New dwellings and extensions are required to comply with the Energy Efficiency Provisions contained in the Building Codes of Australia (BCA).
For further information and a copy of the Energy Efficiency Checksheet and Glazing Calculator (which is required with all building licence applications for dwellings and extensions), please refer to the Building Commission's website.
New Energy Efficiency provisions have been added to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) which require new dwellings and additions to comply with the provisions set out in Part 3.12 of the BCA.
The Shire is required to check compliance against these provisions and the onus is on the builder to demonstrate that new dwellings and / or additions comply with the various elements of Part 3.12 of the BCA. Compliance can be achieved in two different ways, namely:
OPTION 1:
By complying with the provisions of the BCA known as the 'Deemed to Satisfy' (DTS) provisions. These include:
The minimum information that is required to be submitted for compliance against the 'Deemed to Satisfy' provisions of the BCA is a completed Energy Efficiency Checksheet with supporting information in the form of a compliant External Glazing and Ventilation Calculator.
The Building Commission's website provides Energy Efficiency checksheets and an External Glazing and Ventilation Calculator. Please note that the form must be completed electronically rather than by hand as compliance / non-compliance with 'Deemed to Satisfy' provisions is calculated by a program within the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet.
OR
OPTION 2:
By providing Council with an Energy Efficiency Rating from an accredited assessor using the FirstRate Energy Rating Software. Accredited assessors are now listed on a newly created National Assessor Register. The register and the accreditation of WA assessors is administered by the Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) on behalf of the Office of Energy (formerly the 'Sustainable Energy Development Office' or SEDO). For more information about this option please visit the Office of Energy website.
To download a copy of the qualified assessors list for First Rate Assessors, please visit the ABSA website.
Further information on Energy Efficiency can be obtained from the following sites:
For further information on the Building Code of Australia Energy requirements see
www.abcb.gov.au;
Greensmart is a voluntary government / building industry initiative to look for ways in which new houses can be designed, constructed and maintained in a more environmentally responsible way. The project is being led nationally by the Housing Industry Association and looks at such diverse details as minimising building construction waste, garden design, building materials, components and construction methods for houses. Look for a Greensmart Builder on
www.greensmart.com.au;
Looking to save money on Energy Efficient household equipment and appliances? Check out the Star Rating and how much you could save at
www.climatechange.gov.au; and
The NSW Government has a great site which looks at energy efficiency across many topics including buildings, appliances and products, landscaping and helpful hints to reduce energy consumption,
www.energysmart.com.au.
