COAG commitment on new building energy efficiency fulfilled

Changes will be made to the 2010 Building Code of Australia to increase the energy efficiency of new buildings, fulfilling a COAG commitment.

The Building Ministers’ Forum, comprising Commonwealth, state and territory ministers responsible for buildings policy, recently agreed to the measures.

Implementation of the new commercial building standards will commence in May 2010 and the states and territories have undertaken to implement the new residential standards no later than May 2011.

The new energy-efficiency standards are part of a suite of proposals under the National Strategy on Energy Efficiency.

Minimum requirements for residential buildings will rise from five to six stars.

Concessions will be available to residential buildings in warmer climates that incorporate a covered outdoor living area.

Confirming the changes, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr and acting Environment Minister Senator Penny Wong said the new requirements will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions: “The Rudd government will continue to consult closely with industry and review the effectiveness of the new measures,” Senator Carr said.

Senator Wong said a newly formed Built Environment Sustainability Roundtable, announced by Minister Garrett last year, will ensure that the industry is consulted on present and future building energy-efficiency measures.

“Whole-of-house or whole-of-building methodologies and alternative solutions such as incorporating on-site renewable energy technologies will be explored by the roundtable as a means of creating greater flexibility in meeting the requirements,” Senator Wong said.

More information about the new energy efficiency standards is available at www.abcb.gov.au.