Energy efficiency is a crucial factor in sustainable construction, as it directly affects the environmental impact of a building throughout its life cycle.
Energy efficiency benchmarks are key for promoting sustainable development. By implementing strategies to minimise energy usage, use sustainable materials and improve energy management systems, developers can not only benefit the environment and reduce costs for residents in the long run, but can save significantly on the cost of building and materials, especially when energy efficiency is considered in the early stages of building.
This ties directly into the concept of Environmental Sustainable Design (ESD), where proposals are assessed against industry-recognised environmental standards to achieve best practice in sustainable building categories.
By incorporating energy-efficient design principles from the early planning stages, developers can significantly reduce building costs, while contributing to a greener built environment and improving the energy performance of a dwelling.
This article explores the significance of energy efficiency benchmarks and how they can contribute to sustainable building practices.
Table of Contents
Energy Efficiency
One benchmark used to measure the performance of ESD homes is the overall energy efficiency. This includes the amount of energy needed to heat, cool, and power the home.
Lower energy consumption results in lower running and energy costs, indicating a more sustainable design and greater cost savings for owners in the long run.
There are several ways to measure energy efficiency standards in a dwelling depending on which state you reside in, and whether its a residential or commercial building.
For more information about Energy Efficiency Reports and for guidance in which assessment method is right for you, contact Green Choice Consulting.
NatHERS Assessment
A NatHERS accredited assessor such as Green Choice Consulting will assess the energy performance of your new home design.
The assessor will use software to calculate the energy efficiency of your home based on factors such as construction techniques, building orientation, and climate.
The assessment will provide a star rating out of ten, indicating the energy efficiency of your home design. The higher the star rating, the higher the energy performance is likely to be.
BASIX Assessment
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a similar assessment tool used in New South Wales to measure the energy efficiency and sustainability of residential buildings.
The assessment considers factors such as water efficiency, thermal comfort, and energy use in the design of the building.
A BASIX certificate is issued after the assessment, indicating compliance with energy efficiency and sustainability requirements.
Whole of Home Energy Performance Rating
NatHERS has been expanded to provide a ‘Whole of Home’ energy performance rating, which predicts the annual energy use of the home.
This rating takes into account major appliances, solar panels, and batteries in addition to the building shell, providing a comprehensive assessment of energy efficiency.
The Whole of Home rating can help homeowners understand their home’s overall energy performance and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvement.
Commercial Assessment Options
In addition to the above residential assessments, there are also several commercial assessment options available to ensure energy efficiency and compliance with building codes.
Section J Assessment
Section J of the National Construction Code (NCC) sets out the requirements for energy efficiency in commercial buildings.
A Section J Assessment is used to determine if a building meets these requirements.
It covers various aspects to ensure that the building is energy efficient and comfortable for occupants, including:
- Building fabric
- Glazing
- Lighting
- HVAC systems
JV3 Assessment
Similar to the residential Green Star rating tool, the JV3 Assessment allows for compliance with energy efficiency requirements for Class 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 buildings, or common areas of a Class 2 building.
This assessment compares the proposed building to a reference building compliant with the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions in Section J of the NCC.
The assessment considers factors such as building materials, insulation, and HVAC systems to ensure energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Both Section J and JV3 assessments play a crucial role in ensuring that commercial buildings are energy efficient, comfortable, and compliant with building codes.
By conducting these assessments, building owners and developers can improve the overall energy performance of their buildings and reduce operating costs in the long run.
Additional Reading: Section J vs JV3- What Is The Difference?
NABERS Energy Rating System
NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is a voluntary rating system designed to measure the energy efficiency of commercial buildings in Australia, including office buildings, shopping centres and schools.
Buildings are rated on a scale from 0 to 6 stars, with 6 stars representing exceptional greenhouse performance and resource efficiency.
NABERS helps building owners and managers understand their building’s energy performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
The system takes into account factors such as building design, operation, and occupancy to provide an accurate assessment of energy efficiency.
