7-star energy efficiency and annual energy use budget for homes will result in a more resilient Queensland

The Queensland Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects welcomed today’s decision by the Building Ministers to raise the 6 star minimum requirement to 7 stars, as well as the introduction of an annual energy use budget as part of the Modern Homes provisions of the 2022 National Construction Code.

Congratulations are in order to Queensland Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen and Minister for Public Works and Procurement, Mick di Brenni, for his leadership on issues that will encourage better climate behaviors as well as buildings, and result in a more resilient and adaptable Queensland society as well as lower energy bills for residents.

Residential buildings are responsible for around 24% of overall electricity use and 12% of total carbon emissions in Australia. Meeting the new minimum standards will require consideration of climate, orientation, and construction material choices in home designs that can be tailored as needed to meet the new annual energy use budget requirements to be introduced from the 1st of May 2023.

The Institute’s Queensland Chapter President, Amy Degenhart, said that the move to a minimum standard of 7 stars will help lower energy costs and provide healthier homes for Queenslanders. 

“It is comforting that research indicates that Queensland homes are already meeting a 6.6 star standard.”

“This evidence provides a positive outlook for Queenslanders, indicating that the next review of NCC Residential standards in 2028 should find us at well over 7 too, and on our way to 8.”

“We now look forward to working with the regulatory sector to ensure that the multiple climate zones in Queensland are taken account of when designing for energy efficiency. Queensland needs to design climatically for homes that thrive on natural ventilation, not only in respect of Country, but also as a key health lesson learned from COVID.”

“The next six months will provide valuable time for rolling up our sleeves and creating solutions curated for Queensland, while the implementation timeframes will allow the industry to prepare for the changes, particularly given the skills shortages and slow supply chains that are currently affecting the industry,” Ms Degenhart said.

More than ever, architects are working with consultants, suppliers, and builders across the industry to deliver energy efficient outcomes as an essential part of good design.

For media enquiries contact:

Anna Svensdotter, Queensland State Manager, Australian Institute of Architects
M. +61 (0) 402 852 645 | anna.svensdotter@architecture.com.au