June 2011
EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2011 - NEW HOMES & LARGE RENOVATIONS REQUIRES A SIX STAR ENERGY RATING
Effective May 1, 2011 under the new Building Code of Australia all new building work and large renovations, will now require a minimum of 6 star energy ratings (or equivalent). This means the whole building envelope must rate to a six star energy rating.
New projects will need to obtain an energy efficiency assessment and stars rating from an accredited assessor. The assessor will carry out building energy ratings assessments also known as thermal performance assessments.
Six-star rating on the building envelope is the measure of how much energy leaks through the outer part of the building. Energy star ratings take into account the heating and cooling requirements of the whole building. The key elements that assessors test is thermal performance, ie, heating and cooling of the building, walls, floors, roof, eaves, windows - glazing, insulation and building orientation.
An estimate of up to 40% energy lost in a home is through glazing (the windows). The greatest percentage of glass should face between 30 degrees east and 20 degrees west of north where solar gain and loss may be controlled to the greatest advantage. It is important to understand that energy ratings can be improved through the use of better glazing options, eg double glazing, low-e, toned, solar glass and so on.
Things to consider when building or renovating using Trend Windows & Doors to obtain a 6 star energy efficiency rating:
- Orientation of the block
- Locate rooms not used often on the west face, eg bathrooms, garages
- Shading eastern and western windows, eg curtains, external blinds, eaves, verandahs etc
- Locate living rooms on the north face
- Surrounding buildings and trees
- Choose improved glazing options, eg double glazing
- Cross ventilation in rooms
- Insulation
The more energy efficient the building the higher the star rating obtained. Remember you can achieve more higher than 6 star rating for your project, depending on what energy efficiency solutions you use these can assist in lowering your energy usage for heating and cooling, in turn helping lower your energy bill costs. Trend Windows & Doors have energy efficiency solutions to help you achieve your six star energy ratings on your windows and doors for your project.
