Latest Policy News
Click here for latest National Policy Updates
Click here for latest State Policy Updates
All states in Australia require new homes to meet minimum thermal performance standards.
In other words, the home must be designed to remain at a comfortable temperature without
the need for excessive heating or cooling. These requirements are designed to reduce
the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce energy for homes, thereby reducing Australia's
greenhouse gas emissions.
National
As most of you are well aware there have been some significant changes on the 1st of May 2009 with the adoption of the 2009 BCA. The 2009 BCA only references the 2006 Protocol for 2nd generation software (AccuRate and equivalent). There is no longer any references to Australian Building Codes Board protocols for accreditation of 1st Generation Thermal Performance Assessment Software.
As of 1st of May 2009 Assessors are no longer permitted to use any of the 1st Generation Software packages, instead they are all required to have undergone training in a 2nd Generation software package (AccuRate, FirstRate 5 or BERS Pro)
Protocol
for House Energy Rating Software - Version 2006.1
Australian Building Codes Board protocols for accreditation of 2nd Generation
thermal performance assessment software, May 2006. This is referenced in the
current BCA approving all 2nd Generation tools for use.
For a detailed list of the current regulatory standards and permitted software please refer to the table below.
TABLE: Current Nationwide Regulatory Standards and Approved Software
Click here to download PDF version of the table below
Policy News:
States
New South Wales
Western Australia
Victoria
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
ACT
NT
BASIX
The Department of Planning NSW have implement Second Generation Thermal Simulation Software (AccuRate/BERS Professional/FirstRate 5) as part of the upgrade to the BASIX on-line tool. Since 27th March 2009 2nd Generation Thermal Simulation Software now replaces all 1st Generation Thermal Simulation Software packages within the Thermal Comfort (Simulation Method) section of the BASIX tool.
These changes will not affect the DIY and Rapid assessment methods available in the Single Dwelling tool. For a copy of the latest Thermal Comfort Protocol click here
Please note Certificates issued by ABSA (Association of Building Sustainability Assessors) that have used 1st Generation tools will not be accepted in BASIX after Friday the 27th March 2009. From this date Second Generation Thermal Simulation Software will be required. However, projects that have already been lodged with council will still be able to make changes using 1st Generation tools by accessing the old tool.
For those assessors who have not yet upgraded to a 2nd Generation software package, you will need to gain your Short Course in Residential Building Performance qualification if you wish to practice after the above date. This may be done by either attending training or completing an RPL exam. For more information on training: click here.
BASIX - Monitoring Outcomes
Single Dwelling Outcomes 2005-2008 BASIX Ongoing Monitoring Program: The Department of Planning NSW has released its monitoring report on BASIX. Please follow this link for the full report:
Ongoing Monitoring Program - 2005 to 2008
On 16 December 2008, the Government of Western Australia announced a significant reform of the Department of Housing and Works.The major change is the Department's separation into two distinct service delivery areas and the movement of the works activities into a division of the Department of Treasury and Finance as Building Management and Works, while the Department of Housing will remain a stand-alone department.
Reflecting this change, the internet sites of the Department of Housing (www.housing.wa.gov.au), and Building Management and Works (www.bmw.wa.gov.au) have been separated and will be undergoing continuing evolution during the transition period in 2009. The section ABSA Assessors deal with is Building Industry Development.
This is an interim measure until the Building Commission is established later this year (www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au)
The Department of Housing & Works has issued new interactive forms that can be used by people conducting assessments under the 5 star Plus requirements. The forms relevant to Class 1 & 10 dwellings and can be downloaded from the Department of Housing and Works website by clicking here
These forms are to be used from 1 September 2008.
ABSA has been invited to renew the agreement with SEDO to maintain accreditation services for a further 2 years. ABSA will agree to this in the near future, keeping in mind that the agreement has provision for this to be superseded by the National Protocol for Accrediting Organisations once ABSAs application is formally accepted later this year.
Changes to SV procedures
Sustainability Victoria has recently made changes to their accreditation policy and Code of Practice, in relation to minimum BTPA qualification and PI insurance requirements. Assessors who practice in Victoria must have the BTPA, carry PI Insurance and be registered with either ABSA or SV. ABSA advises assessors who are currently registered with SV to make themselves familiar with these changes. If they are only registered with SV then they should consider the benefits of joining ABSA
The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria. They ensure the safety, liveability and sustainability of the built environment in Victoria.
Latest Newsflash Issued 22/5/09:
Click here for Newsflash #355:
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Queensland Development Code MP4.1Sustainable Buildings
Click here for a copy of 5-star housing in QLD.pdf
Click here for a copy of QDC- MP4.1
Since1st March 2009 amendments to the existing QDC MP 4.1 require new class 1 and class 2* dwellings to have:
minimum 5-star (out of 10) energy equivalent rating for new class 1 buildings, using the methodologies prescribed in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2008
optional credit of 0.5 or 1-star will be available for class 1 buildings in climate zones 1 and 2 (as outlined within the BCA) that have an outdoor living area that meets certain specifications
(*Applies to Class 2 in QLD from January 1st 2010)
BCQ Issues Advice to certifiers
Building Codes Queensland will be advising Building Certifiers through the AIBS and a Newsflash, that they strongly recommend that a certifier only accepts Energy Efficiency certificates from an assessor who is accredited with an approved accrediting organisation, such as ABSA. DTS also remains a normal pathway for compliance. Certifiers who choose not to follow this advice will be doing so against the recommendations of BCQ.
Call for papers: Building Australia's Future conference
To advise that the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) is calling for papers for their biennial 'Building Australia's Future' conference to be held on the Gold Coast from 20-23 September 2009> Click below for more information:
ABCB Conference September 2009: Gold Coast
Assessors in South Australia are under the direction of Planning SA. Since 1st May 2009, Assessors are no longer permitted to use any of the 1st Generation Software packages, instead they are all required to have undergone training in a 2nd Generation software package (AccuRate, FirstRate 5 or BERS Pro)
Energy assessors in Tasmania are under the direction of Building Standards Regulations, which is a department of Workplace Standards Tasmania. Assessors are required to complete and submit a form 55 to the Accredited Building Surveyor (either council or private). Forms can be dowloaded from the Workplace Standards website or by clicking here
Since 1st May 2009, Assessors are no longer permitted to use any of the 1st Generation Software packages , instead they are all required to have undergone training in a 2nd Generation software package (AccuRate, FirstRate 5 or BERS Pro). For details of the latest update on the ACT House Energy Rating Scheme requirements
click here
Currently, Northern Territory does not permit the use of Energy Rating Software in the assessment of Residential Buildings.