National Construction Code likely to increase minimum energy efficiency standards for homes

Hiking energy efficiency ratings would price SA families out of new homes, builders say, but experts warn their current standards are nothing to be proud of.

Home builders, architects and designers are waiting “with bated breath” for the latest National Construction Code, which is likely to raise the minimum standard for energy efficiency.

At the green end of the spectrum, the industry wants to push ahead with changes that would propel Australia further along the “Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings”.

That would mean cheaper energy bills, greater comfort during extreme weather and blackouts and also, reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

SUHO lead construction design specialist Geraldine Petit who created the 10-star home at Woodforde said it was time to reconsider the star rating criteria.

Geraldine Petit, lead construction design specialist at Suho Studio at the new 10-star rated home. Picture: Tom Huntley

“They’re not taking into consideration the ventilation system, or energy production such as solar panels that will help a more holistic approach to building for energy efficiency,” she said.

“Another aspect I would like to see, because we have that in Europe, is some kind of energy certification for buildings, which means that when we finish the build, we have some sort of rating on using our new building. And that actually gives some more value to energy efficiency on the market.”

But the Housing Industry Association is happy with the status quo 6-star minimum standard set in 2010.

HIA SA regional director Stephen Knight said that any advance beyond six stars should be “voluntary”.

“It’s all very well making houses to a higher standard, but if it makes them unaffordable then of course that’s a concern for everyone,” he said.

But University of Adelaide Professor Veronica Soebarto said six out of 10 was nothing to be proud of.

“I don’t think it’s high enough to achieve really sustainable housing.” she said. “So, to me, there’s a lot that still needs to be done.”

As the architect leading Green Urban Futures research at the Environment Institute, she understands the deficiencies with the current star rating scheme.

“The only way we can put a star rating on a home is to base it on (the total) heating and cooling load, which of course implies the house has to have heating and cooling,” she said.

A 10-star home in Woodforde. Picture: Samuel Jeyaseelan

“So it’s not a house that can be comfortable, you know, by opening windows and heavy insulation. It needs to have equipment in there. Therefore, a box.

“A well-insulated box can still use a minimum amount of energy. But you have to run the heating and cooling. So, if you turn it off, you’re just going to be in the (fridge or the) oven.”

The draft amendments to the Code are overdue, but the Australian Building Codes Board’s scoping study has flagged a move to 7-stars.

That study presented two options, the more stringent being 7-stars (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) and “net zero annual energy use for the regulated building services, ie space conditioning, heated water systems, lighting and pool and spa pumps”.

SUHO Studio managing director and owner Jim Woolcock said the new Code was likely to take a “whole of house” to energy efficiency, but he didn’t have a crystal ball and the ultimate outcome was a bit of a lottery.

“We’re all waiting with bated breath to see what the Building Code’s going of do,” he said. “The whole building industry is waiting, it really effects the whole industry.”

STARS OF GREEN HOUSING IN SA

Nightingale, Bowden - These apartments by Breathe will be a first for SA, offering carbon neutral housing at the affordable end of the market and boasting a minimum 7.5-star Nationwide House Energy rating. To be constructed in 2022.

An image of Nightingale Housing's first proposed apartment project for Adelaide, which would be built at Bowden and feature affordable housing, including a portion quarantined for essential workers. Picture: Meche Studio

10-Star Home, Woodforde

The state’s first 10-star rated energy efficient home from SUHO will use no more than 3 megajoules per square metre annually. 5 per cent of the energy consumed by the average household.

Geraldine Petit, lead construction design specialist at Suho Studio, at the new 10-star rated home. Picture: Tom Huntley

Prince’s Terrace, Bowden - The first residential development to achieve the Green Building Council of Australia’s commercial 6 Star Green Star rating (separate to the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme NatHERS) in Australia, boasting half the energy use of a typical urban dwelling. The project was overseen by Defence Housing Australia, the Prince’s Trust Australia, and Renewal SA.

Prince's Terrace, Bowden, Adelaide

Lochiel Park, Campbelltown - Renewal SA’s award-winning green village was the site of the Zero Carbon Home with a 7.5-star rating and net zero operational energy.

The Zero Carbon House at Lochiel Park, Campbelltown. Architect TS4 Architecture. Finalist in Dulux Colour Awards 2014.