Background

Strong and responsive governance is the hallmark of successful policy development and implementation. It aligns stakeholders, processes and controls to ensure the effective delivery of outcomes. Good governance clearly outlines the role, responsibilities and purpose for all stakeholders.

Aim

Clear accountability for the successful implementation of Australia’s building sustainability policy objectives

Principles

·         Clear articulation and delineation of roles and responsibilities between

o    Policy development and implementation

o    NatHERS software protocol development, software providers and the Chenath engine development

o    National accrediting bodies

o    Steering, Technical advisory committees

·         A single point of national accountability (ie Minister) for building sustainability

·         National harmonisation of building sustainability policy

·         A clear vision, targets and objectives for building sustainability and integration with national urban and cities policy

The policy framework

·         Clearly articulated and promoted objectives for building sustainability policy including targets for zero emissions from new and existing homes:

o    All new homes are zero emission by 2020

o    All existing homes are zero emission by 2030

·         Development of best practice indicators and incentives to assist the building sustainability industry to achieve zero emission targets

·         Established plan for technical review, validation and update of

o    the chenath engine and its assumptions

o    star bands

o    All NatHERS protocols

·         Approval from an appropriate body that all software meet the standards described in the ABCB Protocol for House Energy Software

·         Separation of the AccuRate software interface and its development from continued investment and upgrade of the Chenath engine, climate and building product libraries

Action

·         Greater separation of the AccuRate software interface and its development from continued investment and upgrade of the Chenath engine, climate and building product libraries

·         Develop repeatable methodology to conduct regular technical reviews