Building Code of Australia – energy efficiency rating changes

The 2010 Building Code of Australia (BCA), which takes effect from 1 May 2010, contains enhanced energy efficiency measures.

The code will require all new houses to be built to a six-star energy efficiency rating equivalence. Apartments will have to have an average rating of six-stars or equivalent.

A building’s energy equivalence rating is determined by the design of its envelope or ‘shell’ i.e. roof, walls, windows and floors.

Other changes in the new code include domestic lighting efficiency requirements and increased energy efficiency and environmental sustainability requirements for commercial buildings.

For more information about the code visit the Australian Building Codes Board website.

Transitional measures

In order to avoid redesign and re-approval delays, the Minister for Planning has agreed to a limited transitional period for energy efficiency measures in BCA 2010. These transitional measures are set out in section 110 of the Building (General) Regulation 2008.

It’s important to note that while there will be transitional arrangements for energy efficiency measures all other parts of BCA 2010 will apply from May 1.

Class 1, 2 and 10 buildings (e.g. houses, apartments, sheds, garages,)

An eight-month transitional period will apply for development applications (DAs) lodged before July 1 2010 but only when building approval can be granted before 1 January 2011. For these developments 2009 BCA energy efficiency requirements will apply.

If the development is exempt (i.e. doesn’t require development approval) the building approval application needs to be made to the certifier before 1 July 2010. 

Class 2 (e.g. apartment buildings) that need DA amendment

Some DAs lodged before 1 July 2010 may require changes to comply with the BCA. If an amendment application has not already been lodged with ACTPLA, then building approval can be granted based on BCA 2009 energy efficiency requirements but only if the building approval can be granted before 1 May 2011.

Class 3 to 9 buildings (e.g. motels, commercial buildings, schools, public buildings, hospitals)

For DAs lodged with ACTPLA before 1 July 2010, if building approval can be granted before 1 January 2011 then the building approval can be granted based on BCA 2009 energy efficiency requirements.

Projects exempt from building approval

Some projects don’t require building approval (but to be exempt they must still comply with the BCA). These projects can comply with BCA 2009 energy efficiency requirements if construction started before 1 May 2010 or the exempt project was shown on a plan for a bigger project that is subject to the transition period.