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5 Star Energy Efficiency

From 1 January 2010 new energy efficiency requirements for the construction or alteration of houses apply in Tasmania. The provisions in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) will require that new work meets BCA 2009 requirements equivalent to 5 Stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. Four star standards have applied in Tasmania since 2003. Tasmania is one of the last states to adopt the 5 Stars.

What types of buildings do the requirements apply to?

All Class 1 buildings (detached house or unit) and all Class 10a buildings (non habitable outbuildings) that have a conditioned space (heated or cooled).

What are the main changes?

  • more insulation is needed to meet increased minimum total R values
  • more stringent glazing provisions
  • compensation for ceiling insulation loss (from openings such as exhaust vents and down lights)
  • energy Rating assessments of the thermal efficiency of designs of proposed work must use 'second generation' software

How is compliance verified?

Building Surveyors will assess designs against the Deemed to Satisfy requirements of the BCA or look for a Rating Certificate from a qualified and insured energy efficiency assessor.

Can designs prepared before 1 January 2010 still be accepted?

From 1 Jan 2010 all designs should include the 5 Star Energy Efficiency Measures. If substantial progress had been made on the design before this date, the previous (lower) standard of 4 Stars may be accepted under the transitional provisions in s.55 (4) (b) of the Building Act 2000.

However, the use of this transitional provision is not recommended because

  • there has been a long lead up to the change to 5 Stars - it has been known since May 2009
  • home owners will have expectations that new dwellings will meet current standards. This is reinforced by the proposed COAG Mandatory Disclosure of energy efficiency, Sustainability and Water for housing before a dwelling is sold.

Will efficiency standards be again upgraded to 6 Stars?

The policy of COAG is to increase minimum energy efficiency standards to 6 Stars. 6 Star provisions will not only require more stringency for insulation and glazing but will include provisions for water and space heaters.

More information on 5 Star energy efficiency requirements