Minimum Energy Performance Standards for houses As of 1 January 2003, minimum energy performance standards have been introduced in to the BCA for detached and semi-detached dwellings. In BCA 2006 the energy efficiency standards have been increased with a requirement for class 1 and 10 buildings to meet a 5 star energy efficiency performance criteria. Since the BCA is a performance based Code, builders and designers have the option of meeting these new standards in one of two ways: • by achieving the required house energy performance rating using an accredited software tool, or • by following the 'deemed to satisfy' prescriptions in the Code

Accredited software tools There are three main software packages currently being used in for House Energy Ratings: NatHERS: the benchmark for the current rating scheme. It is a development of the CSIRO’s simulation software that dates back to the 1960’s. It is used mainly in NSW. B.E.R.S. (Building Energy Rating Scheme) which runs the NatHERS simulation engine with a graphic data entry system and used mainly in . B.E.R.S. will be updated to run the calculation engine of AccuRate and will be available in a few months. FirstRate: a simplified rating which correlates building properties to NatHERS predicted energy use. Developed by Sustainability . Used mainly in Victoria and the ACT it does not include hot humid climates and can only simulate buildings below some (fairly high) window area limits. NatHERS is used where FirstRate limits are exceeded. The ‘next generation’ of rating software will be based on the AccuRate calculation engine. This is a development of NatHERS but includes major new features and revisions. Accurate is available now after a 12 month testing and revision period and NatHERS will not be able to be used post November 2007 (in Victoria: see other state government regulatory authorities for details of phase out dates for NatHERS). The FirstRate program in VIC will be updated to accommodate the new AccuRate simulation package and will be available after August.

State variations While the BCA is a designed to provide a national approach to building standards. Each state has the opportunity to vary the provisions in the BCA and some states have introduced alternative sustainability provisions. States and territories which have adopted the BCA 2006 as at 1st July 2006 are: • ACT • • Victoria (with additional sustainability measures) • Queenland and as at the 1st July 2006 are using the energy efficiency criteria from the BCA 2005 which equates to 3½ Star energy efficiency. NSW BASIX Legislation compliments the BCA with a building sustainability Index called BASIX which was introduced into the development approval process for new homes. on 1st July 2004. BASIX is aimed at ensuring each dwelling design meets the following targets compared with the average home: • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% • Decreasing water usage by 40% A BASIX Certificate is required for all new residential dwellings in NSW. All alterations and additions in NSW, that require a development application, require a BASIX Certificate.

How BASIX Works BASIX is a web-based planning tool that measures the potential performance of new residential dwellings against a range of sustainability indices: • Stormwater • Landscape • Water • Thermal Comfort • Energy The online assessment requires information about the proposed development, such as site location, dwelling size, floor area, landscaped area and services. BASIX then compares the proposed development to average existing homes. The proposal is scored according to its potential to consume less mains supply water and energy for each of the above indices than an average existing home. In order to progress to the energy usage area of BASIX you must have met the water reduction targets. If the proposed development meets the requirements, a BASIX Certificate is issued which must be included when lodging the Development Application. For more information on BASIX visit www.basix.nsw.gov.au State Current Regulatory Requirements

Requires existing home owners to declare the thermal performance of a home at point of sale (Mandatory Disclosure). ACT ACT Planning and Land Authority www.actpla.act.gov.au/design-guide/acthers/asslst_1.htm

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) overrides the BCA requirements and sets the required levels of environmental performance in a number of areas including energy, water and thermal performance. Under BASIX a home New South Wales must receive a “pass” under the Thermal Comfort section in order to receive development approval. NSW Department of Planning www.basix.nsw.gov.au/information/index.jsp

The introduction of 5 star minimum energy performance rating for housing is under consideration. NT Department of Planning and Infrastructure www.ipe.nt.gov.au/whatwedo/ems/strategies/nathers.html

Currently a 3.5 star minimum is required. This will change when the BCA 5 Queensland star requirement is adopted. Visit the Local Council website

Since 2003 all new houses and significant alterations or additions have had to meet a 4 star energy efficiency requirement. On 1 May 2006 this will increase to a 5 star requirement. South Australia Planning South Australia http://www.planning.sa.gov.au/go/building/community-information/ sustainability-and-efficiency/energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency

The new 5 Star rating for residential homes is a key feature of the Victorian government’s environmental policy to help save limited energy and water Victoria resources. Sustainability Victoria www.seav.sustainability.vic.gov.au/buildings/5starhousing/index.asp

Amendment 13 of the Building Code requires that residential dwellings either achieve a minimum 4 star house energy rating or satisfy other specific Western Australia requirements. Sustainable Energy Development Office http://www1.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/pages/her_intro.asp

Since 2003 all new houses and significant alterations or additions have had to meet a 4 star energy efficiency requirement. Tasmania On 1 May 2006 this will increase to a 5 star requirement. Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources www.workcover.tas.gov.au/WSTPublish/resource/bsrenergyeff.htm