tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22751196.post-77494141540871024832008-05-16T12:58:00.000+10:002008-05-16T12:59:54.254+10:00AAP Newswire<br />Saturday 3/5/2008<br /><br />MELBOURNE, The Victorian government has launched new energy efficiency laws for home renovations, to help reduce the state's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas" target="_blank">greenhouse gas</a> emissions. Planning Minister <a href="http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/mlcs.html" target="_blank">Justin Madden</a> said the 5-star standards for home renovations came into effect on May 1. He said in a statement the laws are important because about 40,000 homes are renovated, extended or relocated each year. "As we face the reality of climate change, 5-star energy rating for renovations and relocated homes are crucial as households account for a third of Victoria's energy use.<br /><br />"The new energy efficiency laws for the building fabric of home alterations will further reduce <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greenhouse_gas" target="_blank">greenhouse gas</a> emissions while delivering greater comfort and lower energy costs to Victorians." Environment and Climate Change Minister <a href="http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/mlcs.html" target="_blank">Gavin Jennings</a> said the benefits of greener homes have been proved with more than 100,000 new homes built to the 5-star standard. "Feedback from residents of 5-star homes says they experience more comfortable and healthier places to live while reducing their household's energy bills and environmental impact," Mr Jennings said.Blairhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17332055963612570647noreply@blogger.com