Starting October 2023, a wave of positive change is sweeping across the world of home construction and renovations. Homes with a 7-star energy rating will become the new standard, a significant leap from the previous 6-star benchmark. This change isn’t just good; it’s a win-win for both us and our precious environment.
The motivation behind this shift is crystal clear: to take a giant stride towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from new residential buildings by an impressive 7-11%. This bold move aligns with Australia’s ambitious target of achieving zero-carbon-ready buildings by 2050.
Picture this: by elevating the minimum Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) from 6 to 7 stars, we are on track to curtail emissions by a staggering 78 million tonnes by 2050. What’s more, it will substantially slash grid upgrade costs, saving up to 12.6 Billion by the same year.
At present, Australian homes are responsible for 12% of the nation’s emissions and devour a whopping 24% of generated electricity. Here’s the kicker: a 7-star rated home consumes 25% less energy compared to its 6-Star counterpart, as confirmed by NatHERS.
We at Eco Smart Designs, wholeheartedly applaud this transformative decision!
While the energy rating encompasses various aspects of your home, one standout factor emphasized by NatHERS is the utilization of high-performance windows. Guess what? We’ve got the perfect solution.
Our thermally broken Aluminium double-glazed windows and doors are your golden ticket to achieving the coveted 7-star energy rating with ease – it’s the new minimum standard, after all. But here’s the exciting part: we believe you can soar even higher, reaching an impressive 10-star rating.
Why should you aim for the stars? Well, the advantages are truly compelling.
A higher energy rating equates to an energy-efficient home, translating to Reduced Energy Consumption. This translates into lower utility bills, with an upgrade from 6 to 7 stars potentially saving you up to 25%. Just imagine the remarkable savings awaiting you with a 7+ star-rated home.
Energy-efficient buildings leave a smaller carbon footprint by emitting fewer greenhouse gases, which in turn leads to a Lower Environmental Impact, making a significant contribution to combating climate change.
These high-energy-rated buildings offer improved insulation, reduced drafts, and stable indoor temperatures throughout the year. The superior insulation and enhanced air quality in energy-efficient homes can even positively impact your health by minimising exposure to temperature extremes and indoor pollutants.
Sure, there may be an initial cost associated with installing our thermally broken Aluminium windows and doors, but the long-term energy bill savings and substantial return on investment make it a wise choice over the building’s lifespan.
So, how do you measure this return on investment? Research conducted by one of the largest online property groups suggests that energy-efficient homes are in high demand, translating to an impressive 30% return on your investment. A higher energy rating can also enhance your property’s market value, making it more appealing to potential buyers or tenants.
The best part? You’ll start experiencing these savings almost instantly. Even if you add the extra cost to your mortgage, current interest rates will still have you ahead within just 30 days. Plus, you’ll be living in a more comfortable home while actively contributing to emissions reduction, precisely when Australian homes play a pivotal role in national emissions and electricity consumption.
And here’s the clincher: Your property becomes future-proofed. As energy efficiency takes centre stage in the construction industry, a 7+ star energy-rated building will remain highly competitive and desirable in the real estate market. In fact, research indicates that people are willing to pay up to an extra $125,000 for a new home with energy-efficient features.
In summary, a 7+ star energy rating symbolizes a top-tier level of energy efficiency, ushering in a plethora of benefits, including reduced energy costs, eco-friendliness, enhanced comfort, and substantial long-term savings.
When you choose Eco Smart’s thermally broken Aluminium double glazing, you not only secure a 7+ star rating effortlessly but also invest in windows and doors that will stand the test of time, lasting for 50 years or more, and always maintaining a contemporary edge.
