All new homes and apartments in Victoria must comply with the 5 Star standard.
From 1 May 2008, the 5 Star standard will be extended to cover alterations and relocations of homes.
To meet the 5 Star standard, a new house must achieve a 5 Star energy rating for the building fabric, plus install a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system.
The requirement for home renovations and relocations does not require a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system.
As the 5 Star standard is flexible, achieving the desired outcome can be done through design features such as house orientation, internal design, building materials, shading of windows, insulation, glazing. As well as water saving fixtures. However, there is a great deal of flexibility and trade-offs can be made between different elements to achieve the end result.
Accredited computer software programs can be used to assess the impact of the combined effect of these different factors on the energy efficiency of the house. A range of software programs make it easy to measure different strategies for meeting the 5 Star standard.
Yes. At the design stage of building, be sure to ask about the variety of features that can be incorporated into your home to meet the 5 Star standard.
An independent study by Jettaree Pty Ltd, for the Building Commission, shows that 5 Star energy and water saving measures add just 2 per cent to the average upfront cost of building in Victoria. However, for some designs there may be no cost difference. Generally the ongoing savings in energy bills for heating and cooling, and lower water bills will compensate for any increase in building costs.
5 Star houses can be formally assessed by a house energy rater using appropriate computer modelling software.
Accredited raters can also provide advice on achieving the required 5 Star energy rating.
A list of accredited energy raters is available from the Sustainability Victoria website at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Your building surveyor will approve the design prior to issuing a building permit for the construction of your home.
For general information on the 5 Star standard, visit www.5starhouse.vic.gov.au.
For more information on the 5 Star standard building regulations, visit the Building Commission website at www.buildingcommission.com.au or call 1300 360 380.
For more information about designing a 5 Star standard house, visit the Sustainability Victoria website at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au or call 1300 363 744.
For more information about water savings fixtures visit the Plumbing Industry Commission website at www.pic.vic.gov.au or call 1800 015 129.