Plumbing & Building Sustainable housing New sustainable housing laws are hereThe Queensland Government has introduced new sustainable housing laws to improve the water and energy efficiency of our homes and encourage smarter design. A sustainable house uses as little energy and water as possible and can adapt to the changing lifestyles of its occupants. Consequently, its impact on the environment is minimal, reducing the household’s carbon footprint.
Queensland attracts thousands of new residents each year, and our growing population, combined with the possible effects of climate change, means it is more important than ever that Queensland homes are designed more sustainably. A number of new laws came into effect on 1 March 2009, with others being introduced at various stages until 1 March 2010. Upcoming free training sessions 23 November 2009 to 3 December 2009. Measures now in place—for the greener good
5-star energy equivalence ratingNew houses, townhouses and major renovations must now achieve 5-star (out of 10) energy equivalence rating. This came into effect on 1 March 2009. Better recognition of outdoor living areasNew houses and townhouses can gain up to 1 credit towards their overall energy equivalence rating by adding an outdoor living area that meets minimum design specifications. 
Energy efficient lighting in houses, townhouses and unitsNew houses, townhouses and units (including enclosed garages) must now have energy efficient globes installed to a minimum of 80% of the total fixed internal light fittings. This came into effect on 1 March 2009. Lighting for external areas, such as paths, gardens, decks and verandahs, is not included as part of this calculation. 
Water efficiency requirements in houses, townhouses and unitsThe new requirements for all new houses, townhouses and units were introduced on 1 March 2009. Under the new requirements:
Garden irrigation systems—new systems must comply with the Queensland Water Commission’s Efficient irrigation for water conservation guideline. Check with your local council for possible irrigation and water restrictions. Measures in place in September 2009
Minimum energy rating for air conditionersFrom 1 September 2009, air conditioners which do not have a minimum tested average Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 2.9 or higher for cooling cannot be installed in houses and townhouses (class 1 buildings) and units (class 2 buildings). This applies to new installations and replacements. A ban on the sale of air-conditioners that do not meet this standard is also effective form 1 September 2009. Air-conditioners (new or second hand) which do not meet a minimum tested average EER of 2.9 are not able to be sold in Queensland, regardless of the building in which they are to be installed. The next stage—2010 and beyondHot water systemsExisting houses situated in natural gas reticulated areas will be required to install a greenhouse-efficient hot water system—either gas, solar or heat pump—when their existing electric system requires replacement. This will take effect 1 January 2010. Sustainability declaration formA form which outlines the energy, water, access and safety features of a home will need to be completed when selling a house, townhouse or unit. This will take effect 1 January 2010. 5-star energy equivalence for unitsIt is proposed that all new units will be built to a 5-star (out of 10) energy equivalence rating. This will take effect 1 March 2010. ClimateSmart Home ServiceThe ClimateSmart Home Service is part of the Queensland Government’s ClimateSmart Living initiative. It’s specifically designed to help Queenslanders contribute to addressing climate change by reducing their household carbon footprint. Importantly, with the ClimateSmart Home Service you can save a total of up to 20.4 tonnes of greenhouse gases. That's equivalent to taking more than four cars off the road for a full year. It can save you up to $325 on your energy and water bills each year and provides a customised Energy and Water Efficiency Plan for your home. Visit the ClimateSmart Home Service website. Why the laws have changed—background
The Improving sustainable housing in Queensland discussion paper ( Feedback from the community forums is available online. The Premier announced nine approved measures on 14 December 2008 after a three-month consultation on the Improving sustainable housing in Queensland discussion paper. These are designed to improve the sustainability of housing in Queensland.
More informationThe specific sustainable housing requirements can be found in the Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 4.1–Sustainable buildings. The requirement, for greenhouse-efficient hot water systems and outdoor irrigation systems are contained in 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. |
2 MB) was launched on 15 June 2008 and proposed a range of measures to improve the sustainability performance of Queensland homes. It aimed to make Queensland homes more comfortable to live in, use less water and energy and assist with reducing Queensland’s greenhouse gas emissions and manage water supply for a growing population. 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.
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