Insummary the new 6 star energy rating regulations will mean a changeto the way builders, architects and building designers conduct theirbusiness. To ensure a smooth transition, the integration of energyratings into your system needs to be thought out before it ismandatory.
6-Starenergy ratingis taking effect in Western Australia on May 1st2012. The new 6 star energy efficiency regulations are the biggestchallenge for builders since the Energy Efficiency regulations werefirst introduced into the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in 2003.
Althoughit is true, the stringency of the energy efficiency regulations forhouses has steadily increased since its induction; the change from 5star energy efficiency regulations to 6 star is requiring buildersand building designers to significantly modify their energyefficiency solutions and method of compliance.
Energy Rating TheBackground
Before6 Star Energy Rating requirements were introduced the easiest methodof compliance was to use a DeemedTo Satisfy (DTS) method.This involved a glazingcalculator which ensured the glazing requirements were met - and then asimple check box to show that the minimum amounts of insulation werebeing complied with.
Throughstudies by industry group AsBuiltLearning Exchange,in conjunction with leading energy rating assessors, such asSustainabilityWA,it was shown that this method, although still available under the 6star energy rating regulations, is not the best way of compliance dueto its restrictive compliance requirements.
Theuse of HouseEnergy Rating Software(HERS) to show compliance with the 6 star energy rating regulationswas found to be more cost efficient and less time consuming than theDTS method. An added benefit of using HERS software is thepossibility of the reduction in compliance costs through the use ofsolar passive design principles.
Energy Rating Compliance
EnergyRating or a Building ThermalPerformance Assessmentis the most accurate and flexible method of certification.
Thenew house or addition is modeled using sophisticated computerprograms. These models are analyzed and a star rating calculated.
TheEnergy rating depends on:
The layout of the home,
The construction of its roof, walls, windows and floor
The orientation of windows and shading to the sun's path and local breezes
And how well these suit the local climate.
Energy consumption by hot water systems, lights or household appliances is not part of the rating.
Otheritems that will affect a rating are:
Sealing Vented down lights and gas vents will significantly affect an energy rating
Colours of material Dark colours are better in cold climates and light colours are better in warmer climates
Floor coverings Tiles show a performance gain in areas where there are high heating loads or where there are full height windows allowing solar access to the tiles.
Energy Ratings What thestars mean
Zerostarsmeans the building shell does practically nothing to reduce thediscomfort of hot or cold weather.
A5star ratingindicates good, but not outstanding, thermal performance.
Occupantsof a 10starhome are unlikely to need any artificial cooling or heating.
Choosing an Energy RatingAssessor
Theright energy rating assessor can make a big difference to thecompliance of your project. Some things to look for when choosingyour energy rating assessor are:
Practical Experience in building and construction methods to ensure cost effective solutions are recommended
Experience in a variety of House Energy Rating Software programs
The ability to cover all points of the energy rating compliance including the insulation penetration and artificial lighting calculations which come into effect in May 2012
The ability for your energy Rating assessor to provide fast efficient service so that it does not delay your building project
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