NABERS energy ratings can be used to compare buildings, track performance over time, and make informed decisions about energy upgrades. The system is run by the NSW Government on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments.
Indoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is a crucial metric for measuring the performance of ESD homes. Good indoor air quality promotes the health and well-being of occupants.
Factors such as ventilation systems, low-VOC materials, and air purification technologies can contribute to improved indoor air quality in sustainable homes.
When considering indoor air quality, some of the key metrics include:
- Particulate Matter (PM): Measure the concentration of particles in the air, including PM2.5 and PM10, which can have negative health effects when inhaled.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2) levels: Monitoring CO2 levels can indicate ventilation effectiveness and occupant comfort. High levels of CO2 can lead to poor air quality and discomfort.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Measure the concentration of VOCs in the air, which are emitted from various sources such as cleaning products, paints, and furniture. High levels of VOCs can lead to health issues.
- Temperature and Humidity: Monitoring temperature and humidity levels can help ensure occupant comfort and prevent issues such as mould growth.
- Air Exchange Rate: Measure the rate at which outdoor air replaces indoor air, which is important for maintaining air quality and reducing indoor pollutants.
- Formaldehyde levels: Measure the concentration of formaldehyde in the air, which can be emitted from building materials and furnishings. High levels of formaldehyde can have negative health effects.
By monitoring these key metrics, building owners and facility managers can assess indoor air quality, identify potential issues, and take steps to improve occupant health and comfort.
Life Cycle Assessment
Assessing the life cycle carbon footprint of a building is essential for measuring their overall environmental impact.
This includes considering embodied carbon emissions from materials used in construction as well as operational carbon emissions from heating, cooling, hot water, and other energy-consuming activities.
Lowering the carbon footprint of a home demonstrates its sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction, production, use, and disposal.
Life Cycle Assessment & ESD Homes
In the context of an ESD (Environmentally Sustainable Design) home, conducting an LCA can help assess the environmental impact of the materials and technologies used in the construction and operation of the home.
When designing an ESD home, it is important to consider not only the energy efficiency during the use phase but also the environmental impact of the materials used in construction and their disposal at the end of their life.
By conducting an LCA, designers and homeowners can make informed decisions about which materials and technologies to use in order to minimise the environmental impact of the home over its entire life cycle.
For example, in the case of energy-efficient appliances, an LCA can help determine which appliances have the lowest environmental impact in terms of energy consumption, manufacturing processes, and disposal.
Similarly, when choosing building materials such as insulation, windows, and flooring, an LCA can help identify the most environmentally friendly options based on factors like embodied energy, resource depletion, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Incorporating LCA into the design and construction of an ESD home can help ensure that the home is not only energy efficient but also environmentally sustainable throughout its entire life cycle.
Green Star Rating
The Green Star rating system is a comprehensive and independent evaluation tool that assesses the environmental design and performance of buildings, including homes.
It evaluates various aspects such as:
- Energy
- Water
- Materials
- Indoor environment quality
- Innovation
ESD homes can be benchmarked based on their Green Star rating, which is awarded by the Green Building Council Australia. Achieving a higher Green Star rating (4, 5, or 6 Stars) indicates that the home meets best practice standards for sustainability and environmental performance.
ESD homes can strive to achieve a higher Green Star rating by incorporating sustainable design principles and using energy-efficient technologies.
For example, installing solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, and efficient water fixtures can all contribute to a higher rating.
In addition to energy efficiency, the Green Star rating system also considers other sustainability factors. This includes the use of environmentally friendly materials, such as those with lower embodied energy or made from recycled or renewable sources.
It also takes into account the management of waste during construction and the provision of adequate recycling and waste management facilities in the home itself.
The Green Star rating system emphasises indoor environmental quality, aiming to provide a healthy and comfortable living environment. This includes elements like natural lighting, proper ventilation, and the use of non-toxic building materials to reduce the risk of indoor air pollution.
A higher Green Star rating not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also offers benefits to homeowners.
These benefits include:
- Reduced energy bills
- Improved comfort
- Healthier indoor environments,
- Potentially higher property values
Additionally, achieving a higher Green Star rating can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving natural resources, making a positive impact on the environment as a whole.
