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New home design: energy efficiency explained

Star ratings and thermal efficiency – we know it can be confusing. Today we explain the science that Indigo Homes uses to assess the energy efficiency of their new homes.

To assess the energy efficiency of all their new homes – to make sure they comply with Queensland building regulations and that you’re comfortable - , Indigo Homes uses what’s called the BERS Pro system. BERS Pro stands for 'Building Energy Rating Scheme' and is a graphics based computer simulation of the thermal performance of a residential building.

Seeing stars

In mid-January 2010 the Building Minister Forum decided to increase the energy efficiency mandatory star rating in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) from five to six stars. As a result all new homes built in Queensland must have a rating of at least 6 stars.

Builders use thermal simulation software tools to simulate the thermal performance of a building in terms of predicted relative annual energy requirements. To do this, the software assumes that mechanical cooling and heating systems are used to make the inside of the home comfortable, and therefore rates the home on the extent to which it minimises the per square metre energy requirement and equates the energy consumption to a star rating.

BERS Pro is one of the thermal simulation tools available and it assesses and produces a 'star rating' out of 10 stars by calculating the amount of energy or electricity (MJ per square metre per year) it will take to keep the home in a comfortable temperature range for its climate zone. The less MJ per square metre per year the home uses to keep it comfortable, the higher the star rating of the building.

What drives the ratings

Electricity can be used in the form of air conditioning and ceiling fans, and the more factors contributing to reducing the amount of electricity needed, the better. In the Brisbane area, the comfortable temperature range is from 18 to 24 deg. C.

BERS takes into consideration the climate zone (location) the home being assessed will be constructed in, the building materials and insulation used to construct the home, the size of the home, the amount of glass used in external walls, shading around the house, building orientation in relation to the sun and construction methods used to complete the home.

Indigo Homes’ designs aim to maximise comfort while keeping energy consumption to a minimum, and by utilising systems such as BERS Pro, Indigo can ensure their new homes keep occupants comfortable while also saving them on their power bill.

 

See more of Indigo Home's comfortably designed and award-winning new homes here.