Energy Standards in Construction are Changing

Against the backdrop of extreme weather, pollution and climate concerns, standards across the building construction industry are changing.

Consumer energy and climate expectations are driving new market standards. Consumers are more aware of cost-saving measures and energy-efficient aspects of the build.

A range of code changes are slated across the National Construction Code, NatHERS -Nationwide Housing Energy Rating Scheme and Green Building Council of Australia new standard– Greenstar Homes. These changes are aimed at whole-house energy, improved thermal fabric, airtightness, air filtering and mechanical ventilation.

These changes are being considered to be mandatory in the coming years, with technical working groups within the ABCB reviewing input from the recent Energy Efficiency: NCC 2022 and beyond outcomes report. This means airtightness and heat recovery ventilation (HRV) are terms and ways of construction you need to be aware of and start planning for.

Now is the perfect time to get on board with experienced manufacturers, suppliers and installers of efficient systems. Educate yourself for an easy transition and competitive edge on those who are still in the dark.

The market is electric

Early interest by these big names speaks volumes about where consumer attitudes are. Lower running costs are top of consumer agenda, value-focused markets are all about savings for years to come, and all-new standards reflect this.

Many Australian homes are currently at a 3 NatHERS star rating, whereas the scoping document for the National Construction Code 2022 suggests a base standard as high as 7.5 to 8. Airtightness, mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems will play a large part in achieving this improved rating.

Maintain value in your build

As energy standards and certification become the norm, builds without energy awareness or certification stand to lose a lot of value. Even new builds can depreciate dramatically without up-to-date energy certification.

Energy efficiency — ventilation, HRV and airtightness — are easy ways for homes to hold value and compete in an environmentally savvy marketplace.

What is Heat Recovery Ventilation?

HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) is where stale exhaust air exchanges heat with incoming fresh filtered air, with up to 94% energy reclaim. Seems minor, but will be a revelation for the construction industry energy standards.

Heat recovery ventilation is a game-changer in household energy efficiency. Combined with the fabric-conscious build and a necessary degree of airtightness, heat recovery ventilation can bring the energy requirements of a home down to near ZERO.

The practical durability of a build is also vastly improved using mechanical ventilation to prevent condensation and mould. Choosing the right HRV system will be vital in meeting the new energy trajectory standards. Futureproofing your builds today.

Heat Recovery Ventilation by STIEBEL ELTRON

Fresh air is vital to our health and well-being. Ventilation systems offer safe, clean air and opportunities for energy savings.