6 Qualities of a 6-Star Energy Rating Residential Building

May 18, 2023

A 6-star energy rating residential building takes advantage of natural resources to make the property functional without wasting energy from the surroundings.

A wide range of building standards and regulations are being followed in Australia to ensure buildings and structures will remain safe, efficient, and cost-effective. One of the standards has to do with the overall energy use of properties.

The 6-star energy rating system is a national standard utilised to measure the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Australia. It was introduced as part of the National Construction Code in 2010, ensuring that new residential buildings as well as renovated or extended properties will be highly energy efficient and only have a low carbon footprint. 

Tons of factors can affect the energy efficiency of a building. These factors include building orientation, water usage, insulation, and many more. If you want to achieve a 6-star energy rating for your residential building, here are some qualities it should possess.

1. Appropriate Location

Your residential building can achieve a 6-star energy rating if it possesses a proper location. The location of a building often affects how much ventilation and daylight the property can take in. Without considering this element, you might end up with a building that does not receive too much natural light or quality outdoor air, which may only affect its indoor temperature and energy usage. Additionally, your building can achieve this energy rating if its location is accessible by foot or bike and has good access to public transport.

2. Passive Solar Design

Passive solar design on your property allows it to achieve a 6-star energy rating. This feature can often be achieved by your property if it takes advantage of the sun’s path, which involves designing its layout and windows to effectively maximise natural light and heat. The inclusion of large windows on the north-facing side of the building, shading devices to control sunlight, and thermal mass for heat storage and release can all contribute to the said design.

3. Energy-Efficient Lighting

The addition of energy-efficient lighting can also ensure that your building can obtain a 6-star energy rating. Lighting can often consume tons of energy on your property. And without the right building location, you may be forced to switch on the lights all day long, which can be wasteful for the natural lighting. Assuming that your property has the right location, the installation of energy-efficient lighting like LED bulbs can conveniently cut your utility cost by a huge percentage, making your residential building energy-efficient for a long time.

4. Water-Saving Elements

Water is another resource that should be consumed appropriately. Without maximising water-saving features, your property may excessively use water, making it impossible to achieve a 6-star energy rating. The installation of low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and many more can reduce water consumption and save water bills.

5. High-Quality Insulation

The energy consumption of your residential building can only be minimised once high-quality insulation has been integrated into the property. This type of insulation can be added to your walls, roof, and floors to effectively reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. 

6. Cost-Effective Appliances

Cost-effective appliances, which include heating and cooling systems, can make a residential building energy efficient as they tend to run optimally without using too much energy. As long as they are sized correctly and are designed to run efficiently, you can easily achieve a 6-star energy rating upon the assessment by a professional.

Achieving a 6-star energy rating for a residential building needs a comprehensive approach to energy efficiency and sustainability. If you need help, you can call us at Empire Thermal Group.

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