6 star

6 star

As of the 1st of May 2012, in order for a builder to obtain a building licence for the construction of new homes a 6 star energy rating on the home must be achieved.

Energy ratings are used to determine the amount of energy the occupants will use in heating and cooling their home. The higher the rating the more comfortable naturally the home is with less reliance on artificial heating and cooling mechanisms. Ratings are on a scale from 0 to 10. The more stars, the less energy the occupants will use for cooling or heating their homes to stay comfortable. Higher rated homes maximise cooling air movement and exclude sun in summer. In winter, they trap and store heat from the sun and minimise heat loss to the external environment.

The rating is determined and affected by:

• The layout of the home
• The building fabric (i.e. roof type, walls, windows, floor coverings and the amount and positioning of insulation)
• The orientation of windows and shading to the sun’s path and local breezes and;
• Climate conditions in the area the home is being built

It is important to note that the rating does not take into account energy use by hot water systems, appliances and lighting. The rating also, does not consider solar panels that create energy from the sun.

apg have been at the forefront of this space with its suite of ‘green building options’, always incorporating some or all solar passive principles because it just makes sense to do so and a 6 star compliant product range.

If you have already selected a block, apg has a selection of home designs that are already 6 star compliant to suit the orientation and climate zone of your block

If you have not already chosen a block, apg can help you choose a block with an orientation that best suits your home design requirements, maximising your overall energy rating.

6 star should be embraced as the more energy efficient your home, the lower your energy bills and ultimately the one-off initial investment will be replaced with savings enjoyed for a lifetime.