ENERGY EFFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

QUEENSLAND

The Queensland Government has developed the Queensland Development Code (QDC) which outlines all state energy efficiency requirements.

The QDC allows up to 1.5 stars in credits for outdoor areas and photovoltaic systems.

From 1 October 2023, the Modern Homes Agenda adopted in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 will introduce new standards for both energy efficiency and accessibility in new Queensland homes. These standards reflect community expectations for modern homes.

RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY

It has been more than a decade since the last change to the energy efficiency requirements for homes in the NCC.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) conducted extensive public consultation on the Modern Homes provisions between 2020 and 2021.

The energy efficiency standards for residential buildings will:

• Increase the level of thermal comfort from 6 stars to 7 stars (out of 10) for the building shell.
• Promote the installation of energy-efficient major appliances and onsite renewable energy systems.
• Improving the energy efficiency of new housing stock will:
• Make our homes more comfortable to live in
• Provide cost-of-living savings on energy bills over the life of the home.
• Support efforts towards emissions targets.

Currently, Queenslanders can utilise the following methods to achieve compliance:

NATHERS STAR RATING

NatHERS Star Ratings are conducted by professionals using a NatHERS accredited software tool such as FirstRate5, BERS Pro, AccuRate or HERO

Star ratings can be used by homeowners, builders, certifiers, councils and local, state and national governments for a number of purposes, including:

• To meet the mandatory energy efficiency requirements for homes and major renovations based on the National Construction Code
• To advise homeowners, architects and builders on the energy efficiency of various house designs.
• To advise prospective home buyers on the thermal performance of a home they are interested in buying.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

A NatHERS assessment provides information about the thermal performance (heating and cooling energy needs) of a home’s design, orientation and construction materials and the climate where it is being built.

In other words, a NatHERS assessment details exactly how energy efficient the building shell of your proposed dwelling is before roof, wall, floor insulation, window glazing, thermal barriers, and the like are added.

Within the NatHERS software, our team can simulate a number of different options to not only achieve ‘compliance’ with the energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC), but achieve the best results for you, based on your needs and budget.

The NatHERS assessment will generate a star rating on a scale from 0 to 10 stars.

WHAT DO THE STARS MEAN?

Homes with a higher star rating are considered more thermally comfortable and cheaper to run than homes with a lower star rating.

• A 0-star rating means the building shell does practically nothing to reduce the discomfort of hot or cold weather.
• A 6-star rating is the ‘current’ minimum standard in most states and territories. It indicates good, but not outstanding, thermal performance.
• A 10-star rated home may not need any artificial cooling or heating to keep you comfortable.

The full range of stars from 0 to 10 is called a star band. Star bands are based on the amount of energy predicted to be used for homes in different locations.

The key to achieving a comfortable, high-performing home is to design for your climate.
See examples of high star-rated homes on the Your Home website.

NCC 7 STARS

Similar to other states, on 26 August 2022, Queensland agreed to increase minimum energy efficiency building standards for new homes from 6 to 7 stars under changes to the National Construction Code 2022.

STAY TUNED QUEENSLAND

The transition period from 6 to 7-star energy-efficient homes commenced on 1 October 2022 and lasts 12 months. The transition period will allow the Queensland construction industry to make necessary adjustments to bring new projects and homes in line with the new NCC 2022 standards.

Updated energy efficiency standards for new homes will commence in Queensland from October 2023 but are available now for those who choose to use them.

ELEMENTAL DEEMED-TO-SATISFY PROVISIONS (DTS REPORT)

Residential Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) energy report is a list of minimum insulation values of roofs, walls and floors, and the minimum thermal performance requirements for glazing and roof lights required by the National Construction Code (NCC). It is simple, low-cost, and can usually be delivered within 48 hours.

DTS energy requirements is a prescriptive method which means it must be applied to your building regardless of any limitations your building may have.

Residential Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) energy report does not provide information about the thermal performance (heating and cooling energy needs) of a home’s design, orientation, construction materials such as wall, floor, roof / ceiling insulation and window glazing.

