The Green Star certification is set to reduce household energy costs by 75% according to the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).
The GBCA is calling on the home building industry to adopt the Green Star Homes Standard certification system ahead of a planned consumer release in 2022.
The GBCA Green Star certification is the world’s first mass market, residential climate positive certification.
Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, said that the Green Star certification will bring more climate positive new homes within reach of everyday Australians.
"We know the energy rating of our fridge, but not of our biggest asset – our home. This certification is designed to change that," Ms Rooney said.
"The residential sector accounts for 57% of Australia’s building emissions. We spend 90% of our time indoors with two thirds of this being at home.
"COVID lockdowns have forced many Australians to confront the reality that in many cases their home is uncomfortable, and costly to run.
"Green Star certified homes will reduce a household’s energy costs by over 75%, through things like solar panels, better insulation, smarter air conditioning, LED lights and electric appliances."
To be certified under the Standard, homes will have to meet the following criteria:
- Healthy: ventilated, insulated, with minimal toxins in carpets or paint.
- Resilient: water efficient and climate change ready.
- Climate positive: fully electric, draught sealed, energy efficient, and powered by renewables.
Research by the CSIRO into Low Carbon Living, shows that two thirds of home buyers, when given a choice, prefer energy efficient homes.
"The recent IPCC Report is a code red. We need highly efficient buildings powered by renewables to drive critical emissions reductions," Ms Rooney said.
According to the report, 11 industry stakeholders have already agreed to adopt the standard, including Metricon and Stockland.
Because it allows for flexible climactic variations, the rating can be applied by builders to new homes throughout Australia, from Darwin to Hobart.
The GBCA is working with government to bring the Green Star Homes Standard into the regulatory framework.
This news comes after a steady rise in the popularity of 'green home loans' in Australia.
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