Guideline for QDC 4 - statedevelopment.qld.gov.austatedevelopment.qld.gov.au/resources/guideline/qdc-4-1...Provision for changes to building assessment provisions ... (for Class 1

Guideline

Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 4.1–Sustainable buildings

September 2009

Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 4.1 Sustainable buildings guideline—version 2, September 2009

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Contents

Purpose ............................................................................................................... 4 Scope .................................................................................................................. 4 Legislation ........................................................................................................... 4 Interpretation ....................................................................................................... 4 Acts Interpretation Act 1954 ...........................................................................................................4 Local planning schemes ................................................................................................................4 Building certifier discretions ..........................................................................................................5

Provision for changes to building assessment provisions.........................................................5 Alterations—discretions relating to the existing structure.........................................................5 Alternative solutions................................................................................................................5

5-star housing ...................................................................................................... 6 Previous requirement ................................................................................................................... 6 Design features of a 5-star house .................................................................................................. 6 Application .................................................................................................................................. 6 Compliance...................................................................................................................................7

Compliance methods...............................................................................................................7 Accredited assessors.............................................................................................................. 8 Outdoor living area................................................................................................................. 8 Alterations to an existing building..........................................................................................10 Relocation of an existing house ............................................................................................. 11 Pre-fabricated houses............................................................................................................ 11

Energy efficient lighting .......................................................................................12 Previous requirement .................................................................................................................. 13 Application ................................................................................................................................. 13 Compliance................................................................................................................................. 13 Design principles......................................................................................................................... 13

Using daylight ...................................................................................................................... 13 Lighting levels (lux) ............................................................................................................... 14 Appropriate lamp selection.................................................................................................... 14

Light output (lumens) .................................................................................................................. 14 Colour appearance ...................................................................................................................... 15 Dimmable function ...................................................................................................................... 15 Installation: Fire risk and thermal effects ...................................................................................... 15 Mercury content .......................................................................................................................... 16

Fixed internal lighting (fixtures).............................................................................................. 17 Efficacy (output) .................................................................................................................... 17 Heat lamps ...................................................................................................................... 17 Task lighting ......................................................................................................................18 BCA Section J methodology....................................................................................................19

Water conservation............................................................................................. 23 Previous requirements.................................................................................................................23 Application .................................................................................................................................23 Compliance.................................................................................................................................23 Existing dwellings........................................................................................................................23 Energy-efficient air-conditioners ......................................................................... 24 Background.................................................................................................................................24 Application .................................................................................................................................25

Transitional arrangements .....................................................................................................25 Energy Efficient Ratio (EER) ....................................................................................................25

Compliance................................................................................................................................ 26 New houses, townhouses and units.......................................................................................27 Existing houses, townhouses and units ................................................................................. 17 Temporary, relocatable and mining buildings........................................................................ 28 Enforcement penalties.......................................................................................................... 28

Further suggestions for efficient cooling and heating ................................................................... 28 Thernal performance of a building envelope ......................................................................... 29 Capacity and type of air-conditioning solution .......................................................................31 Installation of an air-conditioning system ..............................................................................33 Efficient operation of the air-conditioning system ..................................................................35


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Maintenance of the air-conditioning system...........................................................................35 Further information............................................................................................. 36 Appendix A—definitions ..................................................................................... 38 Appendix B—BCA climate zones map.................................................................. 39 Appendix C—software climate files map.............................................................. 40 Appendix D—examples of worked analyses..........................................................41


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Purpose To assist building industry professionals and homeowners comply with the Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 4.1–Sustainable buildings (QDC) which commenced on 1 March 2009.

Scope This guideline covers the requirements for:

• 5-star energy equivalence for new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings)

• optional credits for covered outdoor living areas, such as decks and verandas, for new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings)

• energy efficient lighting for new houses, townhouses, and new units (Class 2 buildings)

• water conservation (for Class 1 and 2 buildings)

• energy-efficient air-conditioners (for Class 1 and 2 buildings).

This guideline also provides information on how these provisions apply to additions and renovations for existing homes. The information presented in this guideline is not intended to be exhaustive, and it is not intended to cover every possible building design or lighting arrangement.

Supporting fact sheets are available on the department’s website to provide general information about the Sustainable buildings requirements at: www.dip.qld.gov.au

Legislation This guideline is made under section 258 of the Building Act 1975. Section 258 provides for guidelines to be made to help achieve compliance with the Building Act 1975. It is recommended that the information given in this guideline be followed, however strict compliance with this guideline is not mandatory under the Building Act 1975.

