New regulatory requirements: Sustainable Housing
Increased energy efficiency requirements for all new dwellings built in South Australia came into effect from Wednesday 1 September 2010.
The new ‘6-star’ energy efficiency requirement – which also applies to alterations or additions to existing homes – replaces the previous 5-star energy efficiency requirement which had been in place since 2006.
Download Fact Sheet [PDF 148.6KB] (Department of Planning and Local Government)
An Energy Rating by an EnvironArc Design, ABSA Trained Star Rating assessor will help you:
- Save money
- Improve your financial investment
- Meet regulatory requirements
- Save the environment
House energy ratings use specialised tools to assess the thermal efficiency of Australian homes on a scale of zero to 10 stars.
How is the home rated?
A home can be rated before or after building. The score will depend on:
- the layout
- the construction including insulation
- the orientation of glass areas and relation to the sun and prevailing winds
- appropriateness for the local climate.
Energy consumption by appliances and fittings is not part of the rating because those fittings are usually replaced several times during the life of the building.
EnvironArc Design is well versed in guiding clients to achieve thermal comfort for their daily living and future savings both within the home and globally.
We are first and foremost, a company dedicated to achieving Green Building Design and sustainable outcomes for our client’s.
Our Company comprises, Green Building Architects and Designers plus Electrical and Mechanical Engineers with the technical expertise and accreditation to assess residential and commercial buildings in line with the:
- BCA (Building Code of Australia),
- GBCA (Green Building Council of Australia),
- NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System),
- NGER (National Greenhouse Energy Rating) and
- ABSA (Association of Building Sustainability Assessors).
Applying for a Mandatory ABSA Certified Star Rating is quick and easy.
Lodge your application and plans with us either electronically or in hard copy, and EnvironArc Design will have our ABSA Trained Assessor contact you to supply a quote, then commence and complete your rating in a matter of days.
EnvironArc Design Services Provide a Comprehensive Range of Services including:
- ABSA Certified House Energy Rating using approved software tool FirstRate5TM .
- EnvironArc Design’s Consulting Service for green building design. An initial consultation and site visit can be arranged at your convenience.
If you would like further information about our design services or you would like to discuss a potential project please feel free to contact us.
Application Requirements
Electronic Copies of full working drawings / design in <.pdf> format only. No other formats will be accepted.
Click here to Download the Application Form
Printed working drawings or design – three full copies (including site plans). These may be posted to:
EnvironArc Design
P.O. Box 56
North Adelaide SA 5006
Documents We Issue to You
The following documents will be issued by EnvironArc Design as part of the completed assessment:
For Mandatory ABSA Certified Star Rating
The ABSA Energy Rating Certificate , which includes
- The First Rate Summary sheet – this gives the star rating achieved.
- The Feature Report – this gives an overview of all rooms and summary of data used in obtaining the rating.
- The Data Report – this gives a detailed listing of all data used to obtain the rating
These are to be submitted with your Building Application to the Council or your chosen Certifier working on your behalf, and a copy must be kept by the client.
Quote:
Lodge your application and plans with us either electronically or in hard copy, and EnvironArc Design will have our Trained ABSA Assessor contact you to supply a quote, then commence and complete your rating in a matter of days.
Payment
A quote/ invoice confirming the fee for service will be forwarded by email or post to the address supplied in your contact form.
Click here to read the Conditions of Engagement.
If your star rating should be below that which is legislatively required, or you are keen to have your house score an optimal energy rating, then EnvironArc Design will be happy to assist.
