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Energy Efficiency Regulations in Townsville

Sustainable Housing for the Tropics

Does your building application comply with the NEW energy provisions for housing?

As part of the new 5-star sustainable housing requirements for all new homes in Queensland, amendments to the Queensland Development Code (QDC) MP 4.1-Sustainable Buildings the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (QPW Code) and the Integrated Planning Regulation 1998 have been approved.

The new amendments are intended to increase energy efficiency, increase water efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The amendments were implemented throughout Queensland from 1 March 2009 (unless otherwise indicated) and are outlined below.

Queensland Development Code MP 4.1-Sustainable Buildings

The new requirements apply to all new class 1 and class 2 dwellings. The amendments include:

  • Minimum 4-star Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme rated toilets (previously 3-star WELS rated). Note: This also applies to the retrofitting of existing homes where renovations involve both a building development approval and plumbing application.
  • 80 per cent of all fixed internal lighting to be energy efficient (previously 40 per cent of gross floor area, including garage). Note: This only applies to new building work, such as new homes or additions to existing homes.

The following additional energy and water saving measures have been added to QDC MP4.1:

  • Minimum 5-star (out of 10) energy equivalent rating for new class 1 buildings, using the methodologies prescribed in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) 2008.
  • An optional credit of 0.5 or 1-star will be available for class 1 buildings in climate zones 1 and 2 (as outlined in the BCA) that have an outdoor living area that meets certain specifications.
  • Minimum 3-star WELS rated tapware for kitchen sinks, basins and laundry troughs.
  • Minimum 2.9 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) (equivalent to a current 4-star energy rating) for air-conditioners permanently attached to fixed wiring in class 1 and class 2 buildings (where new and replacement systems are installed) from 1 July 2009.

Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code (QPW Code)

There are two new parts, they include the following:

Part 7-New and replacement electric hot water systems

The QPW Code has been amended to set installation requirements for the replacement of electric resistive hot water systems in existing houses (class 1 buildings) located within a gas-reticulated area. This amendment commences on 1 January 2010. Existing systems that need replacement must be replaced with a system that has a low greenhouse gas emissions impact (i.e. gas, solar or heat pump system) from 1 January 2010.

Part 8-Water conservation for class 1 and class 2 buildings

A new part of the QPW Code has been included to set requirements from 1 March 2009 for the installation of efficient irrigation systems. The new requirements will also apply to replacement work.

More detailed information on the changes involving building and plumbing can be viewed on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning (DIP) website at www.dip.qld.gov.au

You may also be interested in further information available on how to save water and energy:

Information to help you meet the requirements as outlined in the Building Code of Australia for Energy Efficiency can be obtained from Planning Services.