Building a house using the 5 Star standard.

Why a 5 Star house is better for you.

A 5 Star house is more comfortable to live in, has environmental benefits with reduced energy and water use, and will save you money in heating and cooling your home.

Better comfort.

A 5 Star house will be up to five degrees warmer in winter and as much as 10 degrees cooler in summer, depending on construction materials and design.

Better value.

Living in a 5 Star house could save households, on average, $200 on energy bills and $50 on water bills every year. If you have central heating and air conditioning, a large house, or if your house is heated and cooled during the day, your savings could be even greater.

A better place to live.

A 5 Star house will help create a cleaner, healthier environment. You'll save water and use less energy - and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 5 tonnes every year. That will help make Victoria a better place for us all to live in.

Why 5 Star houses are better for Victoria.

Like most Victorians, you will be well aware of how important it is to protect the environment. You will also know that our state's energy and water resources are under increasing pressure.

With the impact of climate change and the ongoing growth of Victoria's population – these are issues that must be addressed now. And the way we build our houses can make a huge difference.

The average energy efficiency rating of houses in Victoria was only 2.2 stars before the introduction of 5 Star. Considering our current and future energy and water needs, it is clear an improved outcome is needed. With a few simple design and construction changes, plus the use of special water and energy saving features, we can make our new houses and apartments 50 per cent more energy-efficient when heating and cooling, and reduce water consumption by up to 25 per cent. That's what the 5 Star standard is all about.