Why building a new home is a good solution for the sustainable home buyer – allowing you to integrate sustainable design and materials that you can’t in an established home.
Building a new home has been favoured by environmentally-minded buyers looking for cutting edge design and building materials that support sustainability in the home. Research has shown that sustainability is a top priority for many home buyers who want lower energy bills and to minimise their environmental impact. With a considered design, rooftop solar and efficient appliances, homeowners can save around $1,000 each year on energy costs, while eliminating emissions. This appealing prospect has prompted many builders and developers to prioritise energy-efficient initiatives into their projects to attract savvy new buyers.
Now, proposed changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) could make Australian homes more sustainable than ever. But with the changes unlikely to be implemented before 2025, even homes currently under construction could soon become outdated, prompting homebuyers to include sustainable energy solutions when they are building their new home.
Changes to the National Construction Code
In March 2022, federal and state building ministers met to discuss changes to the NCC, including a proposed update to increase the current six-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating requirement for new homes to seven stars. This would require new homes to incorporate measures such as double-glazed windows or north-facing orientation to limit the need for heating and cooling.
The move is strongly backed by environmental groups, who say it will cut back energy bills while having a significant impact on emissions reduction. Climate Emergency Australia representative David Meiklejohn said strengthening minimum energy efficiency standards would improve building resilience to increasing temperatures while easing cost pressures for residents. However, after the Master Builders Association recommended changes to star ratings be deferred until 2025, it is unlikely that any approved changes would be implemented this year.
Future-proofing your home
If national building standards were to change, a six-star home purchased on the market today would not meet the standards that all homes will soon be required to meet. This has prompted sustainability-focused buyers to consider including energy efficient initiatives when building a new home. Depending on the project’s timelines and contracts, the new building may have to adhere to the updated NCC as NatHERS is required for all new development.
Sustainability considerations when building a new home
When building a new home, there are ways homebuyers can ensure their homes are eligible for seven stars, regardless of the property’s planned NatHERS rating.
Home orientation has been listed as one of the key differences between a six and seven star-rated home. For example, in most Australian climate zones, a six-star home would be uncomfortable for a few months of the year, whereas a seven-star home would only require heating or cooling for several weeks. If the home is not northern-facing, several additional features should also be considered:
- Energy-efficient fans, heating and cooling appliances
- Energy-efficient lighting and lighting controls
- Adequate sunlight so artificial lighting is not required during the day
- Fixed or flexible shade from the summer sun
- Onsite renewable energy generation, like solar panels or solar hot water systems
- Window frames and glazing treatments, as double-glazed windows can improve home insulation by 40 per cent
Looking to build a seven-star NatHERS rated home? Get in touch with an iBuildNew New Home Advisor today on 1800 184 284 or book a call online and find out how we can help find the right builder to build your energy efficient home.
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
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