Energy Efficiency Building Codes & Rules

• Limit glazing
• Carefully size & position window openings
• Apply double glazing to all habitable rooms
• Thermally improve frame quality
• North-facing Windows
• Go for a High Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
• With passive shading
• East & West Windows
• Select low SHGC coatings to reduce heat gain
• Protect from summer sun
• South-facing Window
• Use low U-value & high visible light transmittance

All Building Classes

NCC 2022 HP, 13.3.4

May 2023

• Shading devices must be tailored to the local climate and latitude^{NCC 2022 HP, 13.3.4}
• Measure based on the solar heat gain of windows depending on
• Season (Winter or Summer),
• Climate Zone
• Building Orientation &
• Shading performance (P/H) ratio
• Shading performance (P/H) ratio
• Higher P/H value decreases summer heat gain
• Lower P/H value beneficial for winter solar access
• Adjustable shading battens or slats can be operated by manually, mechanically or electronically
• Can reduce summer sun by ≥ 80%

• Be able to reduce ≥ 80% of summer sun with the use of External Shading Devices^{NCC 2022 HP, 13.3.4}

Inward

Heat Flow

Floor Requirements

• For In-slab or In-screed Heating & Cooling System Insulation^{Industry Recommendation}
• ≥ R1.0 Thermal Insulation Value
• Installed around the vertical edge of the slab’s perimeter
• Prevent heat loss or gain at the slab edges
• Insulation^{Industry Recommendation}
• Insulate both lightweight & concrete elevated floors to maintain consistent temperatures indoors
• R1.0 to R1.5 Thermal Insulation Value with inward heat flow
• Values vary when considering on-site conditions
• Construction System^{NCC 2022 HP, 13.2.6 (4)}
• Earth-coupled slabs ideal for areas where ground temperatures are cool in summer (≤ 19°C), or
• Insulate elevated concrete or lightweight floors ideal for warmer areas (> 19°C at 3m depth)

Passive solar heating

Passive solar heating

Thermal Performance for Class 1 & 10^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H6V2 (3) (p)NCC 2022 Vol 2, H6V2 (3) (q)}

• Cooling Setting
• 24°C for Bedrooms
• 27°C for Other Habitable Rooms
• Heating Setting
• 20°C All Habitable Rooms
• Enhance comfort in living spaces
• Optimize energy consumption based on climate conditions
• Reduce the environmental impact of heating & cooling system
• Thermal performance requirements as per the NCC^{NCC 2022 Vol 2, H6P1}

Thermal Performance for Class 2 to 9^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, J2D2}

• Heating & cooling loads of habitable rooms & conditioned spaces to comply to the NCC
• Minimum required load limit calculation
• Ensures that the heating & cooling systems maintains efficient & comfortable indoor temperature

Electrical Vehicle Charging Equipment^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, J1P4}

• Provide sufficient electrical capacity & pre-wiring of EV charging stations
• Dedicate parking spaces ready for EV use

Inward Heat Flow

Inward Heat Flow

Outward Heat Flow

Hot Air into

Evaporative Cooler

Considering Sustainable Energy Upgrades^{Industry Recommendation}

• LED Upgrade
• 80 to 90% savings on electricity bill than fluorescent or incandescent bulbs
• Lasts longer & are more efficient
• Heat Pump Hot Water Upgrade
• Consider replacing gas hot water systems with Electric Heat Pumps
• 3x more efficient than gas
• Reduces energy bills & health risks related to gas usage
• Solar Upgrade
• Harness clean, renewable energy from the sun
• Boosts business profit by reducing electricity cost

Avoid Auxiliary Heating

Building Orientation^{Industry Recommendation}

• Aim for north orientation to maximize winter sun, using shading devices for summer
• North-facing Walls & Windows
• More sunlight in winter that helps warm building during colder months
• East & West-facing Walls & Windows
• Receives more sunlight during summer
• Leads to overheating if not managed properly
• Plant trees and shrubs to provide shade
• Install wide eaves or awnings to block summer sun while allowing winter sunlight

Heating & Cooling Requirements^{Industry Recommendation}

• Refrain from using Auxiliary Heating
• Enhance passive heating
• Position the home to maximize sunlight during the day
• Using effective insulation to retain heat when temperature drops
• Utilize appliances which are high-energy-rated in preferred rooms
• Enhancing comfort with Ceiling Fans

External Wall Requirements

• Solar Absorptance^{Industry Recommendation}
• ≤ 70% absorption for General or Lightweight Wall Construction
• Metal-Framed Walls Thermal Bridging^{NCC 2022 HP, 13.2.5 (3)NCC 2022 HP, 13.2.5 (5)}
• ≥ R0.2 thermal value of thermal breaks at all contact points where the metal frame meets the external cladding
• Except if walls are made from insulated sandwich panels

Other Wall Considerations^{NCC 2022 HP, 13.2.5 (6)}

• Internal Insulation
• Skip bulk insulation in walls unless winter heating is needed
• To manage moisture effectively, install breathable reflective vapor barriers in walls & use bulk insulation in air-conditioned rooms
• ≥ R2.8 Thermal Insulation Value with inward heat flow
• Values vary when considering on-site conditions
• Construction System
• Use lightweight wall construction
• Adding thermal mass if temperature is > 6°C to help stabilize indoor temperatures

Renewable Energy^{Industry Recommendation}

• Electricity Generation
• Install Solar Panels on building roof
• This provides a clean & renewable energy source directly from the sun
• Hot Water Systems
• Solar Thermal System - collects sunlight to heat water (commonly used in residential applications)
• Heat Pump System - extracts heat from the surrounding air, water, or ground to heat water
• Solar Heating & Cooling Systems
• Uses solar thermal system to power cooling & to provide space & water heating
• Passive Solar Design Solutions
• Building orientation
• Window placement
• Use suitable materials to regulate indoor temperature

Climate Zone 2: Warm Humid Summer, Mild Winter^Informative

• High humidity levels & dry season during winter
• Summers are hot to extremely hot, paired with mild winters
• Clear distinction between summer and winter
• Reduce winter heating needs and summer cooling demands by implementing effective passive design strategies
• Consult local Energy Assessor for commercial & complex projects
• Check State & Territory Government on Energy Efficiency Requirements

Ceiling Fans in all Living

& Sleeping Spaces

No Need to

Insulate Metal Pipes

Shade all External Openings & Walls