An assessment of proposed national energy efficiency standards for new homes released today understates the health, climate and energy benefits of moving to 7-star building standards.
The National Construction Code 2022 Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement, released by the Australian Building Codes Board, fails to capture the benefits of moving to more efficient homes.
The Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings agreed by all states and territories in February 2019 anticipated strengthened energy provisions in the NCC 2022, including an increase in building efficiency and stronger standards for fixed appliances such as heating, cooling and hot water.
However, the Consultation RIS skews its assessment of these provisions with conservative inputs and assumptions. It focuses more on costs while understating the emissions reduction, energy bill savings and health and wellbeing benefits of efficient homes.
To ensure Victorians get the benefit of lower power prices and more comfortable homes, the Victorian Government will continue to pursue its Climate Change Strategy, which improves energy efficiency standards to slash emissions, reduce costs and increase comfort.
A 7-star increase would also help maximise the benefits of solar panels and all-electric new homes. Victoria’s 6-star standard has been in place since 2011 and must evolve to meet the needs of our rapidly transitioning grid, the impacts of climate change, and our shift to a net-zero future.
State and territory building ministers will decide whether to incorporate new standards in the National Construction Code in September 2022. Victoria will continue to actively engage in the process highlighting economic, health and climate benefits of ambitious energy efficiency standards.
Feedback on the standards closes on 17 October and the RIS on 7 November 2021. Further information is available at consultation.abcb.gov.au.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“Victoria has led the way in Australia with energy efficiency standards for new homes and is ensuring our building code is fit for a low emissions future.”
“If the national process fails to deliver new homes that are comfortable to live in, cheap to run and climate resilient then we will step in.”
