6 star energy requirements (Vic)

The Victorian Government has released a new Practice Note 2011-55 ‘Residential Sustainability Measures’ that sets out the 6 Star energy requirements under the Building Code of Australia (BCA) for new housing, alterations to existing homes and relocated existing homes in Victoria. This information sheet explains the new requirements for all building applications lodged after 1 May 2011 (unless exempt under Section 10(2) of the Building Act).

Requirements for New Houses

From May 1 2011, all new homes must achieve an energy rating of 6 stars. There are 3 ways to show a home achieves a 6 star energy rating:

• By complying with all of the ‘deemed to satisfy’ (DTS) provisions of Part 3.12 BCA Volume 2; or
• By using an approved House Energy Rating software (HERS), which is now a second DTS pathway, and complying with the additional nominated DTS provisions in the Part 3.12 BCA Volume 2; or
• By preparing an alternative solution in accordance with the BCA.

New homes must also have either a 5 star solar hot water service or a 2000 litre rainwater tank connected to all toilets in the home. These requirements apply to all homes, regardless of their floor construction (e.g. both slab on ground and suspended timber and concrete floors).

Requirements for alterations and additions
For alterations/additions or re-erections of existing homes constructed prior to 1 July 2004, the new building work must achieve a rating of 6 Stars using all of the DTS provisions in Part 3.12. The State variation for Victoria has been removed. The additional rainwater tank or solar hot water systems are not required.

Using an energy rating software is generally inappropriate for alterations and additions, as the software is designed to rate the ‘whole of house’, not just a portion. However, if the renovation work is substantial, the existing building together with the alterations may be able to be assessed using energy rating software.

For homes constructed after 1 July 2004, any future alterations/additions must maintain the integrity of the existing rating of the building, that is either 4, 5 or 6 Stars, as applied when the home was built. A new energy rating will need to be undertaken to confirm the original home will be equal or higher to the original star rating.

Other buildings
Class 2 and Class 4 part buildings (apartment buildings and residential parts of a commercial building) need to achieve an average 6 Star rating for the whole building and a minimum of 5 Stars for each sole occupancy unit or dwelling within that building. There is no requirement to install a rainwater tank or a solar hot water service in a Class 2 or 4 building. The BCA requirements for building services must also be complied with.

Class 3 - 9 buildings will need to comply with the new BCA energy efficiency requirements in Volume 1.

Download the flow chart (pdf 75kb) that sets out in detail what is required to satisfy both the BCA and the Victorian Plumbing Regulations 2008.

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

_{DISCLAIMER – 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.}