All new homes built in Victoria are required to achieve a 5 Star rating with water saving measures, plus either a water tank or solar hot water service. However, exceptions from the current standard are applicable to timber floor homes, mud brick homes and relocatable homes. More information is available at the Going Solar website.

This new legislation has greatly affected the building industry and has incurred much confusion and argument for both the public and those in the building design and construction professions.

At Unicorn House, achieving a high energy rating has always been a standard approach to our designs, and we welcome this legislation as a means toward reducing Australia's greenhouse gas emissions from the built environment. We hope that this will be a significant step toward the home builder's consideration toward the environment, granted at first because they are forced too, but ultimately to develop a sense of responsibility toward the use of our natural resources and an understanding that we have to look after what we've got.

A FirstRate energy rating will be required to accompany all Planning Permit applications.

Helen is an accredited energy rater and offers this service for our own or other projects.