Note: This is a prescriptive approach with no performance offsets allowed, often limiting options for architects and their clients.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF DEEMED TO SATISFY (DTS) ENERGY COMPLIANCE PATHWAY?

Pros:

• The cost of the DTS energy compliance report is less than most energy compliance avenues; however, this may also result in a Con with applicants forced to spend more money on glazing.
• Any person (experienced or not) can refer to the National Construction Code and apply the minimum energy requirements.

Cons:

• DTS may result in a more expensive glazing solution.
• It is prescriptive and very strict, and no change is allowed to be made regardless of any limitations that your building may have.
• As it is prescriptive, a DTS Report does not require an accredited Energy Efficiency Assessor to complete it, providing little comfort to those seeking a thorough and in-depth assessment of their proposed new development.
• Glazing requirements under DTS is always the most expensive glazing option.
• This is due to the fact DTS glazing calculator only looks at glazing as an individual item and doesn’t consider the holistic performance of the entire building.
• This results in very expensive glazing requirements that doesn’t necessarily mean better overall energy performance at a similar cost.
• For instance, under DTS for residential, you might be required to have very expensive windows with an average U-value of below U2.0.

Under the DTS energy compliance pathway, you commit to follow the NCC minimum requirements, and you cannot skip any of its requirements.

We strongly recommend obtaining a NatHERS simulated thermal performance assessment for accurate results for your proposed building shell, allowing you to make better informed decisions when it comes to the type and amount of insulation, window glazing and other design and construction decisions.

QUEENSLAND ENERGY RATING CREDITS

In Queensland optional credits can be used as part of an energy efficiency report. The credits will reduce the insulation and glazing requirements.

The credits can be used as part of an assessment when you have:

• A photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system
• An outdoor living area with ceiling insulation
• An outdoor living area with a ceiling fan

The energy requirements are regulated by the Queensland Development Code.

NEW SOUTH WALES

New South Wales uses both NatHERS Star Ratings for Thermal Performance assessments as well as BASIX.

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) requirements apply to all residential dwelling types and are part of the development application process in NSW.

BASIX is one of the strongest sustainable planning measures to be undertaken in Australia.
In NSW, there are BASIX requirements for water and energy usage and thermal comfort performance that apply to:

• All new residential dwellings.
• Alterations and additions to dwellings that cost $50,000 or more.
• Swimming pools of 40,000 litres or more.

Important to Note:

• For thermal comfort, BASIX offers prescriptive approach (DIY Method) or a Simulation Method using NatHERS Software.
• If a new residential development has a conditioned floor area greater than 300m2 or more than 2 storeys then a NatHERS Assessment is required.
• In most cases, the simulation method will lead to less stringent compliance requirements and will be a more cost-effective pathway to showing compliance.
• To approve such developments, the consent authority (usually your local council) requires evidence that the development plans meets the BASIX requirements.

Since 2004, more than 500,000 BASIX-compliant homes are estimated to have saved 12.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, and 340 billion litres of drinking water.

INCREASED STANDARDS – NCC 2022

On 29 August 2022, the Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes announced increased BASIX standards for energy use and thermal performance which will commence on 1 October 2023 under the new State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022.

The Net Zero Plan Stage 1: 2020–2030 sets out how the NSW Government will deliver on our commitment to achieving net zero by 2050.

The Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings is a national plan that aims to achieve zero energy and carbon-ready buildings.

For new residential development in NSW, the Trajectory is being delivered through the State Environmental Planning Policy (Sustainable Buildings) 2022.

BUILDING HOMES TO USE LESS AND GREENER ENERGY

• BASIX standards are being improved to not only build more comfortable homes but cut energy costs and contribute to the target of net zero homes by 2050.
• To date, BASIX has stopped 12.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas from going into our air in the past 17 years.
• The updated standards will help drive down emissions even further, and reforms will save another 150,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas a year, which is the equivalent of running 31 wind turbines running for a year enough electricity to power 27,000 homes each year or planting around half a million trees.

VICTORIA

BUILT ENVIRONMENT SUSTAINABILITY SCORECARD

The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is an assessment tool created by local governments in Victoria.

