Understanding Regulations

From 1 May 2011, all new homes, home renovations, additions, alterations and relocations in Australia will need to comply with the 6 Star Standard. This sees Victoria align with national energy efficiency standards.

The 6 Star Standard applies to the thermal performance of a home, renovation or addition, as well as requiring the installation of a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.

Why The Regulations?

With the impacts of climate change and global warming widely accepted as a reality, both the Victorian and Australian governments have responded to the challenge by setting targets for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

Part of addressing these targets is to set energy efficiency requirements for residential housing. Energy efficiency requirements make owning and renting a home more achievable by lowering running costs.

Well-designed 6 Star homes don’t look any different to your average home but are projected to use 24 per cent less energy for heating and cooling compared to 5 Star homes. This will see Victorians saving a further $100 off their energy bills each year.

This is only an average saving. Residents who use their energy features in their home wisely will save even more. For example, residents of new homes who install a rainwater tank use 20 per cent less reticulated drinking water.

Overall these regulations ensure that we are benefitting our wider society by advancing the sustainability of our built environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

How Do The Regulations Apply?

From 1 May 2011 the 6 Star Standard applies to all new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings); new apartments [Class 2 buildings], and enclosed garages (Class 10a buildings) attached to class 1 buildings.

A 6 Star energy efficiency rating applies to your home’s building envelope - its roof, walls, floor and windows. The installation of a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing is not mandatory for Class 2 buildings. The 6 Star requirements also include efficiency standards for fixed lighting but not plug in appliances provided by homeowners.

For most houses, achieving 6 Star requires a few simple improvements to the standard design and construction of a home. The 6 Star Standard is designed to be a flexible standard – it is performance-based rather than prescriptive. This means designers and builders can use their creativity to meet homeowners’ requirements of being cost-effective, functional and aesthetic.

The 6 Star Standard applies to the thermal performance of a home, renovation or addition, as well as requiring the installation of a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.

As a flexible, performance-based standard, 6 Star allows homeowners, builders and designers enormous choice in meeting the requirements.

Some simple building work, not requiring a building permit, will not be affected by the new regulations. However, if you are intending to build, renovate or extend your home or re-locate an existing home after 1 May 2011, you will need to comply with the 6 Star Standard. Download guide, click here.