Energy Efficiency
The term ‘Energy Efficiency’ has been around for some time, but has only become a regulatory term over the last five (5) years with the introduction of technical provisions into the Building Code of Australia (BCA). The Building Act references the BCA as the relevant code for assessable building work, making compliance with the provisions mandatory for any new project.
These energy efficiency provisions have been formulated by government (Australian Building Code Board) based on years of research and study, in order to increase the energy efficiency of all new buildings. The provisions include controls on the thermal performance of the building fabric (roof, walls and floors), external glazing (windows), ventilation and services.
Essentially, the provisions are aimed at improving thermal comfort for building occupants without the need for excessive artificial heating and cooling (air conditioning).
At Michael Ross Certification, we have the experience and the technical know-how to assess any type of building (new or existing) against these energy efficiency provisions, to ensure your proposal meets the requirements. We can do this using the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions for any building (house, townhouses, house extensions, office, shop, school etc), or we can use computer software to determine a ‘star rating’. This latter option can only be used for new houses or attached housing (duplex or townhouse).
Currently legislation in Queensland requires a house to achieve a minimum 6 star rating (out of 10), this legislation is changing effective May 1st, 2010, where a 6 star rating system will come into effect.
