Award-winning home builder Indigo Homes explains how to achieve a 6-star energy rating - A house's energy equivalence rating is determined by the design of its 'shell' - its roof, walls, windows and floors - and indicates the thermal performance of the property.
Award-winning home builder Indigo Homes explains how to achieve a 6-star energy rating
By Sharyn Parker
Sep 6, 2011 - 6:24:02 AM
A
house's energy equivalence rating is determined by the design of its 'shell' -
its roof, walls, windows and floors - and indicates the thermal performance of
the property. A high star energy rating means the house should be naturally
cooler in summer and warmer in winter, saving electricity costs and lowering a
household's carbon footprint.
The energy rating system was first introduced by
the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in 2003 when the minimum standard for new
homes was a 5-star rating. The BCA has recently moved to a minimum 6-star
standard, with all building applications lodged after May 1st 2010 required to comply with this standard. (Before 2011, the
minimum standard was a 5-star energy rating).
Mandatory disclosure compliance will also be
introduced this year in all states, requiring that the star rating of
residential buildings be disclosed when leasing or selling the property.
Achieving the 6-star rating The star energy rating takes into account four key
factors:
The
layout of the home
The
construction of its roof, walls, windows and
floor
The
orientation of windows and shading to the
sun's path and local breezes.
How well the above three factors suit the
local
climate.
Relax With Us
With most of our homes being built in the balmy
southern Queensland region, we've tailored our home designs to suit the sunny
and warm local climate.Many of our floorplans include a generous outdoor living
space, not only providing you with the choice of relaxed indoor and outdoor
living spaces, but also achieving a nominal credit of up to 1 star. Nominal
credits under the BCA enable owners of homes with ratings of 4.5 or 5 stars to
achieve the 6 star rating by using nominal credits. The installation of a solar
PV system of at least 1kw in capacity will also attract a nominal credit of 1
star.
The orientation of living spaces, so that they face
towards the north, has also been taken in to consideration with our floor
plans, with most taking advantage of their sites northern aspect. Lightly
coloured facade options for the majority of our floor plans help minimise the
amount of heat absorbed by roofs and walls.
To find a 6-star home design that suits you, take a
look at our design directory. Not only do we have homes for all types of lots -
villas and premium villas, courtyards and traditionals - we also have special
homes to suit special sites.
Indigo Homes are award-winning builders located in Southern Queensland.
Indigo Homes are focused on building quality homes
and creating a quality, stress-free building experience for their clients.
Their stunningly designed, value-for-money, quality
homes have won several awards, and their Caribbean 248 Design recently won in
the Small Lot Housing category at the Master Builders Association’s Brisbane
Housing and Construction Awards.
For more information about Indigo Homes, please
contact:
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