Energy Efficiency Rating for Apartments

A few weeks ago, I was speaking to one of our valued Developers, who had questions about the energy efficiency rating for apartments.  It seems to be a grey area that is not clearly understood.  With the new regulations coming into effect May 2011, I thought to write this newsletter to dispel some of the mysteries.

In the table below, I have simplified the current and future requirements of the BCA.

	Energy Efficiency Requirements for Apartments for Classes 2 and 4	Comments and application for insulation
Current Regulations BCA 2009 Section J0.2	·         Individual apartment to be not less than 3 stars ·         Combined average of all apartments to be not less than 5 stars ·         Services not required	·         External walls to be insulated by minimum R1.5 ·         Wall insulation between apartments not required, only optional ·         Highest floor to be insulated by minimum R2.5 ·         Ceiling insulation between apartments not required, only optional
From May 2011 Regulations BCA 2010 Section J0.2	·         Individual apartment to be not less than 5 stars ·         Combined average of all apartments to be not less than 6 stars ·         BCA Section 3.12.5.5, artificial lighting requirement to be 5W/m2 for living areas	·         External walls to be insulated by minimum R2.0 ·         Wall insulation between apartments recommended minimum of R1.5 ·         Highest floor to be insulated by minimum R3.5 ·         Ceiling insulation between apartments recommended minimum of R2.5

Sustainability Tip

For building permit application, rainwater tank and solar hot water are not required for either the BCA or Building Commission requirement for class 2 and 4 buildings. However, they may be requested by Councils for planning applications as an ESD management requirement.

However, a rainwater tank or a solar hot water system is required for class 1 buildings (detached or units) as part of the Building Commission Practice Note 2008 – 55 requirement.

For further information, feel free to contact myself at Efficient Energy Choices, on 03 9390 2934 or via email at info@efficientenergychoices.com.au. 

Share your feedback or questions....

Talk again soon,

Karim Ghobrial
Electrical Engineer; Energy and Sustainability Consultant