Seven-star rating for energy efficiency for all new South Australian homes in 2024; new disability access rules
With a seven-star energy efficiency rating to be required for all new South Australian homes from October 1, 2024, the state gained its first 10-star rating home (above), designed by SUHO Studio, in the Adelaide eastern suburb of Woodforde in 2021.
Image by Dan Schultz, Sweet Lime Photos
From October 1, 2024, a seven-star energy efficiency rating (up from six stars) was required for all homes built in South Australia, in line with the national construction code.
The seven-star energy efficiency provisions sought to lower greenhouse gas emissions, provide year-round comfort in the home, while also reducing the cost-of-living pressures through energy efficiency – the offset to initial construction costs.
Also, new liveable housing accessibility standards would make it easier for South Australians living with a disability and older South Australians to find suitable housing, with new homes to include improved entry and spaces – such as wider doors and corridors, and step-free access – inside homes. Requiring these standards at the outset was anticipated to reduce the cost of modifying homes to mobility-related standards that were up to 22- times more expensive to fit retrospectively.
The South Australian government housing agencies – Renewal SA and the South Australian Housing Authority – were already meeting the national construction code requirements in their new builds before the October 2024 changes. The October 2024 start date for the new South Australia energy ratings acknowledged the building and construction industry challenges of market capacity, supply chain disruption, workforce uncertainty along with the additional pressures from the rebuilding effort after the River Murray floods.
The state government and the Australian Building Codes Board – the drafters of the new energy efficiency and livable housing designs – would work with government departments and the building and construction industry to support to the move towards the new provisions. Housing Industry Association (SA) and Master Builders Association of South Australia both supported the delayed start date as giving the industry time and certainty to prepare.
South Australia gained its first 10 star-rated energy efficient home in 2021 with a Woodforde property in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, designed by a SUHO Studio team led by Geraldine Petit. The property used the latest technology and innovation including roof, walls, windows and floor construction methods and materials to reduce energy use. A house rated 10 out of 10 stars under the national scheme didn’t need artificial heating and cooling. The property used energy recovery to change the temperature of fresh air supply with the outgoing indoor passively controlled air.