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A decade in review: Energy and efficiency

Green home and energy sustainability
Over the past decade, energy efficiency and sustainability have become increasingly integral to the design and build process, as Victorian consumers demand greater attention be given to energy and water-saving initiatives.

Consumers are motivated not just by their own comfort and reduced operating costs, but by genuine concerns for the broader environmental and sustainability impacts of buildings. And Victoria is proudly at the forefront of evolving green initiatives.

On 1 May 2011, the national 6 Star Standard was introduced for all new homes, renovations, additions, alterations and relocations in Victoria and Australia.

6 Star applies to the thermal performance of a building and also requires the installation of a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.

Victoria’s leadership in this area continues, with the VBA currently working with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) to deliver the Energy Efficiency Inspections Program to strengthen compliance with energy efficiency standards for new homes.

By June 2020, the program will complete audits of 2500 new homes under construction across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

The results from the audit will inform DELWP’s submission to the Australian Building Codes Board’s work on potential changes to the NCC’s energy efficiency requirements for new homes in 2022.

The Program is a key deliverable of the Victorian Government’s Energy Efficiency and Productivity Strategy in addressing the National Energy Productivity Plan 2015–2030.