Article #4

Government resource & legislation set to reduce energy, save water, save money & reduce waste.
3rd May 2008
(www.buildingcommission.com.au)

Following today’s launch of Make Your Home Green, Victorians can access an online resource to reduce energy, save water, save money, reduce waste and improve health.
The launch at CEREs Community Environment Park coincided with the launch of new energy efficiency laws for home alterations and relocations.
Building Commissioner, Tony Arnel, launched the Brumby Government’s sustainability initiatives at the onsite 3AW Big House radio program. He also took part in a demonstration of Make Your Home Green.
“After experiencing Make Your Home Green I can see how beneficial this resource is going to be for Victorian households who want to reduce their carbon footprint,” Mr Arnel said.
“Make Your Home Green and new energy efficiency laws, which came into effect in the Building Code of Australia on 1 May 2008, were important steps towards reducing Victorian households’ greenhouse gas emissions.
“With 40,000 homes anticipated to be renovated, extended or relocated annually, the new energy efficiency laws for the building fabric of home alterations will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions while delivering greater comfort and lower energy costs to Victorians.”
All alteration and relocation work that requires a building permit is subject to the new energy efficiency laws. The laws apply to the thermal performance of a home (a 5 Star performance rating for the external walls, floors and roofs of your home) and do not require a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing, as is the case with a new home. These changes bring Victoria in line with national standards.
Victorians who plan to build a new home, extend or renovate should contact a building designer, architect, builder or building surveyor for advice on 5 Star compliance. Information is also available at the Building Commission on 1300 360 380, or visit www.buildingcommission.com.au.
Make Your Home Green is a first for the building and plumbing industry and supports the Victorian Government’s commitment to create sustainable options for Victorians in the built environment. It is hosted and sponsored by the Building Commission and the Plumbing Industry Commission.

ANALYSIS:
This article is focused on the launch of Make Your Home Green as well as the new energy efficiency laws brought in today. The article explains how the new laws will help to reduce our carbon footprint whilst also saving money on energy, as Tony Arnel says “with 40,000 homes anticipated to be renovated, extended or relocated annually, the new energy efficiency laws for the building fabric of home alterations will further reduce greenhouse gas emissions while delivering greater comfort and lower energy costs to Victorians.” The new laws now bring Victoria in line with national standards which is a good step, however this should not be the end of trying to be innovative in this area as it is crucial that we continue to evolve more environmentally friendly methods of construction. This article will hopefully help people see that although the original cost is greater when you go ‘green’ it will eventually pay itself off in time, which may encourage more people to take the environmentally friendly path when building their new homes.