New Sustainability Measures for Houses
 

Under the Standard Building Regulations (SBR) sustainability measures have been introduced which are expected to reduce energy use in new houses by 33 percent and reduce water use by up to 36 percent. 

All applications for new home (class 1) approvals must include:

• greenhouse-efficient hot water systems (i.e. solar, gas or electric heat pump water heaters); Specifically the regulation states:
  • In a new Class 1 building, a hot water supply is (to be) provided by:

(a) A heat pump or a solar hot water system that is eligible to receive:

(i) In a building with 3 or more bedrooms, at least 22 Renewable Energy Certificates; or

(ii) In a building with 1 or 2 bedrooms, at least 14 Renewable Energy Certificates; or

(b) A gas hot water system with a five star energy rating.

• energy-efficient lighting (i.e. fluorescent or compact fluorescent lights to be used to illuminate at least 40% of internal floor space);
• AAA-rated shower roses in reticulated town water areas (AAA shower roses use a maximum of 9 litres of water per minute compared to 15 to 25 litres for standard shower roses);
• dual-flush toilets (6 litre full flush/3 litre half flush); and
• water pressure-limiting devices to restrict maximum water pressure to no more than 500 kPa (only required where the water pressure at the house exceeds 500 kPa).

Units and Townhouses
 

New units and townhouses will also be required to provide water-saving shower heads, dual-flush toilets, and energy efficient lighting. Bathroom renovations in both units and houses will require water-saving shower heads and dual flush toilets.