With an ever increasing awareness about climate change and the damaging effects of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the increasing cost of electricity and gas, the demand for energy-efficient homes is getting greater.
All new homes in Victoria are required to include a greater range of energy efficiency and water saving features which improve occupant comfort and reduce energy bills. This also includes extensions and renovations, and houses being relocated.
The current standard for extensions, renovations or relocations applies to the thermal performance of a home and does not require a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.
The Relevant Building Surveyor has discretion to allow partial compliance for smaller extensions or extensive alterations where the requirement is impractical. For example, it would be impractical to remove the plaster of the existing home being renovated to insulate the walls as the owner may still be living in the premises. The Building Surveyor will require proof that a building will meet the mandatory minimum energy efficiency standards as part of determining whether to give building approval. Proof of this is stamped plans by an accredited thermal performance assessor (energy rater), glazing certificates and insulation certificates.
As the energy rating software can only be used on new homes, extensions and alterations that require a building permit will be required to comply with the new energy efficiency regulations.
The deemed to satisfy provisions include:
- Building fabric
- External glazing
- Building sealing
- Air movement
- Services.
The requirements:
- Alterations that represent more than 50% of the original building volume (including any alterations carried out in the previous 3 years) require the existing building to be brought up to the same standards as the new construction.
- Alterations that represent less than 25% of the floor area of the existing building or 1,000m2 (whichever is lesser) must fully comply with the new standard. However, the rest of the existing building does not.
- There are certain circumstances (Building Regulation 608, BCA) where the relevant building surveyor can allow partial compliance.
Note that the energy rating software in Victoria can only be used on new homes.
Ecomad can offer a number of services to help with your renovations.
- Initial inspection of home prior to engaging a building designer. If the renovation is going to be large we can advise on what can and cannot be undertaken on the existing building to help bring it up to 5 star standard. We'll get you thinking of things before you commit further.
- Your Building Designer will need to determine insulation levels, glazing requirements etc under the 'Deemed to Satisfy' requirements of the Building Code of Australia and document your plans accordingly. If your Designer is uncomfortable with this, ecomad can provide 'Deemed to Satisfy' calculations and endorsement of drawings for your project.
Want to know WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE energy rating system THEN Click here.