Energy Efficiency and the Building Code of Australia

Fixed shading elements are a critical consideration in Passive Solar design. The awnings can block unwanted sunlight in the warm summer months while permitting much-needed light and warmth during the cooler winter months. Australia has many climate zones, all with different design and construction requirements; architects or designers often perform a ‘sun study’ to take full advantage of any passive solar design features such as fixed shading. 

To learn more about Australian climate zones, click this link to visit the NatHERs website.

Certifications

In Australia, depending on the type of building being constructed or the project’s location, a specific certification will likely be required. All codes meet the National Construction Code (NCC), which details the minimum requirements in designing and constructing all buildings in Australia (also known as the Building Code of Australia or BCA). Each state then can vary the technical provisions to suit their unique circumstances, so there are a variety of energy efficiency requirements across the country.

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) measures a residential property’s energy efficiency on a 10-star scale. The more stars a property has, the less likely it is that the home will need to rely on heating or cooling. According to the scheme, every new home or residential building in Australia must achieve a minimum of a 6-star rating (with some exceptions – see below table). All states, excepting NSW, use this system exclusively to meet the BCA standards.

The energy efficiency (or thermal efficiency) rating is essentially an accurate indication of the energy required to heat and cool the property to a comfortable level and, specifically, the structure’s ability to preserve that energy efficiently. 

All construction materials are considered when assessing the thermal efficiency of a building, including glazing, lighting, insulation, cladding etc.

All single and multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings, and renovations over $50,000 must receive a BASIX certification prior to building approval in New South Wales. The BASIX certification looks at energy efficiency (can use NatHERS assessment for this portion of BASIX), water consumption, and thermal comfort. This 3-pronged approach ensures maximum comfort for minimum energy expenditure – meaning less electricity and water usage. Better for the environment and the owners pocket.

The final certification available in Australia is the Green Star Rating, launched by the Green Building Council of Australia in 2003. It is an internationally recognised sustainability rating system for the built environment to reduce the impact of climate change, enhance the quality of life, restore and protect the environment, and contribute to a sustainable economy.

Green Star is a voluntary certification from 1 to 6 stars. A 1-star rating is a minimum requirement to be classified as a “Green Star Building”, and 6-Stars indicates world-class leadership in sustainability. To read more about the Green Star Rating, visit their website: https://new.gbca.org.au/