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The Victorian government has re-introduced the Greener Government Buildings Program (GGB) which was abolished by the previous government.

The government yesterday announced plans to spend $33 million on energy efficiency initiatives to upgrade heating and cooling systems and install solar and LED lighting.

Energy groups applauded the announcement by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews and Finance Minister Robin Scott.

Projects include an overhaul of lighting and heating systems to make hospitals more comfortable for patients, including Frankston Hospital, Rosebud Hospital and The Mornington Centre.

There are also plans to upgrade 200 schools as well as Gordon TAFE plus install LEDs to make freeway streetlights cleaner, smarter and safer.

Energy Efficiency Council (EEC) CEO, Luke Menzel said the program to upgrade state-owned buildings and streetlights is a win-win as it will improve the comfort and quality of hospitals, schools and other public buildings. It will also contribute to a stronger Victorian budget.

The Victorian government expects to save over $2 billion in energy and maintenance costs. Not only will it lower overall greenhouse gas emissions, it will cut the Victorian Government’s emissions from buildings by at least 25 per cent.

It will also create hundreds of skilled jobs in trades, engineering and energy efficiency products and services.  The Government’s demand for services will also help Victorian companies grow and export into the rapidly growing international market for energy efficient products and services, which is worth over $470 billion per annum.

"The EEC has been working to highlight the benefits of sensible government efficiency programs for years. With this announcement, it’s clear that momentum is growing: three out of five mainland states now have active programs in place," Menzel said.

Meanwhile, the Victorian government has also released a final draft of proposed design standards for apartments following extensive industry consultation.

Planning minister Richard Wynne said the Better Apartments standards aimed to improve the liveability of apartments for a range of household types while also providing affordable housing.

“Twenty years ago, apartments represented just five per cent of all new dwellings constructed in Victoria. Today they account for more than 33 per cent,” he said.

“We are plugging a hole in the planning rules which allowed dog boxes to be built because we want future apartments to be constructed for long-term living.”

The Australian Institute of Architects said the standard could be improved pointing out that there are no energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code. There are also no specific requirements listed for thermal comfort, glazing, insulation or thermal mass.