Six Star Rating

Friday, 9 April 2010

Energy Efficiency goes to six star. 

I’ve received a few questions regarding the timing of the 6 star implementation and when this will apply.

The 6 star requirements will commence the 1^st May 2010.

If we have received the application before the 1^st May then we can assess the application under the 5 stars requirements.

If we receive the application after the 1^st May then we can still assess the job under the 5 star requirements if we sign a certificate confirming: (Part 37 (1d) of the Building Act).

(i) substantial progress was made on the design of the building before the 1^st May, and

(ii) the design would need to be changed to comply with the amended provision; and

(iii) the changes needed are not minor changes, having regard to the amendment and the nature of the building work.

Example of a change to a design that is not a minor change— Reducing the size of the house to install a watertank. If the changes are extra insulation, ceiling fans, tinted windows etc. then this would be a minor change.

The last major sustainability change that significantly affected building costs was the introduction of mandatory rain water tanks.  At that time the Building Act provided some flexibility in implementing this requirement, giving the owner the opportunity to declare financial hardship if the provision was enforced.  This section has now been amended and financial considerations are no longer sufficient grounds to utilise the transitional provisions of the Building Act.  It would be unlikely that changes made to a design to comply with the 6 star requirements would be considered a major change.

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