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Is it the building code? Star ratings are the most popular way to quantify energy efficiency, but these minimum standards are just that – minimum standards.  This does not mean high performance or energy efficiency and in certain areas of the industry, even meeting this minimum is a struggle.  The building code sets a minimum, and NCC 2022 brings with it 7 stars instead of 6 stars, air tightness standards as an option and better condensation management.  This document is inching in the industry towards a better standard, but it unfortunately doesn’t encourage innovation.

Is it the builders?  There is definitely a cohort of builders who are differentiating themselves from their competitors around better energy efficiency, moisture management and building health but this remains a small percentage as there is still a fear of change and a fear of alienating their client base due to costs.  There is a huge lack of compulsory training through much of Australia and often debilitating time and cost pressures which prohibits many builders from pursuing education that they are not required to do to keep their licence.

The simple fact that there are zero checks for energy efficiency compliance during construction gives way too much leeway.

Or is it home owners? The people who are paying for the homes have a significant emotional investment in the outcome – given that this is the most expensive item most of us will ever purchase, they are invested.  They have access to the entire internet worth of resources and people such as Amelia Lee, Undercover Architect and consultants such as Climasure are arming new homeowners with so much knowledge.  Home owners are increasingly going to meetings with their builders armed with questions about things like air tightness and vapour permeable membranes.  They are asking for more accountability and better performance.  They want lower bills and better comfort and they also want healthy buildings for the long term. I am seeing a shift in market trends and I am seeing home owners empowered by online resources asking for more.  The knock on impact of this is that once the builder learns how to build better, they can’t unlearn it and the opportunity is there for them to continue to respond to consumer demands by upskilling and offering better solutions.  They home owners are also emotionally invested and in a space where there are no compulsory inspections, it’s the home owners who are actually on site checking insulation install and membrane taping.  They’re setting an expectation and making sure the builder meets it.

It is fair to say that the National Construction Code sets the minimum standard for construction and future focussed and driven young builders are aiming higher than they have before, but it is the informed and empowered consumer who is proving to be the true driver behind better energy efficiency in residential construction.

Whether your a builder, architect or home owner, if you have any questions about improving the energy efficiency of your project – feel free to get in touch with us at enquiries@climasure.com.au