The Federal Government has increased its support for photovoltaic panel systems for homes through changes to the Renewable Energy (Electricity) Regulations through higher rebates. There are some rules and requirements for installing panel systems and ensuring eligibility for the rebates that builders should be aware of.
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The requirement to insulate a timber floor will depend on several factors including the orientation, design, fabric or external cladding and amount of glazing in the building. In some circumstances it may be worth considering insulating the sub–floor to achieve the required rating as more cost effective than other methods.
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In 2009 the Australian Government removed the popular $8000 rebate that had been available for people installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems of 1 kilowatt (kW) or more. They have replaced the rebate with Solar Credits.
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You may have heard the term Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) over the last few years, but may be unsure what it refers to. This information sheet introduces LCA and how it can be used as a decision making tool for the assessment of building products, when the builder or owner is interested in considering the overall environmental impact of a building.
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This information sheet has been prepared to provide members interested in life cycle assessment of buildings and building materials with information on things to consider in an assessment. More details on Life Cycle Assessment and how it can be used is provided in HIA’s Information Sheet Principles of Life Cycle Assessment.
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WERS (window energy rating scheme) is designed to look specifically at window ratings to improve the comfort of homes. The main purpose of energy efficiency in a residential application is to reduce the amount of times the heating and cooling appliances are turned on and off. WERS rated residential windows have star ratings and percentage improvements to help give an easy comparison of windows. WERS is currently the only AFRC accredited system for rating windows in Australia required for compliance to the building code of Australia’s glazing provisions
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The Federal Government is working to introduce a new requirement for mandatory disclosure at the point of sale or lease of any existing home. The changes are intended to start in 2011 but the start date is uncertain. So what is mandatory disclosure?
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Queensland builders have been given four different options to achieve 6-star energy efficincy requirements for new homes. The new legislation includes alternatives for the use of outdoor living areas and photovoltaic (PV) cell system which allows customers greater choice.
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The Australian Government has announced the phase-out or inefficient incandescent light bulbs over the next 3 years. The intention of the phase-out is to reduce energy consumption throughout the country as part of the Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gases by 60 per cent by 2050.
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WELS was introduced in 2005 as a joint Federal and State Government initiative backed by the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Act 2005 to replace the 4A water efficiency rating system. The objective of the scheme is to encourage manufacturers to develop and market appliances and fittings that are more water efficient and to help consumers clearly identify and purchase water efficient products.
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A BASIX certificate is required for all alterations and additions to existing houses, valued at $50,000 or more requiring council approval. Each design will need unique options based on the type of renovation or alterations.
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