Market Update | 23 August

• Climate Reporting made Mandatory under new Legislation for Big Business
• A closer look at Australia’s residential thermal efficiency
• Household Energy Upgrades Fund sees $160 million

New Laws Energise Climate Reporting

The Federal Government has successfully passed new legislation through the Senate aimed at modernising Australia’s financial system and promoting investment in cleaner, cheaper, and more reliable energy. The Treasury Laws Amendment introduces mandatory climate reporting for large companies starting in 2025, establishing a framework for high-quality climate-related financial disclosures to support the net zero transition.

Additionally, the new laws grant regulators enhanced powers to manage risks within Australia’s financial market infrastructure, ensuring stability during crises. The Australian Accounting Standards Board is set to issue internationally‑aligned standards shortly.

Seal the Deal: Fresh Insights on Home Insulation and Air Tightness

The Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand has released The Value of Insulating Existing Homes, a report providing updated data on the costs, benefits, and greenhouse gas abatement of insulation upgrades across Australia’s eight jurisdictions.

Meanwhile, the CSIRO has completed Australia’s most comprehensive study on air infiltration rates in new homes, revealing that while modern Australian homes are 50% more airtight than those tested in 2015, a comparable percentage were identified as leaky and solvable with affordable weather sealing practices. The study assessed air tightness, insulation quality, and heating/cooling ductwork in 233 homes across five major cities.

Banking on Energy-Efficiency 

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation has committed $160 million through the Household Energy Upgrades Fund to back a new Westpac loan, offering a variable rate of 4.49% for installing energy-efficient technologies.

At Ecovantage, we consistently analyse market activity, policy changes, consultation releases, and creation rates in conjunction with wider landscape activity. This allows us to keep our clients at the forefront of all relevant changes, and to leverage the advantage that this presents. Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out if you have any general or project-specific questions.

Angus Taylor | Business Development Manager, Energy & Carbon Services
Angus specialises in ESS activities including Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning, and Commercial Lighting.