ACT 6 Star Energy Efficiency Compliance

16-Jul-2010 THE ACT'S new stringent energy efficiency rating laws mean higher building costs for home owners, according to industry experts who have also warned mandatory planning rules are at critical mass.

It was predicted custom-built homes could cost up to 25 per cent more than a dwelling with a four- or five-star energy rating while upgrades and extensions are expected to cost up to $10,000 per grade.  

Changes to the ACT's building codes came into effect last week and require all new houses and apartments to be built to a six-star energy efficiency rating.

While the extra cost of standard homes with a simple design would be in the range of $5000 to $10,000, in some cases a custom-designed home would cost an extra 25per cent compared with a similarly designed four- or five-star dwelling.

''The ACT alone in less than five years has moved from four-star to five-star and is committed to introducing mandatory six-star energy efficiency requirements for standard dwellings,'' he said.

''However, with the introduction of six-star energy efficiency ratings industry has conceivably arrived at the upper limit of what can be achieved.''

Among the measures needed to achieve six-star are solar passively designed shells, lightweight construction materials, rainwater tanks and grey water recycling and solar hot water. High-rated insulation, water-saving fixtures and energy saving appliances and lighting, drought-tolerant, minimalist landscaping and double-glazed windows are also employed.

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