Tick for 5-Star residential standards…but more needed

The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) has welcomed State Government moves to extend 5-star energy ratings to residential home renovations from May next year.

Cr Dick Gross, MAV President said councils had been advocating for current energy efficiency standards required of new homes to be extended to include mandatory water and energy saving across all types of development in Victoria.

“Many councils support further improvements to state planning and building frameworks to boost the sustainability of both residential and non-residential buildings.

“It’s pleasing that home renovations and extensions will need to meet 5-star energy standards and we look forward to a future where multi-unit developments and commercial buildings also meet these requirements.

“Development controls in Victoria must improve design standards to reduce energy and water use, maximise site orientation to take advantage of natural heating and cooling, allow for more natural ventilation and light, and increase stormwater capture and grey water use,” he said.

Victorian councils have led the charge to introduce Ecologically Sustainable Development (ESD) principles into their planning processes. The Cities of Port Phillip and Moreland have been using voluntary assessment tools to measure the sustainability of residential and non-residential buildings since 2005. Their tools assess the energy efficiency of the building, as well as the energy used in heating, cooling and lighting. They also address a range of other environmental issues including water use, stormwater quality, materials use and waste minimisation.

Six other local councils have also committed to using the Port Phillip and Moreland tools to assess development applications through the planning process, while a number of other councils are also incorporating ESD principles into major development projects.

Cr Gross said local government had made significant investment in innovative and practical approaches to develop a consistent and rigorous assessment methodology as well as provide education, leadership and incentives for improved sustainability in the built environment.

“The use of ESD can reduce both the impact of development on the environment and ongoing costs for residents. Council tools are also contributing to a greater understanding of the benefits of ESD in the community, design and development sectors.

“The Local Government ESD Advocacy Group recently met with Minister Madden to call for more comprehensive statewide sustainability requirements for all buildings in Victoria and for ESD outcomes to be integrated into the building regulations and planning system.

“The extension of 5-Star standards to home renovations is a positive step towards building design and development in Victoria that maximises the natural environment and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

“Local government stands ready to work with the State on next generation 5-Star standards,” he said.

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For further information contact MAV President Cr Dick Gross on 0411 446 167 or the MAV Communications Unit on (03) 9667 5521.