Driving 7-star home energy-efficiency standards

Australia is always looking for new ways to reach its goal of net zero by 2050! Soon new Australian homes will have to comply with stricter energy performance standards. Coming into effect on 1 May 2023, the National Construction Code (NCC) will boost the minimum energy efficiency standards for new build properties from six to seven-star ratings.

What does this change mean, and how could this help me?

• The changes will lead to cheaper energy bills for Australians who buy new homes once the new National Construction Code (NCC) officially comes into effect from 1 May 2023 – with a transition period granted to 1 October 2023.
• The changes are expected to cut the thermal energy use of homes by about 25 per cent.
• 7-star energy efficiency rating could include adding solar panels to household roofs, increasing insulation or converting gas hot water systems to electric heat pump hot water systems.
• Improved resilience to climate risks and weather events like bushfires, floods, cyclones and extreme heat.
• Provision of base infrastructure for electric vehicles, making it easier for people living in apartments to switch to an electric vehicle.

The new code was expected to reduce emissions by 1.64 million tonnes and assist Australia in reaching its goal of net zero by 2050. The changes could save households between $150 to $970 a year in power bills. And given the residential sector accounts for a quarter of Australia’s electricity consumption and 12% of greenhouse gas emissions, this is all good news for people moving into new properties in the future and Australia’s mission to reach net zero.