Award-winning home builder Indigo Homes explains how to achieve a 6-star energy rating
A house’s energy equivalence rating is determined by the design of its ‘shell’ – its roof, walls, windows and floors – and indicates the thermal performance of the property. A high star energy rating means the house should be naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving electricity costs and lowering a household’s carbon footprint.
The energy rating system was first introduced by the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in 2003 when the minimum standard for new homes was a 5-star rating. The BCA has recently moved to a minimum 6-star standard, with all building applications lodged after May 1st 2010 required to comply with this standard. (Before 2011, the minimum standard was a 5-star energy rating).
Mandatory disclosure compliance will also be introduced this year in all states, requiring that the star rating of residential buildings be disclosed when leasing or selling the property.
Achieving the 6-star rating
The star energy rating takes into account four key factors:
- 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.
- How well the above three factors suit the local climate.
With most of our homes being built in the balmy southern Queensland region, we’ve tailored our home designs to suit the sunny and warm local climate. Many of our floorplans include a generous outdoor living space, not only providing you with the choice of relaxed indoor and outdoor living spaces, but also achieving a nominal credit of up to 1 star. Nominal credits under the BCA enable owners of homes with ratings of 4.5 or 5 stars to achieve the 6 star rating by using nominal credits. The installation of a solar PV system of at least 1kw in capacity will also attract a nominal credit of 1 star.
The orientation of living spaces, so that they face towards the north, has also been taken in to consideration with our floor plans, with most taking advantage of their sites northern aspect. Lightly coloured facade options for the majority of our floor plans help minimise the amount of heat absorbed by roofs and walls.
To find a 6-star home design that suits you, take a look at our design directory. Not only do we have homes for all types of lots – villas and premium villas, courtyards and traditionals – we also have special homes to suit special sites.
More information about the 6-star energy equivalence rating can be found in this fact sheet by the QLD Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
About Indigo Homes
Indigo Homes are award-winning builders located in Southern Queensland.
Indigo Homes are focused on building quality homes and creating a quality, stress-free building experience for their clients.
Their stunningly designed, value-for-money, quality homes have won several awards, and their Caribbean 248 Design recently won in the Small Lot Housing category at the Master Builders Association’s Brisbane Housing and Construction Awards.
For more information about Indigo Homes, please contact:
Chris La Franchi
(07) 3370 6000
www.indigohomes.com.au
Sharyn Parker is Assistant to Manager at Indigo Homes. Indigo Homes not only build the most stunningly designed, value-for-money, quality homes but also want to make your building experience as relaxing as possible.
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