Energy Efficiency
Residential
New Dwellings
Energy Efficiency has become an increasingly
larger part of compliance in today’s building
regulations in order to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions in new homes. All new homes are required
to achieve a minimum of a 5 Star energy rating and
be provided with either a rain water tank connected
to the sanitary flushing systems or a solar hot
water heater with 60% solar gain.
Alterations to Existing Dwellings
As of the 1 May 2009 existing homes are required
to meet the 5 Star Energy Efficiency requirements of
the BCA via a 5 Star Energy Rating or by meeting the
Deemed to Satisfy requirements. Alteration to
existing dwellings do not require a rain water tank
or solar hot water heater however in circumstances
of shortfalls in ability to reach the required
performance of energy efficiency these energy saving
measures could be used to compensate the shortfall
under the performance provisions of the BCA.
Commercial
Just like residential properties Energy
Efficiency Measures have been implemented into the
commercial building regulations in order to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions which were introduced on
the 1 May 2006. Compliance with the Energy
Efficiency requirements of the BCA can be met by
complying with Part J Energy Efficiency, the Deemed
to Satisfy requirements in the BCA or by using
Energy Rating Software that complies with the
Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Protocol for
Building Energy Analysis Software.
House Energy Ratings
Zonne are Registered Energy Raters with the
Sustainable Energy Authority and can provide Star
house energy ratings using accredited house energy
rating software. This method of assessment can be
conducted on new and existing Class 1 residential
homes, Class 2 apartments and Class 4 caretakers
residents associated with commercial properties ie
shops, offices etc…
BCA Energy Efficiency Requirements
Zonne can conduct compliance assessments of
residential and commercial properties in accordance
with the Part J Energy Efficiency requirements of
the Building Code of Australia. These requirements
apply to new or alterations to commercial
properties.
Energy Rating existing homes for sale or rent
In the near future, as already exists in the ACT,
homes for sale and rent in Victoria will be required
to be provided with an energy rating. This will have
a large impact on the industry as potential buyers
and renters may be more likely swing towards energy
efficient housing. Zonne can energy rate these homes
off the plans or conduct an onsite inspection to
create an as built specification.
Easy Ways to Improve Energy Efficiency in your
Home or Commercial Property
- Draft seal external door and window openings
to prevent air leakage
- Install draft stoppers over exhaust fans to
prevent air leakage
- Draft seal internal doors to unconditioned
rooms to reduce the amount of space required to
be heated or cooled (ie bath rooms, laundries,
wc’s and internal garage doors)
- Increase or provide ceiling insulation to
maintain thermal comfort levels and reduce heat
loss
- Install energy efficient light bulbs to
reduce electricity usage
- Install adjustable blinds or shutters over
windows receiving direct sunlight
- Install a rain water tank or solar hot water
system.
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