• Energy use contributions to the Greenhouse effect.
• Environmental and health issues such as acid rain, air quality, waste and recycling.
• Energy efficiency, conservation and alternative energy sources.
• Economic, social and political factors influencing energy consumption patterns.

Energy is necessary for economic development and for human well-being. Use of energy can also deplete or degrade natural resources, as well as produce waste heat and pollutants; it can also place undue stress on natural systems.

The Working Group believes that we should aim to ensure that the pattern of energy use which meets the needs of present day Australians does not compromise either the integrity of natural systems or the capacity of future generations to meet their needs.

The Working Group considered the following broad areas; patterns and sources of energy use in Australia, the greenhouse effect; acid rain; energy and the urban environment; options to reduce emissions and improve energy use efficiency; evaluation of energy use options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; the current policy context; and available policy instruments.

Key recommendations:

prior to any use of the price mechanism as a major instrument to promote energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions, a comprehen-sive review of existing energy prices including government taxes and charges be undertaken. The extent to which environmental and social costs associated with energy use can be quantified and incorporated into energy prices should also be investigated;

• the relative merits and impacts of a carbon tax and tradable emissions scheme should be studied and assessed in detail;
• the Commonwealth Government in cooperation with State and Territory Governments examine the feasibility of providing finance to owner-occupied householders in upgrading their domestic energy efficiency;
• by 1993 mandatory energy labelling be extended to major electric, gas and solar appliances and equipment in residential, commercial and industrial sectors not now covered; (e.g. domestic cookers and water heaters, industrial electric motors, and photocopiers);
• all government agencies specify minimum energy efficiency criteria for equipment they purchase;
• there be urgent coordination of the presently fragmented activities aimed at developing nationally consistent energy rating schemes for residential and non-residential buildings;
• all energy utilities should offer subsidised energy audit programs;
• the Department of Employment, Education and Training or the National Board of Employment, Education and Training assume responsibility for coordinating the development and amendment of professional training courses relevant to energy use, energy conservation and the application of most appropriate energy technology;
• the National Training Board ensure that heightened emphasis is given to training with regard to energy use and energy management in industry training schemes under development;
• the Commonwealth Government should substantially increase its funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy research, development and demonstration, as well as providing funds for early commercialisation of near-economic renewable and efficient technologies;
• energy conservation information, education and support programs be extended to local government and community organisations, and cost effective ways of supporting these programs be investigated.

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