The following legislation is referred to in this guideline:

Acts Interpretation Act 1954

Building Act 1975

Integrated Planning Act 1997

Building Regulation 2006

Building Code of Australia

AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations (‘Wiring Rules’—as a secondary reference to the Building Code of Australia).

Interpretation

Acts Interpretation Act 1954 Section 14A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1954 provides that, in interpreting a provision of an Act (including statutory instruments, such as the QDC, made under an Act) the interpretation that will best achieve the purpose of the Act is to be preferred to any other interpretation.

Local planning schemes


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The QDC and Building Code of Australia (BCA) apply to all local government areas throughout Queensland. Some local governments have included sustainability requirements that relate to building matters in their planning schemes. Under sections 30, 31 and 32 of the Building Act 1975, the QDC and the BCA are codes for the purposes of the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) and they cannot be changed under a planning scheme, local planning instrument or local law.

In accordance with the Integrated Planning Act 1997 section 3.1.3(5), the QDC and BCA override any similar provisions of a local government’s planning instrument. The QDC regulates sustainable building designs and features, and local governments should not include additional or more stringent measures in a planning instrument. Where a planning scheme, local planning instrument or local law is inconsistent with a regulation, such as the Building Regulation 2006, the planning scheme, local planning instrument or local law is of no effect.

As part of the state interest check process, the Department of Infrastructure and Planning, reviews new and amended planning instruments for the purposes of identifying inconsistencies between planning instruments and building assessment provisions.

Building certifier discretions Provision for changes to building assessment provisions Section 37 of the Building Act 1975 states that a building certifier may determine when amended building legislation applies to a building development application. In certain circumstances, if a building development application is made but not approved before the commencement date of the new provisions such as a QDC, building certifiers may allow the previous provisions to be applied. For example, if the building design has been planned prior to the previous provisions and the building development application is given to the relevant certifier before the commencement but not approved until after the commencement date of the new provisions, the building certifier has discretion to apply the earlier provisions. The certifier must consider if financial hardship is a factor for applicants in re-planning the building’s design to comply with the new provisions.

Alterations—discretions relating to the existing structure For alterations, including extensions of existing structures, the building certifier, under section 81 of the Building Act 1975, may determine the extent to which the existing structure is required to comply with the building assessment provisions being applied to the alteration or extension. How the discretion is exercised will depend on the nature and size of the work, and each case must be assessed on its merits. Building certifiers should take into account the factors associated with requiring compliance when compared to the potential benefits. For example, if the building work represents more than 50 per cent of the existing building’s floor area, the building certifier can impose conditions in the approval that require the existing part of the building to comply with all or a stated part of the current building assessment provisions. In circumstances where applying the new building requirements is considered, by the certifier, not to provide a level of benefit commensurate with, or exceeding the additional costs, or the upgrade work would otherwise be overly onerous or technically impractical, the building certifier may reasonably decide not to impose conditions for upgrading the existing part of the building.

Alternative solutions Under section 14(4)(b) of the Building Act 1975 alternative solutions to the prescribed acceptable solutions contained in the QDC can be used if the alternative solution is determined to comply or at least be equivalent to the relevant performance criteria. Building certifiers are responsible for assessing whether an alternate solution complies with the QDC performance criteria and they may rely on a competent person to assist with the assessment.


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5-star housing

Previous requirement Since September 2003, the BCA has required new houses and townhouses in Queensland to achieve a minimum energy equivalence of 3.5-stars in climate zones 1, 2 and 3, and 4-stars in climate zone 5 (refer to Appendix B for locations). Prior to adopting the 5-star standard, Queensland varied the application of the current BCA by referring to the BCA 2005 provisions. The Queensland variation has been deleted in BCA 2009.

Previously, there has been no recognition of the energy efficiency benefits for covered outdoor living areas such as decks and verandahs.

Design features of a 5-star house As the 5-star housing requirement is performance-based, a range of styles and energy efficiency features can be used in the design of new houses.

Queensland’s range of climate zones requires different design principles and considerations for different areas. For example, houses in Cairns need to be designed for hot, humid conditions while houses in Toowoomba need to account for cooler temperature conditions.

