By insulating walls, roofs and floors effectively, you can considerably reduce the need for heating/cooling or air conditioning. Insulation is a key way to reduce heat flow – it helps keep heat inside in winter, and outside in summer.

Insulation products have an ‘R value’, which measures how well they resist heat flow. The higher the R value, the higher the level of insulation (read more here). If you’re building or renovating, aim for higher values, and plan insulation from the start of your project.

For existing buildings, you can look for simple ways of reducing heat loss by insulating door and window gaps with low-cost draught strips.

Save up to 1 tonne of carbon per year by insulating your home. Save significantly more for large workplaces.

More information

• Green Street Badges: Green Street Badges: House design (household) and workplace design (business)
• Your Home – A guide to insulation – from the Australian Government guide to creating sustainable homes for the future
• Energy.gov.au – the Australian Government’s energy-saving website with information and tips for consumers and businesses

Your Home: Guide to Insulation for a Sustainable Home