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BUILDING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2016
A
s you would be well aware, all new homes, home
renovations, alterations and additions need to comply
with the 6 Star Standard in the National Construction
Code.
The 6 Star Standard applies to the thermal performance
of a home, renovation or addition and includes the
installation of either a solar hot water system or a rainwater
tank for toilet flushing. NatHERS house ratings use
computer simulations to determine the potential thermal
comfort of Australian homes on a scale of zero
to 10 stars. The more stars, the less likely the
occupants will need cooling or heating
to stay comfortable.
A 6 Star energy efficiency rating
applies to a home’s building envelope
including its roof, walls, floor and
windows.
On top of the 6 Star Standard, there
is a little issue floating about the place
called climate change and while countless
arguments abound regarding whether or
not it is actually occurring, myriad data exists to prove that
things are in fact changing.
The good news is, you have an opportunity to take
advantage of it by implementing building practices that
tackle it head on. And as consumers become more aware of
the benefits that passive design brings, the more they are
going to demand it, so it pays to be one or two steps ahead.
The South East Councils Climate Change Alliance
(SECCCA) comprises eight councils: City of Casey, Baw Baw
Shire Council, Bayside City Council, Greater Dandenong,
Bass Coast, Cardinia, City of Kingston and Mornington
Peninsula and collaborates with all levels of government to
deliver regional climate change projects that benefit over
one million residents in the growth corridor of south east of
Melbourne.
SECCCA is due to expand a pilot sustainable homes
program currently operated with Stockland at the
developer’s Selandra Rise estate on Melbourne’s outskirts.
It exists to advocate, educate and deliver targeted
projects in the areas of greenhouse gas abatement,
sequestration and adaptation with a vision for the
SUSTAINABILITY
CRAFTING CREATURE COMFORTS
IT IS ONE THING TO DESIGN AND BUILD AN AESTHETICALLY APPEALING AND FUNCTIONAL HOME, BUT IT’S
ANOTHER TO MEET THE RISING DEMAND FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMES THAT PROVIDE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF
COMFORT FOR ITS OCCUPANTS.
JUSTIN FELIX
REPORTS.