Introduction

Building design is a niche skill set that combines knowledge of building physics, thermal dynamics, materials and technology to optimise building performance. This knowledge comes from academic training, continued professional development, extensive experience and observation. The effectiveness of assessors is greatly increased if they are engaged at the start, and throughout, the building design process.
When engaged at the start of the building design process, assessors are able to make critical decisions regarding orientation, ventilation, shading, building materials and technology solutions to maximise performance and reduce costs. In assisting builders and designers to make these decisions, assessors act as technology transferrers to increase the application of best practice across multiple building designs. This also works to more quickly reduce the cost of new innovation.

Aim

To increase the number of houses built or renovated using a sustainability assessor at the start, and throughout, the design process.

Principles

• Better design significantly reduces compliance costs
• Quality outcomes can only be assured if accreditation of assessors is mandatory across Australia
• Designing sustainable housing requires unique knowledge, not adequately taught as part of the construction training process
• Building design should embrace best practice

Policy Solutions

• To ensure consumers and builders are receiving appropriate best practice design and innovation national, mandatory accreditation of assessors is necessary.
• Mandating the use of simulation software by removing the elemental (DTS) compliance method
• Introduction of best practice indicators for the residential sector comparable with Green Star to inspire the builders and designers
• Greater use of alternative solution options available through the Building Code of Australia

Action

• Increased support for builders to learn and integrate building simulation into their house design process
• Mandatory accreditation of NatHERS assessors by a national assessor accrediting organisation
• Review of the alternative solution mechanism in the Building Code of Australia to ensure its ease of use, wide-reaching awareness, and the timely approval of alternative solutions

Key Messages

• "We recommend getting your plans assessed by an ABSA accredited assessor early in the design phase to avoid costly changes lately"
• "Improving the star rating of a new home will make it more affordable in the long term"
• "It’s much cheaper and easier to make changes in the design phase than to retrofit and alter a home later"
• "That’s why you need the work done by an ABSA accredited assessor- someone you can trust"

Related articles

• For unformation on how to interpret the policy objectives and definition of terms, see How are the policy objectives structured?
• Read the McMansions case study to learn how the policy objectives are used to define position positions

Related policy statements and submissions

• None at this stage

Related medial releases

• ABSA welcomes WA move to 6-stars
• NSW Government can make a real difference with energy efficiency
• Cutting power bills for new homes: it’s easy if you’ve got the energy