Scott Ludlam (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

asked the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, upon notice, on 16 March 2011:

With reference to residential building codes being changed from five to six star minimum standards, and to follow up on figures provided during the 2010-11 Budget Estimates of the Environment, Communications and the Arts Legislation Committee in May 2010 (in particular, question no. 68):

(1) The answer states, ‘As noted in the RIS, the cost estimates are conservative and are not “low” or “least cost”. There is significant scope for planners, designers and builders to minimise capital costs by better dwelling orientation, design and material selection’, when are these factors expected to be included in minimum standards.

(2) What is the average dwelling lifetime of concrete, a material that is being used widely in housing, particularly medium to high density constructions, and commercial ‘tilt ups’.

(3) When will commercial buildings be subject to minimum energy efficiency standards.

(4) Why is there currently no national minimum energy efficiency standard for commercial buildings and when is one expected to be put in place.

(5) How many people within the department are devoted specifically to improving the design and efficiency of commercial buildings.