Regulations
Between 35,000 and 40,000 new dwellings will be built in Queensland this year. New energy- and resource-saving technologies are being included in new development, using 33 per cent less electricity and up to 36 percent less water than older designs.
Since 1 March, 2006 changes to building codes have required new houses in Queensland to be more sustainable, ensuring they use water and energy more efficiently.
From 1 March 2009, the Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part (MP) 4.1 – Sustainable Buildings specifies that all new houses, townhouses and units have:
- Water efficient 3-star rated shower roses
- Dual-flush toilets with a 4-star rating
- Water efficient 3-star tapware
- Energy efficient lighting in at least 80 per cent of the house
- Greenhouse efficient hot water systems such as solar, heat pump or gas hot water (where the property is within a gas reticulated area)
- Energy efficient air-conditioners (minimum 2.9 Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)) if installed
From 1 January 2007 requirements have applied for the inclusion of rainwater tanks.QDC MP 4.2 – Water Saving Targets specifies criteria for houses and townhouses to comply with. The code requires new buildings connected to a reticulated town water supply to use either:
- A rainwater tank; or
- A greywater treatment plant; or
- An alternative water substitution measure
The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code also requires houses, townhouses and units, which have an outdoor irrigation system installed or replaced after 1 March 2009 to facilitate the efficient use of water.
Getting the most out of sustainable home design
A house that is socially, environmentally and economically sustainable will allow people with a diverse range of needs to comfortably live in and visit the house throughout its lifetime. Applying smart housing design principles at the outset will mean the house will require minimal alterations, maintenance and expense. It will be more comfortable and less expensive to run because it will be resource efficient.
The social and environmental features will be cost-effective over the lifetime of the house, and represent economically sustainable features that similar houses could reasonably adopt. The house will make a positive contribution to the quality of the built environment while minimising its impact on the natural environment.
Building codes are currently being amended to include energy-saving technologies for lighting and water management, so check with your local council before commencing any building or renovations work.
You can find a handy tips on how to design a sustainable home on the Smart Housing website.
You can download the latest version of Acrobat Reader for free.