New homes or renovated old homes in Victoria must comply with 5 Star energy efficiency and water saving regulations.

Minor work that doesn't require a building permit is not required to meet these standards, however.

New homes must meet the 5 Star standard for thermal performance of the roof, external walls and floors, plus include a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system. Home alterations and relocations only require 5 Star thermal performance and aren't mandated to install a tank or solar hot water system.

In order to meet these standards, homeowners are encouraged to:

Design the home to suit its construction. Houses with concrete slab floors and those
with suspended timber floors each perform differently in summer and winter. For
example, carpet can provide timber floored homes with extra floor insulation for warmth in winter whereas tiles on a concrete slab will make it easier for the floor to store solar energy collected through good passive design
Insulate walls, ceilings and suspended timber floors to reduce heat losses in winter and heat gains in summer
Consider the internal layout of the home to enhance energy efficiency, such as locating windows opposite one another to create cool breezes, and minimising large stairwells so the house does not loose warmth
Utilise windows to improve energy efficiency by making use of the large range of high performance energy efficiency glazing products on the market
Consider the home's orientation by having living spaces positioned to make the most of northerly sunlight through appropriate window orientation, sizing and shading
Make better use of the sun by shading windows in summer with eaves, verandahs
external blinds and tailored landscaping
Install the best available water-saving showerheads, taps and fittings

Architecture & Design Team

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