How the regulations apply

5 Star for new homes

Since July 2005, new houses and apartments in Victoria must be built to meet the energy efficiency and water management
requirements of the 5 Star standard.

The 5 Star standard requires:

• 5 Star energy efficiency rating for the building fabric;
• Water efficient taps and fittings; plus
• Either a rainwater tank for toilet flushing, or a solar hot water system.
  

For most houses, achieving the 5 Star standard requires a few simple improvements to the standard design and construction of a home. This may be achieved through a wide range of options, such as increasing the level of insulation, better orientation and exterior shading, better seals and draught-proofing and the use of highperformance glazing.

The 5 Star standard is designed to be a flexible standard - it is performance-based rather than prescriptive. This means designers
and builders can use their creativity on how they meet homeowners' requirements of being cost-effective, functional and aesthetic in
designing and constructing 5 Star homes.

The combination of energy and water saving features, of a 5 Star home, work together to ensure a high degree of occupancy comfort
and reduced operating costs.

For example, residents of new homes who install a rainwater tank use 20 per cent less reticulated drinking water. Their homes are also 50 per cent more energy efficient for heating and cooling than the average 2 Star dwelling built before the regulations took effect.

The 5 Star standard is one of the many initiatives helping to make a positive difference for our environment - but there is always more that can be done.