The most significant change introduced in Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) was raising the minimum energy rating from 6 to 7 stars. The country has made this crucial push to ensure that all new residential places consume less energy and are generally better for residents.

Thankfully, achieving the new 7-star rating won’t be difficult if you have the conversation early with your client and incorporate solar passive design principles.

In this write-up, we’ll discuss the ideal process for achieving a 7-star rating and building homes that comply with the latest Australian standards.

The Best Process to Achieve a 7-star Energy Rating 

A comprehensive approach, considering various aspects of building design and construction, is necessary to achieve a 7-star energy rating.

Here are the key steps to follow:

Early Engagement with Energy Assessors 

Incorporating an energy assessor into the design team from the start can significantly impact the final energy rating. Providing the assessor with concept designs and preliminary building plans can generate a timely 7-star energy rating report.

This involves optimizing the building’s orientation, window placement, and shading devices to maximize natural light and minimize heat gain. Additionally, the assessor can identify cost-effective measures to improve energy performance, ensuring a balance between energy efficiency and budgetary limitations.

Use Solar Passive Design Principles 

Solar passive design principles mean maximizing the potential of sun rays falling on a residential space. As we know, Australia has made a massive push for sustainable homes, increasing solar panel usage. A typical Australian home spends 40% of its energy on active cooling, heating, and ventilation, which solar passive design effectively tackles.

However, that is not enough to make a home genuinely sustainable; for that, one must make the most of sunlight in winter and summer. It reduces the overall carbon footprint by reducing energy consumption.

Let’s look at some of the most effective passive design principles to maximize energy efficiency.

Site Orientation 

Site orientation is often the most crucial factor when designing a home. To reduce a home’s energy consumption, architects and construction companies must understand the Sun’s movement throughout the day and during seasonal variations.

Proper home orientation means it receives maximum sunlight during winters to keep everything warm while keeping the heat at bay during summers.

Building Positioning 

The best position for the building is its long axis facing north. This allows maximum sunlight through windows inside the building and can also help prevent heat loss during summers with large window eaves.

Room Positioning 

Rooms used mostly during the daytime, such as living rooms and lounges, should be built on the northern side, as they can benefit from sunlight. On the other hand, rooms used during the night, such as bedrooms, should be placed on the southern end.

Window Placement 

Window placement in homes can be a bit tricky. North-facing homes in the Southern Hemisphere (like Australia) are advantageous due to the sun’s path. They receive consistent, indirect sunlight throughout the day, especially during winter. It helps to naturally warm the home’s interior, reducing reliance on artificial heating.

However, trees, buildings, or terrain can significantly impact the sunlight a north-facing home receives. Double glazing can optimize the building’s energy performance and minimize heat loss, which can reach up to 60% in some cases.

Shading 

Shading is a must have to build a more sustainable home. Deciduous trees that lose their leaves seasonally can be pretty effective for enhancing a home’s energy efficiency. By strategically planting these trees, one can maximize the natural benefits of sunlight and shade to regulate indoor temperature.

Deciduous trees provide shade during the hot summer months to protect from direct sunlight. When trees are bare in winter, sunlight can penetrate the home and provide passive solar heating. As a result, homes require much less air conditioning and heating, saving a lot of money.

Insulation and Ventilation 

Nowadays, even low-end insulation works really well, but it isn’t ideal for maximizing the benefits of the Australian sun. When it comes to insulation, make sure it complies with the 7-star energy rating. Quality roof and ceiling insulation can save up to 45% of total energy consumption, a massive number.

Ventilation is also a critical aspect that construction companies must pay attention to, as its absence can lead to stale air and mold growth within homes.

Discussion on Preliminary Energy Rating With Clients 

A preliminary energy rating provides valuable insights into the energy performance of each room within a building. By analyzing heating and cooling loads, energy assessors can identify areas where energy efficiency can be improved. This information can be used to decide on insulation, window selection, and HVAC system design.

To further optimize energy performance, it’s recommended that you share the energy rating and window schedule with multiple window manufacturers. By comparing quotes and specifications from different suppliers, you can select the most energy-efficient and cost-effective window solutions.

This collaborative approach ensures that the windows are well-suited to the specific needs of the building and its occupants.

A Caveat: Not All Buildings Can Achieve a 7-Star Rating 

Solar passive design principles are fundamental to achieving high energy ratings. Harnessing the sun’s energy to heat and cool a building can result in significant energy savings.

However, neglecting solar passive design can significantly hinder a building’s energy performance. Without proper solar passive design, buildings may struggle to achieve a 7-star energy rating, regardless of additional energy-efficiency measures such as increased insulation or high-performance windows.

It is crucial to prioritize solar passive design considerations from the early stages of the design process. By optimizing factors like building orientation, window placement, and shading strategies, architects and builders can maximize the building’s energy efficiency.

Conclusion 

Constructing 7-star homes in Australia is now mandatory, which means builders need to change their approach to housing. After reading our detailed guide, builders, and architects can understand how this process works.

Passive Energy is a reliable name in the industry that can help builders reach the 7-star standard for homes. Whether builders want sustainability reports or permits, they can trust us for world-class services.

Our 7-star energy rating analysis involves evaluating each room individually to provide a clear picture of heating and cooling. This also applies to already-built homes that want to add an extension.

Get in touch with us today and build sustainable homes for clients.