Energy efficiency plays an important role in lowering energy bills for households and businesses; improving occupant comfort, health and productivity; saving energy (reducing wastage) for the wider economy; improving resilience to extreme weather and blackouts (peak demand); and reducing emissions.

In February 2019 the COAG Energy Council agreed to the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (the Trajectory) – a national plan that sets a trajectory towards zero energy (and carbon) ready buildings for Australia. One of the actions in the Trajectory was for COAG Energy Council to consider options for improving existing buildings in late 2019.

This document forms an addendum to the Trajectory and outlines the opportunities for improving existing buildings, both commercial and residential. It should be read in conjunction with the Trajectory. It has been developed cooperatively between Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, and identifies cost effective opportunities and a work program for energy efficiency improvements throughout the building system, from thermal performance to appliance energy usage and renewable energy generation.

This document acknowledges the strong calls from energy consumer groups and many in the building and building products sectors to improve the energy performance and affordability of operating existing buildings. Extensive stakeholder consultation was conducted over a one year period with over 600 stakeholders engaged through this process, consisting of representatives and experts from a range of sectors including: building and property, appliance and technology, energy supply and distribution, household energy consumer advocacy groups, academia and different levels of government.

This Trajectory Addendum and its underlying reports, sets out a plan for the future work of the Council and other relevant government bodies.