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DESIGNING YOUR HOME
5 Star standard for all new homes
If you are building or designing a home it is a great time to incorporate energy and water efficient aspect into your design project.
All new homes and apartments in Victoria must comply with the 5 Star standard. This means it is compulsory for new houses to have:
From 1 May 2008, the 5 Star standard will be extended to cover alterations to homes and relocations of existing homes.
Designing your Home
If you consider that the average home lasts 70 years, making smart choices in the design of your home in the beginning can have substantial benefits in the long-run - both to the environment and to your wallet. By harnessing the natural elements of sunlight, shade, air movement and rain, you can live more comfortably in your home, save money and reduce greenhouse pollution.
What is energy efficient design?
An energy efficient design incorporates design features that maximise the use of the earth's natural resources, reducing energy and reducing your energy bills.
What do I need to know about windows when designing my home?
Careful window placement can enhance heating, cooling and lighting.
What are the benefits of insulation?
By installing the correct insulation you could stop around 70 per cent of heat normally lost through your ceiling.
What do I need to know about saving water in my building project?
There are many ways in which to save water during your building project.
What do i need to know about building materials?
By working with your builder you can keep waste to a minimum before, during and after your building project.
Suitability
In Victoria, houses are often built on concrete slabs, with the discharge pipes from both greywater and blackwater fixtures combined beneath the slab, and exiting the slab well below ground surface level.
A slab construction may prevent the use of a greywater system from both a practical and cost perspective. The system manufacturer and licensed plumbing practitioner should be consulted as correct overflow relief must be achieved. The installation of a greywater treatment or diversion system and greywater only pipe-work to the outside of the slab needs to be considered at the planning stage if either system is to be installed
Planning your project
Your Home Buyers Guide: The Your Home guide will take you through the process of choosing a new home step-by-step, explaining what to look for and the important questions to ask.
Your Home Technical Manual: The Your Home technical manual has been developed to show you how to design and build a more comfortable home that has less impact on the environment.
Government organisations and links - List of government, regulatory and industry associations
Greenhouse Friendly™ products & services - Businesses which have certified their products and services as Greenhouse Friendly™ are investing in greenhouse gas reduction initiatives to provide Australian consumers with greenhouse-neutral products and services.
HIA GreenSmart: GreenSmart is a voluntary practical approach to building that focuses on educating builders, designers, product manufacturers and consumers about the benefits of environmentally responsible housing.
Legislation
PDF document - Building legislation: Follow the link to see the full text of the following building related Victorian Legislation on the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents.
PDF document - Plumbing legislation - Follow the link to see the Victoria's plumbing legislation