Sustainable Subdivision Framework
The Sustainable Subdivision Framework, developed by the Council Alliance for a Sustainable Built Environment, provides a benchmark for assessing the environmental performance of subdivisions during the planning application process.
The framework evaluates various aspects of sustainability, such as:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Waste management
- Transportation
By assessing these factors, the framework aims to ensure that sustainable practices are integrated into the entire development process, from initial planning to construction and occupancy.
Energy Efficiency
One key focus of the framework is energy efficiency. It encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and design strategies to minimise the energy usage of individual lots and common areas within the subdivision.
This can include the installation of energy-efficient lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems, as well as the implementation of renewable energy solutions like solar panels.
Water Conservation
Water conservation is another important consideration within the framework.
It promotes the use of water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling to reduce water consumption and promote responsible water management within the subdivision.
This not only helps to conserve a valuable resource but also reduces the strain on local water supplies.
Waste Management
Waste management practices are also a key component of the Sustainable Subdivision Framework.
It encourages developers to implement strategies for reducing waste generation and promoting recycling within the subdivision.
Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS)
The Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS) is a valuable tool for developers and building owners looking to assess and improve the sustainability of their projects.
This online assessment tool measures various aspects of environmental performance, including:
- Energy efficiency
- Water conservation
- Indoor environment quality
- Materials and waste
- Transport
One of the key benefits of the BESS is its ability to benchmark developments against best practice standards.
By comparing a project’s performance to recognised industry standards and targets, developers can gain a clear understanding of where they stand in terms of sustainability performance and identify areas for improvement.
When it comes to energy efficiency, the BESS assesses factors such as
- Insulation
- Lighting systems
- Heating and cooling systems
- Renewable energy integration
By evaluating these aspects, the scorecard helps identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption, optimise energy management systems, and integrate renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
Benefits of Energy Efficiency Benchmarks
Assessment and Comparison
Energy efficiency benchmarks allow developers to assess their projects’ energy performance against recognised industry standards and best practices.
This assessment provides a clear understanding of the project’s sustainability performance and highlights areas for improvement.
Identification of Opportunities
By evaluating factors such as insulation, lighting systems, heating and cooling systems, and renewable energy integration, energy efficiency benchmarks identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
This information helps developers optimise energy management systems and integrate renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
Cost Savings
This benefit is two-fold as both developers and building owners/residents can enjoy the cost savings associated with an energy efficient design.
By using less energy, homeowners can lower their utility bills and enjoy long-term savings. Additionally, incorporating renewable energy sources can lead to further cost savings through reduced reliance on traditional energy sources.
For builders and developers, incorporating energy efficient design principles in the early planning stages of a development can significantly save on build costs, such as reducing reliance on glass or insulation by incorporating other energy-efficient design methods.
It’s crucial to speak with an accredited energy assessor early on.
Environmental Impact
Energy efficiency benchmarks contribute to environmental conservation. By reducing energy consumption, developers decrease greenhouse gas emissions and minimise their ecological footprint.
This leads to improved air quality, reduced reliance on non-renewable energy sources, and a healthier environment for all.
Conclusion
Energy efficiency assessments are vital for promoting sustainable development.
They enable developers to assess their projects’ energy performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to minimise energy usage and integrate renewable energy sources, ultimately reducing the cost of the build.
The Green Choice Consulting team are experts in environmentally sustainable design, providing comprehensive energy efficiency assessments and reports for residential and commercial developments.
We recommend you incorporate energy efficient design principles from the early stages of the project to help you save on build costs.
Our accredited assessors understand what is required for compliance and have built a reputation as industry-leading suppliers for builders, architects and homeowners Australia-wide.
Contact us for more information today.
Albert Burton is the founder of Green Choice Consulting, leading a national team that delivers fast, accurate ESD reports for residential and commercial projects. With expertise in sustainability and business, he leverages advanced technology to streamline compliance and reduce costs for clients.
