INTRODUCTION
While most greenhouse gas emissions are produced by industry, the amount and type of energy used by households also has considerable implications for the environment. The average household produces about 14 tonnes of greenhouse gas each year, much of it from energy use. (Endnote 1)
In 2006-07, household energy consumption made up about 8% of total energy use. (Endnote 2) Electricity is used by almost every Australian household and accounts for 85% of household greenhouse gas emissions (excluding car use, which is another major contributor, but is not covered in this article). (Endnote 3) Some electricity for households comes from renewable energy (8%), but most electricity (92%) comes from burning fossil fuels such as coal and gas. (Endnote 4) While coal and gas are the lowest cost fuel sources for electricity in Australia, they have higher greenhouse gas emissions than renewable sources. (Endnote 5)
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