The Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) applauds the Victorian government’s confirmation that discounted ceiling insulation will be included in the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program from early 2026.
The Victorian Energy Upgrade (VEU) initiative is predicted to slash the average cost of installing ceiling insulation in eligible homes by around 50 percent, contributing to a decrease in energy bills by approximately $400 a year and creating a more comfortable and enjoyable year-round household experience.
GBCA CEO Davina Rooney says improving insulation is often overlooked as an achievable way for households to decrease energy costs and develop resilience to the onset of extreme temperatures.
“Good insulation makes homes more comfortable to live in, healthier for families, and cheaper to run,” she says. “With many Victorian homes currently under-insulated, there’s an opportunity to improve home performance and cut energy costs.”
Rooney says Victorians eager to participate in the energy transition, yet unsure where to start, should embrace the insulation incentive. “It’s great to see incentives that directly lower bills and improve comfort,” she says.
VEU’s insulation incentive supports the claims outlined in GBCA’s Every Building Counts policy platform. The platform discusses the usefulness of incentives for retrofitting homes and pursuing a fair and accessible inclusive transition to net zero.
GBCA approves of the incentive prioritising safety and quality assurance alongside facilitating collaboration between Solar Victoria and industry, unions, training organisations and the Energy Efficiency Council to mobilise the insulation installer workforce and uphold high standards.
“We look forward to contributing to the consultation process to help shape this initiative and continue strengthening support for energy efficiency across Victoria’s homes and buildings,” Rooney finishes.
Victorian Energy Upgrades responsible for $4 billion savings in energy costs.
