insulation requirements (bca) Recent changes to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and State Government initiatives have resulted in new homes throughout Australia having to now comply with the improved energy efficiency measures. These changes have been introduced to reduce the energy required to run new homes and thereby helping to curb the growth of greenhouse gas emissions. This will help protect our environment and safeguard Australia’s future. These initiatives also benefit residents through saving money on energy bills, and ensuring homes are more comfortable and cheaper to live in, over the long-term. Under the BCA Energy Efficiency Provisions (EEP), minimum performance standards are required for insulating the external building fabric, glazing, sealing, air movement and services for 8 separate climate zones (link to zone maps) throughout Australia. These can be met by achieving a 3.5 or 4 star house energy rating on NatHERS, BERS or First Rate computer programs or meeting the deemed-to-satisfy provisions in the BCA. Please note that climate zones 1,2 and 3 require 3.5 stars, and zones 4,5,6,7 and 8 require 4 stars. Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania all call up the standard EEP in section 3.12 of the BCA (i.e. deemed to satisfy provisions). The ACT requires new homes to achieve an ACT House Energy Rating of 4 stars as assessed by an accredited ACT House Energy Assessor. Effective 1 July 2004, new homes built in Victoria will have to achieve either 4 stars and, acquire a  rainwater tank or solar hot water system, or 5 stars for the building envelope, when assessed to First Rate software. Also effective 1 July 2004, new homes built in Sydney must have a minimum sustainability of 25 when assessed to the BASIX sustainability index for energy efficiency. Insulation is a key component of an energy efficient house. For each climate zone, specific requirements for wall and ceiling insulation have been written into the BCA which are deemed to satisfy the EEP. These apply to class 1 buildings (detached houses) and 10a buildings with a conditioned space. In some states, energy efficiency requirements also apply to other classes of buildings. It should be noted that the BCA EEP values represent a minimum standard designed to eliminate worst practice. Many builders already install higher levels of insulation, which has been proven to be the most cost effective solution for energy efficiency.

australian capital territory new south wales northern territory queensland south australia tasmania victoria western australia