Together Today Glossary
WELS labeling
Is Australia's water efficiency labeling scheme. The WELS Labeling Standards is a star rating system provided by the Australian Government to inform consumers of a products' water efficiency, helping Australians make more informed choices on products that save water and money. The label shows a zero to six star rating. The more stars on the label the more energy efficient.
RECS
Renewable Energy Certificates are tradable commodities generated from qualifying renewable energy products as part of the Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET). One REC is equivalent to one megawatt hour of electricity generated over a products' life time and can be traded for cash. The value for RECS fluctuate according to market conditions. Some renewable energy product providers offer RECS as a point of sale discount and trade them on their customer's behalf. RECS were initiated under the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Act 2000.
BASIX System
The Building Sustainability Index: A scheme introduced by the NSW State Government to regulate the energy and water efficiency of new buildings.
CFL globes
Carbon Fluorescent Light bulbs. Available in different varieties, they provide a lower wattage of light requiring less money and electricity to run.
R-Values
The thermal efficiency of insulation is measured by its R-Value. The higher the R-Value, the more resistant the insulation is to heat flowing into and out of the dwelling. However, there can be several types of R-Values.
- Material R-Value is the declared R-Value of the insulation product as tested according to AS/NZS4859.1. This value should be marked on the insulation packaging. The Material R-Value is not the same as Total R-Value.
- Total R-Value includes the Material R-Value plus the thermal value of building elements and reflective air spaces.
Depending on where you live determines what R-Value insulation you require. The Hunter has a 3.5 R value requirement.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Pollutants such as: carbon dioxide, methane, nitros oxide, hydroflurocarbons, perfluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride.
Energy Ratings
A star based labeling system using to inform consumers on the energy and cost efficiency of running electronic and gas appliances.
Smart Meters
Advanced metering technology that calculates detailed energy (electricity) consumption for monitoring and billing purposes, increasingly being used for gas and water as well.
Off Peak Tariffs
The price of energy (electricity) at a period of low demand, varying between states and energy network suppliers.
Green Loans
An interest free loan of up to $10 000 being offered by the Federal Government for household energy efficiency improvements recommended as part of a Home Sustainability Assessment.
