Energy & Water Efficiency
Across Australia, regulations which require all types of new homes to be more energy and water efficient are being introduced. In most cases, these regulations are applied via the Building Code of Australia, but not always. Some States have their own special requirements and in addition, some local councils can also have rules which must be met. Alterations and additions to existing houses can also be required to meet energy and water efficiency rules. It is important that you check the rules for your project before you begin, to ensure your application is not delayed with council.
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Current at: 29 July 2008
Phase out of inefficient incandescent light globes (Nat)
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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Current at: 08 July 2008
Ensure the energy rating on your windows is WERS to be confident of true performance (Nat)
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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Current at: 09 January 2007
Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme: WELS (Nat)
WELS is the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards Scheme which was introduced in 2005 for a range of plumbing and water using appliances and fixutres. WELS requires all products to have a star rating and label at the point of sale or supply to a customer.
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