Free insulation for millions of homes!

Today, Kevin Rudd announced that the Australian Government will install free ceiling insulation in around 2.7 million Australian homes (http://www.pm.gov.au/media/Release/2009/media_release_0783.cfm)

This is good news but we are concerned that the Australian Government's focus on insulation:
1. will lead to more low quality installation of insulating materials (greatly reducing its cost effectiveness), and
2. ignores the enormous potential offered by simultaneously targeting air leakage control.

• 5% gaps in insulation reduce effectiveness by 50%
• air leakage can account for 30% of a home’s heating and cooling costs
• insulation does not stop air leakage

Overseas research has proven that air leakage control is the cheapest way to reduce energy loss from homes and—in combination with properly installed insulation—is the highest priority item for reducing energy use in buildings. Energy Imaging's results reveal that Canberra homes lose much of their winter heating and summer cooling via air leakage and improperly installed insulation.