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Energy equivalence ratings for houses, townhouses and units

The energy equivalence rating of a new dwelling is determined by the design of its building shell – the roof, walls, windows and floors.

New houses and townhouses, and major renovations to existing buildings, must achieve a minimum 6-star energy equivalence rating.

New multi-unit residential buildings and major renovations to units must achieve an average 5-star energy equivalence rating.

These requirements were introduced to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging dwelling designs that are more energy efficient. They can also provide on-going savings to householders through reduced energy use.

What the energy assessment does

An energy assessment takes into account the thermal performance (to provide internal comfort) of the building shell (that is its capacity to remain cool or warm without artificial heating or cooling) for its design and climate. It predicts how much energy will be required to cool and heat the building over the year.

The usual compliance methods used to determine the energy equivalence of residential buildings are:

  • software – using a software tool accredited under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (BERS Pro, AccuRate and FirstRate5), the assessment is undertaken by an energy assessor who uses software to predict the design’s thermal performance. The software generates a star rating between 0 to 10 stars, with a 10-star building requiring minimal energy for artificial cooling and heating. A house energy rating certificate will confirm the star rating of the building shell.
  • elemental – formerly 'deemed-to-satisfy' (DTS) provisions of the National Construction Code (previously known as the Building Code of Australia).

Other options are peer review (use of an expert) or the use of a reference building (comparison with a design that is known to comply).

Computer software generates an energy rating for the building shell only, and a house energy rating certificate will confirm the star rating of the building shell.

Optional credits are available for photovoltaic (PV) solar energy systems (for houses and townhouses) and outdoor living areas (for houses, townhouses and units). The credits can be used towards the building’s energy rating.

An energy equivalence rating only deals with the thermal performance of the building. It does not include the energy use from fixtures and appliances, such as hot water systems, air conditioners, lighting and fridges.

The 6-star housing and 5-star multi-unit residential building requirements are regulated through the Queensland Development Code 4.1 - Sustainable buildings.

Further information

For further information, contact Building Codes Queensland.

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