Introduction

Victorians living in houses and apartments built since 2005 are enjoying energy efficiency and water saving features that are not only good for the environment but deliver greater comfort and lower utility bills. These homes are 5 Star homes.

Victoria was the first state to implement the 5 Star standard in its building regulations and feedback from residents show they experience greater comfort and economic benefits from living in 5 Star homes.

In fact, 5 Star homes use 50 per cent less energy for heating and cooling compared with the typical 2 Star dwellings built before 2005. This is saving residents, on average, $200 annually on heating and cooling alone.

As more consumers experience the benefits of 5 Star, combined with increased awareness of sustainability in our built environment, support for greater energy efficiency outcomes is growing. Accordingly, from 1 May 2008 coverage of the 5 Star standard extended to include the 40,000 houses renovated, extended or relocated in Victoria each year. As a flexible, performance-based standard, 5 Star allows homeowners, builders and designers enormous choice in meeting the requirements - whether building a new home, renovating or relocating a home.
 
The result is that new homes, large renovations and relocated homes will provide occupants with greater comfort, lower household running costs and produce lower greenhouse gas emissions.

* A renovation is an alteration

Five star - information and resources

• What you need to know about 5 Star for new houses, home renovations and relocations (618KB)