5 Star Standard

Victoria's 5 Star rating for new homes is a key feature of the Victorian Government's environmental policy and will help save our finite energy and water resources.

Introduced from 1 July 2005, the 5 Star standard now requires all new homes in Victoria to include a greater range of energy efficiency and water saving features, improving occupant comfort and reducing energy bills.

5 Star standard - Extension of the 5 Star standard to home renovations and relocations

In the Victorian Greenhouse Policy issued on 5 June 2005, the Victorian Government committed to requiring renovations and extensions to homes to achieve the 5 Star standard.

On 1 May 2008, the requirement for alterations to achieve 5 Star will come into effect in the Building Code of Australia 2008 (BCA 2008).

The extension brings Victoria in line with national standards.

The new standard for renovations or relocations applies to the thermal performance of a home and does not require a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.

Renovations and relocations in the period prior to 1 May 2008 are still required to meet the BCA requirements. However, consumers should remember the considerable comfort, environmental and economic benefits that flow from building to the 5 Star standard.

The Relevant Building Surveyor has discretion to allow partial compliance for smaller extensions or extensive alterations where the requirement is impractical. The Building Commission will provide guidance and technical advice to building practitioners.

A Standard Cost Model report measures the cost to industry of the proposed amendment to the BCA 2008. Click here to download the report. (115KB). Click here to download the appendix. (16KB).

The Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission (VCEC) has reviewed the report and assessed it as adequate. Click here to view VCEC's assessment of the report. (70KB)

For further information about the new regulation, contact the Building Commission telephone hotline on 1300 360 380.

Victoria's 5 Star rating for new homes is a key feature of the Victorian Government's environmental policy and will help save our finite energy and water resources.

From 1 May 2008, the 5 Star standard will be extended to cover renovations and relocation of homes.

As a result of 5 Star, Victorians will enjoy new and renovated homes that are:

better quality and more comfortable
cheaper to operate
environmentally sound
good for Victoria's economy

Our environment needs your help

Australia - world's highest greenhouse gas pollution per capita
Victorians create 60 per cent of national greenhouse pollution from home heating and cooling
Need to protect our precious water resources

All new homes must comply with the 5 Star standard

All new homes and apartments in Victoria must comply with the 5 Star standard. This means it is compulsory for new homes to have:

5 Star energy rating for the building fabric, plus
A rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system.

From 1 May 2008, the 5 Star standard will be extended to cover alterations and relocations of homes. However, renovations or relocations will not require a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system.

It's easy to achieve 5 Star with good design

Bulk insulation and reflective foil in walls and ceilings
House orientation and window size
Weather sealed aluminum improved windows
High performance glazing
Draught seals to doors

5 Star homes are cheaper to run

An independent study by Jettaree Pty Ltd, for the Building Commission, revealed average annual savings from 5 Star homes:

$200 on household heating and cooling bills
$100 saving on hot water for installing a solar hot water system and
$50 saving on water bills for installing a rainwater tank - and the potential for even more if used wisely.

5 Star homes look the same and are more comfortable

Even without using the heating or cooling systems, 5 Star homes are up to 5 degrees warmer in winter and 10 degrees cooler in summer than the typical 2 Star new home built prior to the introduction of the 5 Star Standard.

Increased economic growth in Victoria of up to $570 million.
Greenhouse reductions from new homes grow by 40,000 tonnes per year
Savings will amount to two million tones of carbon dioxide within 10 years
Equivalent to removing 500,000 cars from our roads or planting three million trees
Solar hot water changes mean another million tones of carbon dioxide are saved in 10 years

For further information about the 5 Star regulation, contact the Building Commission telephone hotline on 1300 360 380.

5 Star Standard for all new homes