Upgraded window glazing and floor coverings are helping improve the energy efficiency of social housing homes in Tasmania.

The Australian Government’s Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative (SHEPI) has already delivered a range of upgrades to more than 1 600 social housing properties across Tasmania.

Under the initial $16.6 million program – equally funded by Homes Tasmania and the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) – tenants are already enjoying several benefits, including lower power bills, more comfortable homes and better living conditions.

The program is now set to expand, with DCCEEW committing an additional $14.6 million to deliver upgrades to another 1 200 homes across Tasmania.

Many of Tasmania’s social housing properties were built more than 20 years ago, before minimum building requirements and modern energy efficiency standards were introduced.

Works delivered under the program include the installation of heat pump hot water systems (pictured right), improved insulation (pictured below), draught sealing, energy-efficient LED lighting and upgraded window glazing.

Together, these improvements make homes easier to heat and cool, reduce energy consumption, and create healthier, more comfortable living environments for residents.

These upgrades not only improve comfort for tenants but also extend the life of these homes and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

SHEPI is a $1.1 billion nationwide program working with states and territories to deliver energy performance upgrades to 100 000 social housing homes.

To date, more than 26 000 social housing properties nationwide have benefited from the SHEPI program.

Homes Tasmania is also installing energy upgrades at other buildings in its portfolio, including a recently completed solar installation at Curraghmore, a 17-room Supported Independent Living property in Devonport operated by Anglicare that provides 24/7 support for people living with psychosocial disability and mental health support needs.

The upgrade at the site included the installation of a 100kW solar system made up of 212 panels.

Designed to meet the high energy demands of the site – including lighting, heating and cooling – the new system will help reduce operating costs while improving overall energy efficiency. These savings can be reinvested into the service, delivering better outcomes for residents and supporting a more sustainable future.