Information last reviewed at:
27 August 2007
Energy Efficiency Provisions for Housing
Page 1 of 2
BCA 2003
Energy efficiency provisions for housing (ie - Class 1 and 10 buildings) were first introduced into the BCA on 1 January 2003, following extensive technical development and public consultation processes. The Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions varied depending upon the climate zone in which the building was to be located. To ease adoption, the provisions were kept relatively simple and were developed to achieve a nominal level of energy efficiency equivalent to a 3.5 to 4 star rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.
The provisions were progressively adopted in the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia. Separate energy efficiency regulations were adopted in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.
The BCA Energy Efficiency Provisions included Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions, including for:
- The ability of the roof, walls and floor to resist heat transfer
- The resistance to heat flow and solar radiation of the glazing
- The sealing of the house
- The provision of air movement for free cooling, in terms of openings and breeze paths
- The insulation and sealing of air-conditioning ductwork and hot water piping
Following the introduction of the initial energy efficiency provisions for housing, some States and Territories indicated a desire to increase the stringency level. The ABCB decided to develop provisions to achieve a nominal level of energy efficiency equivalent to 5 stars under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.
An RD outlining proposed enhanced energy efficiency provisions for housing was released in November 2004 for public comment. A draft RIS setting out the costs and benefits of the proposal was also prepared and made available for public comment in March 2005.
Page 1 | 2