Improving sustainable housing in Queensland

From March 1 2009, all new houses and units in Queensland must achieve a minimum 5 stars (out of 10) energy equivalent rating under the new sustainable housing regulations. This is an increase from the current minimum rating of 3.5 to 4.

New regulations effective 1 March 2009

5-star energy equivalence rating for all new houses

For new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings) and where applicable extensions, alterations and re-locations:

• the Queensland Development Code (QDC) and Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2009 have been amended to require a minimum energy equivalence rating of 5 stars (out of 10)
• deemed-to-satisfy provisions outlined in Volume Two, Part 3.12 Energy efficiency of the BCA or verification using either software or a reference building outlined in V2.6.2.2 of the BCA will remain as assessment methods to achieve a 5-star energy equivalence rating
• only software that complies with the Australia Building Codes Board Protocol for House Energy Rating Software (Version 2006.1) must be used when assessing compliance i.e. 2nd generation software (BERS Pro, AccuRate or FirstRate5)
• peer review by an expert is an additional compliance option.

The energy equivalence rating applies to the building’s shell–roof, walls, windows and floors. Designers and architects need to give more consideration to the orientation of the house, location of the rooms, amount of insulation, window type, size and location, ventilation and shading (eaves and awnings) relative to the area's climate in order to achieve a 5-star rating.

Better recognition of outdoor living areas

An outdoor living area, such as a deck or verandah, connected to an indoor living area of a new or extensively renovated house in the ‘tropical’ and ‘subtropical’ climate zones (under the BCA) can gain an optional credit of up to 1 star towards its total energy equivalence rating under the QDC when using the verification (software) compliance method. A 0.5 star credit applies to a fully-covered outdoor living area that is at least 12 m² in size, with a minimum dimension of 2.5m in all directions, has two or more sides open or capable of being readily opened and is insulated with at least R-1.5. A 1 star credit is available where an outdoor living area meets the above requirements and also incorporates at least one ceiling fan. 

Other measures

All new houses, townhouses and units (Class 2 buildings) must install as a minimum:

• 4-star Water Efficiency Labelling Standards (WELS) rated toilets
• 3-star WELS rated tapware to kitchen sinks, basins and laundry taps
• energy-efficient lighting to 80 per cent of fixed internal lights (minimum 27 lumens per Watt)
• a water-efficient irrigation system (where an irrigation system is installed).

Guideline

A guideline is available to assist with understanding how the sustainable housing requirements, including 5-star housing, outdoor living areas and energy efficient lighting, apply to new houses, townhouses and units. It also provides information on how these requirements apply to alterations or additions to existing dwellings, such as extensions, renovations or relocations.

New regulations effective 1 September 2009

Minimum energy-efficiency standards for air-conditioners

From 1 September 2009, air-conditioners sold or installed must have a minimum tested average energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 2.9. The EER is the industry-recognised measure for gauging the energy efficiency level for cooling in air-conditioners. An EER of 2.9 is generally equivalent to 4-stars on a current energy rating label.

The installation ban will apply to new or replacement air-conditioners installed (via plug or hard wired) in houses, townhouses and units and the sales ban will prevent air-conditioners which do not meet the minimum standard from being sold in Queensland irrespective of the building they are to be installed in.

Generally, in practice implementing a sales ban will mean that air-conditioners installed in all buildings will meet the new higher EER level. However, investigations will be undertaken on expanding the application of the installation ban to include other classes of buildings such as commercial buildings so that the sales and installation bans are complementary.   

The sales and installation bans are applicable to air-conditioning systems up to 65 kilowatts in output capacity that use either single-phase power (that is, the 230 volt system most commonly used in homes to operate appliances and small motors) or three-phase power (i.e. the 400 volt system typically used to efficiently run larger electric motors and appliances). This includes split systems, ducted systems and window units. The new regulations will not be applicable to evaporative air-conditioners or portable coolers. Air-conditioning systems which are above 65 kw are not captured by the new standard and are regulated by the Building Code of Australia.

If a system is not labelled with the tested average EER or a star rating, the tested average EER for all models currently registered in Australia can be found at www.energyrating.gov.au or by contacting the manufacturer.

For further information on how to comply with the new requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, a fact sheet is available.  For technical information in relation to installation, optimisation and positioning of your air-conditioner a guideline will be available here in the coming weeks.

Hot water systems

The requirement for greenhouse-efficient hot water systems in new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings only) that commenced on 1 March 2006, is now regulated by the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (no longer by the Queensland Development Code).

Frequently asked questions

Answers to questions about:

• 5-star energy requirement for houses and townhouses in Queensland ( 127 KB)
• energy efficient lighting in houses, townhouses and units ( 111 KB)
• water efficiency requirements in houses and units ( 106 KB)
• minimum energy rating for air-conditioners ( 131 KB)

Climate zones

Use our postcode search facility to identify the climate zone your house is located in, and what general design features your house needs to achieve a 5-star energy equivalent rating 1.

Discussion paper and background

The Improving sustainable housing in Queensland discussion paper ( 2 MB) was launched on 15 June 2008 and proposed a range of measures to improve water and energy efficiency of Queensland homes. Consultation closed on 12 September 2008. The measures canvassed in the paper promoted smarter design and water and energy efficient technologies to be implemented in both new and existing houses and units. Almost 300 submissions were received during the consultation.

Feedback from the community forums is available online.

The Premier announced the new regulations on 14 December 2008 after a three-month consultation on the Improving sustainable housing in Queensland discussion paper. The regulations contain five measures to improve the sustainability performance of housing.

• Read the media release 'Queensland homes go green' 14 December 2008.
• Read the building industry newsflash: number 344 - Improving sustainable housing in Queensland discussion paper - approved policy outcomes.

More information

The specific sustainable housing requirements can be found in the Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 4.1–Sustainable buildings and, for greenhouse-efficient hot water systems and outdoor irrigation systems, the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.

To stay informed about industry matters, email buildingcodes@dip.qld.gov.au and register to receive the building and plumbing newsflashes issued periodically by Building Codes Queensland.

For more information about sustainable housing contact Building Codes Queensland.