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The 5 Star Standard

The 5 star standard has been implemented by the Victorian government in order to make homes in that state more energy efficient and rely less on energy resources. Read on to learn more.

What are 5 Star Homes?

5 star homes are economical to run. They have lower fuel/energy bills and are unlikely to need air-conditioning. In the same vein, smaller heating equipment is required. Homes that are designed to the 5 star standard have less temperature variation, meaning that they are more comfortable while using less energy resources. 5 star homes are designed to meet a standard, not a standard design. This means that you can still get the home of your dreams. You simply need to discuss with your builder or architect how you can use glass, mass, and insulation to achieve the advantages of the 5 star home.

What Does the 5 Star Standard Require?

Since July 2004, new houses and apartments in Victoria must be built to meet the requirements of the 5 star standard. This standard requires the following:

• 5 star energy efficiency rating for the building fabric;
• water efficient taps and fittings; plus
• either a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system

Ways of Achieving the 5 Star Standard

Some ways of achieving the 5 star standard include:

• Orientation – rotate your design to make the most of sleeping and living areas.
• Insulation – increase your thermal mass or R-value of your insulation in walls and ceilings.
• Windows – use energy efficient window frame systems such as aluminium or timber.
• Glazing – double glazing on the east and west sides of the building and use energy efficient glass.
• Air leakage – seal all the gaps around windows, doors, and any other areas where air leakage could occur.
• Eaves – wider eaves reduce solar glare and direct sunlight on windows.
• Skylights – use solar control in skylights because of heat gain and loss.

New Changes to the 5 Star Standard

New changes to the system have come into effect from the 1 May 2008. From this date, the national energy efficiency standard applies to all relocated homes and alterations to an existing home in Victoria. For some simple renovation work that does not require a building permit, the new regulations will not apply. All building projects to alter a home, including an extension, that requires a building permit, will be required to comply with the new energy efficiency regulations.

The new requirements for alterations or relocations apply to the thermal performance of the home and do not require a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing. Any alterations that represent more than 50 percent of the original volume of the building, including work carried out in the previous three years, require that the existing building to be brought up to the same standards as the new construction. This refers to the 5 star building fabric requirement.

Any extension that is more than 25 percent of the floor area of the existing floor area or 1000 square metres, whichever is smaller, must fully comply with the new standard. The entire building does not have to comply with the new standard.