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Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme. PSF2008 – 16 June Dianne Deane Director, Water Efficiency and Labelling Scheme. What is the WELS Scheme?. National regulatory system – mid 2005 Australian Government - in partnership with states & territories

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Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme

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  1. Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) Scheme PSF2008 – 16 June Dianne Deane Director, Water Efficiency and Labelling Scheme

  2. What is the WELS Scheme? • National regulatory system – mid 2005 • Australian Government - in partnership with states & territories • Mandatory labelling of products to indicate water use efficiency (June 2006) • Clothes washing machines; dishwashers; tapware; showers; toilets; urinals; flow controllers • Minimum water efficiency standard for toilets

  3. What is the WELS Scheme? • Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 • Regulations, Determinations & Declaration • Mirror legislation in states and territories • Intergovernmental Agreement - WELSAC • WELS Standard: AS/NZS 6400 ensures: • Technical expertise and input • Performance standards – only water use efficiency & must be fit for purpose!

  4. WELS Label Themore stars the more water saved…

  5. What can WELS achieve? • 2003-2004 EPHC feasibility studies • By 2021 WELS could reduce water use each year by 5% or 610 mgl • Save $600M in water and energy costs • Currently 9,600 product models registered • WELS is cost effective (ISF Cost Effectiveness study)

  6. Possible Expansion of WELS • EPHC Nov 2007 - agreed to investigate new products and minimum efficiency standards • 3 rigorous Cost Benefit Analysis and Regulation Impact Assessments underway • new products, plumbing products and minimum water efficiency standards • public consultation on 3 RIS • timeframes – mid 2008 to mid 2009 • Further supporting technical studies underway

  7. Improving Effectiveness of WELS • New Registration Database • trial in August with stakeholders • Review of WELS Act & AS/NZS 6400, aims to • clarify requirements • correct inconsistencies and omissions • Improve effectiveness of Scheme

  8. Compliance & Enforcement • Mandatory since July 2006 – education, advice • Sept 2007 to June 2008 – 65 inspections • Moving toward stronger enforcement actions: • 18 inspectors appointed; • 66 compliance cases – legally can only acknowledge complaints, can not provide further advice • Moving towards issuing infringements (penalties to be paid: $1,320 individuals;$6,600 company per offence) • Check-testing process commencing end 2008

  9. Activities to Engage Industry - Articles/Ads in Trade and Lifestyle Magazines • Using Industry Associations • Using water authorities, Local Government • Industry Forums • Retail sales and uptake data acquisition

  10. House of Reps Inquiry into Regulating Plumbing Quality – “Managing the Flow” • Recommendation - WaterMark as a prerequisite for WELS registration • Issue - products could be WELS registered but under state legislation, not legally installed • Whole of government response prepared - Looking at ways of meeting the intent of the recommendation • ISF to consult as part of CBA/RIS on plumbing WES • Including advice on website that plumbing products need to have WaterMark to be legally installed

  11. WELS AND GREEN BUILDINGS • WELS already recognised in the Green Star suite of tools • The Commonwealth has funded the development of and continues to support the NABERS tool for rating • In most jurisdictions that have implemented rating tools such as BASIX, WELS is recognised. • WELS working to ensure consistency in approach

  12. NATIONAL RAINWATER AND GREYWATER INITIATIVE • $250 million National Rainwater & Greywater Initiative • Funding over six years from 2008-09 to 2013-14 • Rebates < $500 for households to install rainwater • tanks/ greywater systems • Grants to Surf Lifesaving Clubs < $10,000 for • tanks and water saving projects • More information available after 1 July 2008

  13. Instantaneous gas hot water • Acknowledgement that all hot water services potentially waste water • Switch away from storage hot water to instantaneous has energy benefits, but water penalties • Testing instantaneous gas hot water has identified large amounts of water wastage • Likely candidate for WELS labelling and minimum water efficiency standards.

  14. Summary • WELS makes a valuable contribution to the water conservation agenda • Expansion and review processes are timely and solid process of investigation commencing • Public consultation at all key phases

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