Learnings from the Energy Savvy Upgrades program for vulnerable householders
The Energy Savvy Upgrades program was Phase Two of the Victorian Government's Affordable Retrofits program under the Energy Efficiency and Productivity Strategy. Energy Savvy Upgrades (ESU) delivered 792 Scorecard assessments, with 987 individual energy upgrades installed across 612 households. All upgrades were guided by the Scorecard Assessor's recommendations.
This program demonstrates best practice in reaching vulnerable households, while reducing upgrade and program management costs.
Key points from the Energy Savvy Upgrades report:
- Households reported a reduction in energy costs and an improvement in health and comfort. These outcomes were attained through use of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard and can be achieved at scale.
- The program achieved an average annual cost reduction of $550 per household after upgrades and a 21% reduction in energy consumption (program target was 10% reduction).
- ESU was successful in reaching a range of hard-to-reach sectors, including Indigenous Elders, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and renters.
- 24% of assessed homes were rental properties, generating a 23% decrease in total energy consumption.
- Over 80% of householders experienced improved comfort and resilience to extreme weather.
- 19 different types of upgrade packages were implemented, indicating a single package of upgrades will not be suited, or of interest, to most householders.
- The program design and implementation was culturally safe, thanks to significant input from the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and their support workers, leading to positive program uptake by First Nations households.
To support the planning and implementation of similar programs at any scale, this report includes clear information about program design, lessons learned and implementation recommendations. We welcome enquiries from governments and organisations interested in starting their own program using Scorecard: scorecard@delwp.vic.gov.au
The media release can be found on the Premier of Victoria's website.
To learn more, please download the full report:
Learnings from the Energy Savvy Upgrades program for vulnerable householders
National Scorecard Initiative: 2022 Annual Report
In August 2021 the multi-year National Scorecard Initiative was approved by the Energy Senior Officials Meeting and endorsed under the National Home Energy Rating Scheme.
This Annual Report for the 2021-22 financial year is Scorecard’s first under the Initiative, which runs from 2021-25. The report outlines performance against activities funded under the Initiative and documents the key achievements of the program in delivering a reputable tool, and associated Scorecard Assessor training and accreditation to improve the energy performance of existing homes across Australia.
To learn more, please download the full report: National Scorecard Initiative: 2022 Annual Report
Please contact the team to request an accessible version of this report: scorecard@delwp.vic.gov.au
Scorecard National Field Trial Report
Between January and May 2021 the National Scorecard tool, training and accreditation process were tested across all states and territories. The success of the field trial underpinned the endorsement of Scorecard by the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and roll out of the National Scorecard Initiative from August 2021.
As part of the field trial participating householders were surveyed about their experience:
- 85% of respondents indicated that they would recommend Scorecard to their friends and family,
- 90% said that they understood more about energy efficiency in their home as a result of the assessment.
Scorecard National Field Trial Report
Please contact the team to request an accessible version of this report: scorecard@delwp.vic.gov.au
The Technical Basis for the Residential Efficiency Scorecard
This document by Tony Isaacs Consulting describes the purpose of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard tool, what it covers, why it covers these features and how it calculates a star rating, from a technical basis.
Technical Basis of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard
Technical Basis of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard (accessible Word version)
Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard: commercialisation opportunities
This paper by Point Advisory provides options and analysis that stakeholders could consider when developing business opportunities that involve the use of the Residential Efficiency Scorecard. Please note, this paper was published prior to Scorecard being released for commercial use.
Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard: commercialisation opportunities
Public background paper
Scorecard Flash Report, 2019
The Scorecard programme produces one of the largest datasets of home energy cost and comfort in Victorian homes.
A report has been released with the first analysis of this data, including summaries of home performance, programme benefits and outcomes.
Page last updated: 07/09/23