A
house energy rating is a measure of
the relative energy efficiency of
a dwelling. Ranging from
0 to 5 stars, the rating is based on
an estimate
of the amount of energy which would
be required to heat the dwelling in
winter and cool it in summer.
FirstRate, the SEAV’s
(Sustainable Energy Authority of
Victoria) house energy rating software,
achieves an energy rating by assessing
the interaction between the building’s
design, the materials used, and the
orientation of the dwelling.
Improving the energy efficiency of
buildings is one of the measures
taken by the Australian government
to address global warming issues.
Within
5 years, energy efficient homes will
save Victoria more than
200,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases
annually, by minimizing the use
of non-renewable energy (coal, oil
and natural gases). This is equivalent
to removing 45,000 cars from the
roads or planting 750,000 trees.
In
Victoria new townhouses and units
currently require a mandatory
4 star rating, with some developers
having a 5 star covenant for some
new estates.
The
Victorian Premier Steve Bracks announced
on July 4th that a transition standard
would operate from July 1st 2004.
During the 12-month transition period,
builders would have three options
for new buildings:
OPTION
1: 5 star energy rating
for the building fabric (achieved
through design, insulation and double
glazing and other measures);
OPTION
2: 4 star energy rating
for building fabric plus water saving
measures (AAA shower head, taps and
a pressure reduction valve) and a
rain water tank;
OPTION
3: 4 star energy rating
for building fabric plus water saving
measures (AAA shower head, taps and
a pressure reduction valve) and a
solar hot water system.
From
July 2005 all new homes will be 5
star energy efficient and include
major water saving devices, such
as AAA rated taps and fittings, water
tanks or solar hot water systems.
The
owner of a 5 star rated home will
enjoy the immediate benefits of lower
energy bills and a more comfortable
living environment which is up to
10 degrees cooler in summer and up
to 5 degrees warmer in winter.
Comfort Smart’s accredited
Energy Raters are trained in the
use of FirstRate.
To
provide you with an energy rating
for your house design, we require
the following:
•
A completed Comfort Smart detail
sheet (visit www.comfortsmart.com.au)
•
A set of plans showing the floor
plan, elevations and site orientation
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