Climate Change is one of the largest challenges facing Australia. If we all do our bit, it has been projected that we can cut our emissions by 30% through comprehensive energy efficiency programs. There are some great programs around to help to improve residential energy efficiency, but low-income renters are falling through the cracks and missing out on opportunities to make their homes more energy efficient.

It’s not fair

Those who will be hit hardest by climate change have contributed least to the problem. Low-income households typically use much less energy than the wealthiest households, but energy and water bills account for twice as big a proportion of their total household budget. Low-income renters are often stuck with inefficient appliances and houses that are difficult to heat and cool, all of which make it very difficult for them to reduce their energy consumption. This makes low-income renters more vulnerable when energy prices go up, which is likely when the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme is introduced in 2010.

It’s not healthy

Uninsulated or poorly insulated homes are not only less comfortable, they also  make their tenants less healthy. Studies have shown that quality of life is 10% higher in insulated homes with draught stoppers than in homes without. People can experience 40 to 50% less wheezing, colds, and respiratory illnesses once their homes are insulated. These problems are likely to worsen as climate change produces more extreme weather. The high energy cost of heating and cooling poorly insulated homes also contributes to the problems associated with poverty, including social isolation, stress and poor nutrition.

It’s not going to fix itself

Low-income renters tend not to have the funds to upgrade their homes, cannot do so for legal reasons, and may not be confident asking landlords to make improvements for fear of losing their lease. Landlords have no incentive to make energy efficiency improvements because they do not pay the energy bills, and may be wary of increased costs for making improvements to their rental property.