The latest research by Energy Efficiency Victoria, the state government agency responsible for energy efficiency, shows Victoria's new housing to be much more energy efficient than five years ago.
"Builders seem to be responding to consumer interest in homes that are more energy efficient and environmentally responsible", says Warren Edwards, Energy Efficient Victoria's Communications Manager.
Since 1994, Energy Efficiency Victoria and Insulation Solutions, (formerly ACI Insulation), have rated hundreds of new house designs each year from Victoria's leading builders in conjunction with the State's major housing awards.
Designs are assessed using Energy Efficiency Victoria's First Rate House Energy Rating software that provides a measure of the energy efficiency of a house and ranks it using a star rating on a scale from 0 to 5 stars - with Five Stars being the most energy efficient, This is a similar concept to the energy rating labels found on many major household appliances.
The 1998 results show:
* The average star rating for a new home in Victoria is now three stars.
* The average energy efficiency of new homes has increased by some 14% over the past five years.
* There are now three times the number of energy efficient 4 and 5 star homes on the market than in 1994.
* 38% of new homes now rate 4 or 5 Stars.
Energy efficient house designs incorporate features such as insulation, north facing living areas to capture winter sun, correctly sized and positioned windows, good draught sealing and controlled ventilation. Energy efficient heating, hot water and lighting should also be included to complete the energy efficient package.
A Five Star energy efficient home will save around 30% of the energy used in the average new home, save up to $ 10,000 over the mortgage life of the house and be around 5°C warmer in winter and up to 10°C cooler in summer. Owners of a five star home also help to create a cleaner, healthier environment, by producing around 3 tonnes less greenhouse gas emissions than the average family home.
"Homebuyers should now be able to expect their builder to offer them a highly energy efficient home. If the builder can't, then it shouldn't be difficult to find one that will," says Mr. Edwards.
"After all, what new home buyer would say no to a Five Star energy efficient home which offers extremely high levels of comfort, low running costs and low environmental impacts for around the same price as a one star home being offered down the street."
For information on energy efficient housing and House Ratings contact the Energy Efficiency Centre on 1300 363 744 or visit the Energy Efficiency Victoria internet site at www.energyvic.gov.au.