act house energy rating scheme Since July 1995, it became necessary in the ACT for all new residences to meet a minimum energy rating. The assessment is expressed as a ‘star’ rating, with ‘4 stars’ being the minimum required in order to improve energy efficiency. Today, all residential properties in the ACT are also required to have a 'star' energy efficiency rating prior to being offered for sale and all residential design and siting applications are to be accompanied by an energy efficiency rating assessment. Since 1 July 2001 all assessments are produced by the software FirstRate and are undertaken by ACTHERS Accredited FirstRate Assessors. Energy efficient homes can: Reduce the energy used in the average home by up to 40%; Be warmer in winter and up to 7 degrees cooler in summer; Cut energy bills by $300.00* or more each year in a 5-star house, compared with a 2-star house of the same size; and Help minimise our impact on the environment by producing less greenhouse gas emissions. It's easy to achieve 4 Star with good design, such as: Building orientation Room layout Window placement, sizing and shading Use of insulation Ventilation and draught proofing Building materials Landscaping Energy efficient appliances