, improved human health and wellbeing, carbon emission reductions, and benefits from increased social capital. The benefits far outweigh the costs associated with creating low carbon housing.