Australia is still decades behind the world in energy efficiency regulations for buildings despite progress in five-star ratings — and regulations should be tougher, say glass manufacturers.

Glass & Glazing Association of Australia executive director Ian Koochew said the State Government's introduction of five-star energy ratings for houses had helped trigger more than $155 million worth of investment by Victorian glass makers.

"But our standards are so far behind the rest of the developed world, the energy efficiency bar must continue to be raised for new buildings in Victoria," he said.

Building energy specialist Peter Lyons said most Australian buildings used 60 per cent more energy to heat and cool than necessary.

AGGA energy committee chairman David Perkins said Australia was about 20 years behind the US and Britain.

Story by Philip Hopkins

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