It assists builders and developers to show how a proposed development demonstrates sustainable design, at the planning permit stage.

BESS is the recommended tool under the Sustainable Design Assessment in the Planning Process (SDAPP) framework, which is used by a growing number of Victorian local governments.

Under SDAPP, planning permit applicants submit information about the environmental sustainability of their new development.

BESS can assess single houses, townhouse developments, apartment buildings, large non-residential or mixed-use developments.

HOW CAN BESS HELP YOU?

BESS is a purpose-built tool to assess sustainable design at the planning permit stage. BESS can be used to explore sustainable design initiatives for your new development.

By integrating sustainable design from the concept phase, you will ensure your new building is comfortable and pleasant for occupants and efficient to run.

BESS requires the following information from you:

• Town planning drawings, elevations, section drawings, materials palette
• Knowledge of the major construction materials
• Thermal performance modelling (e.g. NatHERS)
• Understanding of the building context (built form surrounding the site)
• Anticipated minimum energy efficiency rating of major appliances for heating, cooling and hot water (energy labeling)
• Anticipated minimum water efficiency rating of taps, toilets and fittings (WELS ratings)
• On-site renewable energy devices and rainwater tank details (if applicable)
• A STORM or MUSIC rating

NCC 7 STARS

Similar to other states, on 26 August 2022, Victoria agreed to increase minimum energy efficiency building standards for new homes from 6 to 7 stars under changes to the National Construction Code 2022.

Including the option to use the BESS online tool, the Victoria Building Authority has the following options for showing energy efficiency compliance.

These options include:

• NatHERS Star Rating
• Performance Solutions (usually used for renovations, alterations and extensions)

NatHERS Star Ratings are conducted by professionals using a NatHERS accredited software tool such as FirstRate5, BERS Pro, AccuRate or HERO

Star ratings can be used by homeowners, builders, certifiers, councils and local, state and national governments for a number of purposes, including:

• To meet the mandatory energy efficiency requirements for homes and major renovations based on the National Construction Code
• To advise homeowners, architects and builders on the energy efficiency of various house designs.
• To advise prospective home buyers on the thermal performance of a home they are interested in buying.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

A NatHERS assessment provides information about the thermal performance (heating and cooling energy needs) of a home’s design, orientation and construction materials and the climate where it is being built.

In other words, a NatHERS assessment details exactly how energy efficient the building shell of your proposed dwelling is before roof, wall, floor insulation, window glazing, thermal barriers, and the like are added.

Within the NatHERS software, our team can simulate a number of different options to not only achieve ‘compliance’ with the energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC), but achieve the best results for you, based on your needs and budget.
The NatHERS assessment will generate a star rating on a scale from 0 to 10 stars.

WHAT DO THE STARS MEAN?

Homes with a higher star rating are considered more thermally comfortable and cheaper to run than homes with a lower star rating.

• A 0-star rating means the building shell does practically nothing to reduce the discomfort of hot or cold weather.
• A 6-star rating is the minimum standard in most states and territories. It indicates good, but not outstanding, thermal performance.
• A 10-star rated home may not need any artificial cooling or heating to keep you comfortable.

The full range of stars from 0 to 10 is called a star band. Star bands are based on the amount of energy predicted to be used for homes in different locations.

The key to achieving a comfortable, high-performing home is to design for your climate.
See examples of high star-rated homes on the Your Home website.

STAY TUNED VICTORIA

The transition period from 6 to 7-star energy-efficient homes commenced on 1 October 2022 and lasts 12 months. The transition period will allow the Victorian construction industry to make necessary adjustments to bring new projects and homes in line with the new NCC 2022 standards.

Updated energy efficiency standards for new homes will commence in Victoria from October 2023 but are available now for those who choose to use them.

Victoria will also remove barriers to installing efficient electric hot water systems under the new code, helping households experience further benefits from investing in solar panels, and supporting Victorians who choose all-electric new homes.

REBATES

Sustainability Victoria is providing rebates to registered builders and land developers to design and build 7-star NatHERS rated homes.

And, similar to other states, they are also providing online training resources for builders, designers and assessors to go from 6 to 7-star homes.