Energy Rating Process for South Australia

The South Australian goverment requires all new buildings to comply with the 5 star energy efficiency requirements of the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Star ratings for domestic buildings are obtained by entering the building parameters into FirstRate, NatHERS or Accurate building simulation software.

Requirements for your building to pass

For your building to pass with the local council or ceritifier, you need to have either:

A 5 star certificate from FirstRate or Accurate; or
Demonstrated compliance with the BCA 'deemed to satisfy' conditions.

Both of these methods assess the building shell; in particular:

Minimum total thermal resistance for roofs, external walls and suspended floors
External shading and glazing
Air movement

In addtion, the following are required after 1 July 2006

1000 L rainwater tank plumbed to the house.
A solar or heat pump water heater or a gas water heater with an Energy Rating label of 2.5 stars or greater.

For more information contact Planning SA.

We can help…

We can provide FirstRate or AccuRate certificate showing a 5 star rating for the building. The energy report we provide forms part of the required documentation for building permit approval. As each building is unique in terms of design, location, and materials, a customised solution is provided. If the building does not meet the requirements, we can recommend changes. Possible changes could include:

Seals and weather stripping to doors and windows
Different levels of insulation for various building elements (walls, floor and roofs)
A variation in the amount and type of glazing.
Attention to shading and orientation of walls and windows.

To assess your building we will need the following:

Architectural drawings (preferably in CAD format)
Insulation levels of walls and ceilings
Window glass and frame type (preferably manufacturer model)
Site map with house orientation

We are very keen to work with people who want to go further than the mandatory requirement and build energy efficient houses. Energy efficient options cost very little to implement at the design and construction stage, yet offer huge long-term benefits to both the homeowner and the environment.

Please e-mail or call us on 1300 308 525 if you would like more information or a quote.