Australian Greenhouse Office
The Australian Greenhouse Office within the Government of Australia was the world's first government agency dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. In 1998, following pressure from the Australian Democrats, it was established as a stand-alone agency within the environment portfolio to provide a whole of government approach to greenhouse matters. It became a sub-part of the Department of the Environment and Heritage in 2004. It managed Australia's response to climate change, and provided government-sanctioned information to the public.
Writer Guy Pearse was employed by the agency as a consultant. Dr David Evans was employed by the office from 1999 to 2005 to conduct carbon accounting and to build models.[1]
Functions
The agency was responsible for administering the Energy Star program in Australia. The agency has provided funds for a fuel cell bus trial in Perth. An auditing method was developed to assist local councils to improve the energy efficiency of their lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.[2]
In 2001, the Australian Greenhouse Office introduced Australian Minimum Performance Standards (MEPS) and then revised them in 2006 to a more stringent level.[3]
Its functions were split between the new Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts following the 2007 federal election.
See also
References
- ↑ David Evans (18 July 2008). "No smoking hot spot". The Australian (News Limited). Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ↑ Harvey Grennan (16 September 2008). "Waste adds $344m to carbon cost". The Sydney Morning Herald (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 28 September 2012.
- ↑ "Motor efficiency evolution". Manufacturers’ Monthly (Reed Business Publishing). 1 January 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2012.