How to achieve 6-star energy requirements (QLD)

6-Star energy efficiency requirements for new homes became mandatory in Queensland on 1 May 2010. However, rather than simply having to comply with the construction requirements outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2010, Queensland builders have been given four different options to achieve 6-stars. The new legislation includes alternatives for the use of outdoor living areas and photovoltaic (PV) cell system which allows customers greater choice.

As was previously the case, the new requirements are set out in Mandatory Part (MP) 4.1 Sustainable Buildings in the Queensland Development Code. MP 4.1 now sets out four different methods for a new home to achieve 6-stars.

1. BCA 2010
Complying with all of the elemental provisions (previously known as Deemed to Satisfy) of BCA 2010 (Volume Two) will give a ‘deemed’ 6-star rating without any additional inclusions or offsets.
Note: In Climate Zones 1 & 2 suspended floors are not required to achieve a Total R-Value or where they are enclosed they do not have to have a barrier installed to prevent convection.

2. Verification
Verification using a reference building as outlined in BCA 2010 (Volume Two).  You can use the energy rating from one home to verify another home if it is identical on all of the factors that affect its energy efficiency e.g. design, orientation and climate zone.

3. Software Rating
Obtaining a house energy rating using one of the three software rating tools - BERS Pro, FirstRate 5 or AccuRate) to achieve either:

 4. BCA 2009
Complying with the ‘Deemed to Satisfy’ provisions of the BCA 2009 (Volume Two) to achieve a ‘deemed’ 5-star rating PLUS obtain a 1 star credit by using one or more of the nominal credits.

Nominal Credits
There are three nominal credits set out in MP4.1:

• 0.5 star for the inclusion of a ‘compliant outdoor living area’ (see below);
• 1 star for a ‘compliant outdoor living area’ with a permanently fixed ceiling fan (with a speed controller and blade rotation diameter of not less than 900mm)
• 1 star for a solar PV system of at least 1 kW in capacity (max. power output)

Compliant Outdoor Living Area
To receive the 0.5 star or 1-star nominal credits, a ‘compliant outdoor living area’ must comply with all of the following criteria:

• be directly accessible from, and attached to, a living area of the dwelling e.g. off the lounge, kitchen, dining or family room,
• have a minimum area of 12m² and in all directions be a minimum of 2.5 metres,
• be completed covered by an impervious roof, and
• two or more sides must be open or capable of being readily opened, not including the connection between the internal living area and the outdoor living area.

A copy of MP 4.1 can be downloaded from the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/building/current-parts.html

For further information HIA members can contact HIA’s Building Services staff on 1300 650 620 or hia_technical@hia.com.au.

If you would like to become a HIA member, contact 1300 650 620 or enquiry@hia.com.au

_{The above is intended to provide general information in summary form. The contents do not constitute specific advice and should not be relied upon as such. Formal specific advice should be sought by members with respect to particular matters before taking action.}