5 Star for home renovations and relocations

From 1 May 2008, the national energy efficiency standard applies to all relocated homes and alterations to an existing home in Victoria.

What do the new regulations involve?

For some simple renovation work, that does not require a building permit, the new regulations will not apply. All building projects to alter a home including an extension that requires a building permit will be required to comply with the new energy efficiency regulations.

The new requirements for alterations or relocations apply to the thermal performance of a home and do not require a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing. Alterations representing more than 50 per cent of the original volume of the building (including any alterations carried out in the previous three years) require the existing building to be brought up to the same standards as the new construction (that is 5 Star building fabric, not a rainwater tank or a solar hot water system).

Any extension above 25 per cent of floor area of the existing building or 1,000 square metres (whichever is the lesser) must fully
comply with the new standard. There are certain circumstances where the relevant building surveyor has discretion, under Regulation 608, to allow partial compliance where the requirement is overly onerous, technically impractical or does not provide a level of benefit commensurate with cost. A revised Practice Note No. 55 is available to building practitioners regarding the application of the new technical requirements and the use of their discretion under Regulation 608.