Energy efficiency means that a system or a unit is energy efficient. It operates at the same rate but uses less energy such as electricity, gas or water. This is similar to a vehicle. An ordinary inefficient vehicle can use about 15L/100km. A fuel efficient vehicle may use about 9L/100km.  So a building such as a house or an office or a school can operate as normal but uses less energy to run items such as: air conditioning, artificial lights, ventilation, hot water, etc

The largest consumer of energy is air conditioning, whether heating or cooling, in Australian buildings.

 

For a residential building, class 1, energy rating report of a minimum 5-star is required to obtain a building permit. Without it, a building permit cannot be issued from a Registered Building Surveyor.  For a commercial building, classes 2 - 9, a Section J (Part J) compliance report is required to obtain a building permit. Without it, a building permit cannot be issued from a Registered Building Surveyor.

 

FirstRate 5 is a second generation software program which is used to both assess and rate residential buildings. It cannot be used for small extensions which are less than 50% of existing floor area. Alternatively, if there is an extension which is greater than 50% of existing floor area, then the whole residential building will be rated by FirstRate 5. Dispensations can be given to some existing areas subject to Registered Building Surveyor's approval.

 

FirstRate 5 is a very powerful program to both assess and rate buildings. It is far superior to the previous version, first generation, FirstRate 4. When correctly used, 5-star or even 6-star rating can be obtained without implementing expensive items such double-glazing and other expensive building materials. We have rated hundred of buildings which easily achieved 5-star and even 6-star rating compliance without using double-glazing, plenty of insulation and other expensive materials. Our clients have been surprised and very satisfied. In this way, the end client who is either the owner or builder or developer can significantly save thousands of dollars on building materials.

 

FirstRate 5 covers glazing, insulation, window schedule, orientation, building fabric, and floor area. This assessment and rating pre required to obtain a building permit.  Only accredited and certified consultants can use FirstRate 5. Efficient Energy Choices is both accredited and certified from 2005 and has had rapid growth since then. We have done hundreds of dwellings including: single-storey, double-storey, unit developments and townhouses.

 

Email or post drawings of the proposed building. The drawings need to cover floor area, elevations, construction materials, window schedule and whatever else suitable. This information is required for a new building, extension or a fit-out. The drawings will be assessed and you will get a compliance report accordingly.

At this stage, the minimum requirement is 5-star rating. From 1^st of May, 2010, the BCA will be introducing 6-star rating. Implementation for new buildings to comply will start from 1^st of May, 2011.  From 1^st of May, 2010, more stringent requirements will be introduced for all building classes, for both residential and commercial.

 

The energy rating report does not include a solar hot water unit. The energy rating report includes glazing, orientation, window frames' types, insulation, etc The Building Commission requires minimum 5-star energy rating plus either a solar hot water unit or a rainwater tank.  From 1^st of May, 2011, minimum requirement to be implemented on site will be 6-star energy rating plus either a solar hot water unit or a rainwater tank.

 

The energy rating report does not include a rainwater tank. The energy rating report includes glazing, orientation, window frames' types, insulation, etc The Building Commission requires minimum 5-star energy rating plus either a solar hot water unit or a rainwater tank.  From 1^st of May, 2011, minimum requirement to be implemented on site will be 6-star energy rating plus either a solar hot water unit or a rainwater tank.

 

As previously noted, FirstRate 5 cannot be used. The correct method of assessing either an alteration or extension for a residential building is using BCA Section 3.12 compliance report. This compliance report assesses only extensions or alterations. It does not apply to the whole building. This is required if the extension or alteration is less than 50% of the existing floor area. The compliance report covers the following:

 

If the building is in a heating climate zone (significant heating is required to achieve comfort) in southern Australia such as Victoria, Tasmania and some parts of South Australia and New South Wales, the following are required:-

If the building is in a cooling climate zone (significant cooling is required to achieve comfort) in northern and western Australia such as Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland and some parts of South Australia and New South Wales, the following are required:-

Low-e glass stands for low emissivity glass. This glass varies from normal clear glass in that one side of the glass has a special metal coating, technically known as a low emissitivity, or Low E. coating. Low-E glass is a type of insulating glass, which increases the energy efficiency of windows by reducing the transfer of heat or cold through glass. That means in the winter your house stays warmer, and in the summer it stays cooler. 

 

There are two types of Low-E (low emissivity) glass available - Pyrolytic (hard coat) is our Sunergy product and is considered to be a medium performer, and sputtered (vacuum deposition or soft coat) is considered to be the highest performer.  As energy saving will become more and more important in our daily lives, implementing low-e glass in both residential and commercial buildings will soon be a standard we all have to comply to.