Transitioning to 7-Star Energy Rating for Your Construction Projects
Published
As we stand on the cusp of the NCC 2022 in early/mid 2024, the construction landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it comes the need for enhanced energy efficiency. The shift to a 7-star energy rating is at the forefront of this change – a 25% higher compliance benchmark compared to the existing 6-star standard. But what does this mean for your projects, and how can you navigate this transition seamlessly?
Early Engagement: A Wise Investment:
Engaging early in the design phase not only ensures compliance but can also result in significant cost savings for both you and your clients. Minor tweaks made at the beginning of the project can make a substantial difference in the long run.
Challenges are Easier (and Cheaper) to Overcome the Earlier they are Identified:
Remember, challenges associated with transitioning to a 7-star energy rating are easier (and cheaper) to overcome the earlier they are identified. Early engagement, thorough planning, and proactive problem-solving can pave the way for smoother and more cost-effective project outcomes.
Key Changes and Challenges:
1. Higher Compliance Benchmark:
Moving to a 7-star energy rating signifies a significant leap forward, demanding a 25% higher compliance benchmark than the current 6-star standard. This shift encourages reevaluating building practices to meet the elevated energy efficiency requirements.
2. Mitigating Expenses through Smart Building Design:
Incorporating passive design principles into your building design can help reduce expenses while ensuring compliance. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Natural Ventilation: Increase window operability and consider implementing ceiling fans to enhance natural ventilation, reducing the reliance on mechanical systems.
- Glazing to Floor Area Ratio: To meet the new compliance standards, a reduction in glazing dimensions where possible. A general guideline suggests maintaining a glazing to floor area ratio of around 25%.
- Labelling and Specification: Clearly label window frames, roof details, and material colours on the plans to ensure accurate implementation and compliance with the 7-star energy rating.
3. Maximizing Insulation and Better Glazing:
For those who have already maximized insulation and have not engaged with an accredited thermal performance assessor early, the uplift to a 7-star rating will need to be met with improved glazing. Upgrading to better glazing may be one of the most impactful ways to improve your energy rating… but it is also the most expensive.
Glazing Upgrade Guidelines:
If your current designs are achieving compliance with single glazing, you can expect to need double glazing in NCC 2022. If you are already utilising double glazing, expect the same design to require thermally broken windows. If you already have thermally broken windows - you will likely be non-compliant.
The transition to a 7-star energy rating doesn’t need to be scary. It brings both challenges and opportunities. Getting on the front foot, embracing these changes early on, optimizing building design, and upgrading glazing systems are key steps towards meeting compliance and creating more sustainable and cost-effective construction projects.
