The demand for water is increasing in Victoria, especially in the residential sector, where ongoing population growth and the subsequent demand for new homes are major drivers.
Water efficiency has an important role to play in meeting the future supply demand balance and avoiding more costly supply augmentations for cities and towns. Ensuring the use of readily available efficient water using products in either new homes and rental properties or all homes, would have the potential to contribute substantively to reduced water demand across Victoria. It would also lead to significant bill savings for many households.
Minimum water efficiency standards under the Commonwealths Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme could have a major impact on the water efficiency of fixtures and fittings in all homes by regulating what can be sold in the market. Other regulatory mechanisms could introduce minimum standards for what is fitted in new homes and renovation works, as well as for rental homes.
The study applied end-use and stock modelling methods to develop forecasts and then estimate water, energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings from each of the options. The economic evaluation of the options considered the value of the forecast savings compared to the anticipated costs of the various policies.
The assessment found that several options for increasing to improve water efficiency increasing the minimum standards in Victorian homes would be highly beneficial and provide significant water, energy and GHG savings. The cost benefit analysis showed that these measures would yield a positive net benefit to society as a whole as well as bill savings to households. The study supports further development of and subsequent implementation of regulatory changes that would promote increased water efficiency in the residential sector.
Researchers
-
Professor and Research Director -
Associate Professor and Research Director -
Research Principal -
Research Assistant -
Senior Research Consultant -
Senior Research Consultant
Year
- 2021
Location
- Victoria
Client
- Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning, Victoria