The objective of the energy efficiency requirements is to use a range of passive design features to create a more comfortable home, thereby reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Key design features include:

• northern orientation of living rooms • minimising east and west facing walls and windows • natural ventilation through windows and doorways • wider eaves and awnings for shading • increased insulation in the roof space and walls • treated glazing, particularly for windows facing west and north-west • light coloured roof and walls • ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms • well-designed and located outdoor living areas. Proper integration of passive design features will influence a house’s comfort level. No single feature alone can maximise a home’s thermal performance, and in some cases different building features can significantly affect the performance of others. For example, where multiple halogen downlights are used, ceiling insulation may not provide optimal performance in the roof space due to the buffer distances required between each recessed lamp and the insulation (refer to Figure 3 in energy efficient lighting section).

Additionally, lifestyle features that encourage residents to enjoy the benign aspects of their tropical and sub-tropical climate should be considered. For example, in new houses and townhouses in sub-tropical and tropical areas that include a covered outdoor living area connected to the dwelling’s living area, such as a deck or veranda, occupants can be expected to use less artificial cooling. This is due to the fact these outdoor areas will not retain heat in summer and they are accessible to breezes. Also, occupants who spend more time outdoors and not in air-conditioned spaces can be expected to become more acclimatised to higher ambient temperatures.

Application The 5-star energy equivalence rating applies to all building work for new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings) and any associated enclosed attached garage or carport (Class 10a building) that requires a building development application from 1 March 2009. It also applies to alterations or additions to existing houses and townhouses, such as extensions, renovations or relocations. It is not practical to apply the 5-star requirement to minor alterations, maintenance and repairs to


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existing buildings that do not require a building development application. However, where roofing or walls are repaired or replaced, owners may wish to consider installing insulation. New manufactured or relocated homes built off-site and moved to a permanent location need to comply with the 5-star requirement.

Under section 110 of the Building Act 1975, if the building work involves a change of classification, for example, if it proposed to change the classifications of an existing Class 10a building (carport) to a Class 1a (house), then the 5-star requirement applies (as far as practicable).

The 5-star requirement is effective 1 March 2009, with the provisions initially implemented through the QDC. From 1 May 2009 the requirement is transitioned to the BCA which aligns with the annual update of the BCA.

The covered outdoor living area provisions commence on 1 March 2009 through the QDC. The credit has not been incorporated into the BCA 2009 and will remain in the QDC. For houses with an outdoor living area which meet the QDC provisions, compliance with the BCA 2009 may be combined with the QDC credits to achieve 5-star compliance.

Compliance Compliance methods There are four assessment methods available to applicants under the BCA to achieve compliance with the 5-star requirement, these being:

1. Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS)—as per the BCA (Volume Two, Part 3.12—Energy Efficiency), and any Queensland variations do not apply (if using the BCA 2008 edition). The DTS provisions are based on four different climate zones in Queensland under the BCA (which has designated eight climate zones across Australia): • climate zone 1—tropical (the coastal zone north of Mackay) • climate zone 2—sub-tropical (the coastal zone south of Mackay) • climate zone 3—hot arid (western Queensland) • climate zone 5—warm temperate (Darling Downs region) The DTS thermal performance requirements vary according to different climate zones. Refer to Appendix B for location of Queensland’s climate zones (based on local government areas).

2. Software (verification)—using approved 2nd generation software (i.e. BERS Pro, AccuRate or

FirstRate5) undertaken by a house energy assessor. For 2nd generation software, house designs are assessed for their thermal performance relative to the nearest regional centre location using a ‘climate file’ (which is averaged climatic data from at least 30 years of recorded data from the Bureau of Meteorology). There are currently 12 climate files located in Queensland (compared to the four climate zones defined by the BCA). Three additional locations proposed to be incorporated in the future. Refer to Appendix C for locations of Queensland’s climate files.

3. Verification—using a reference building in accordance with V2.6.2.2 and the definition of V2.6

of the BCA. 4. Peer review—having an expert review and advise on compliance if an innovative building

design is proposed. A guideline has been published under the Building Act 1975 (see www.dip.qld.gov.au). An expert judgement process has been established to facilitate peer review as an alternative assessment option for innovative building designs that may not readily comply with other assessment methods.

For software users, building certifiers should ensure that plans submitted for approval have been stamped and signed by the energy assessor and are the same as those referenced in the assessor’s Certificate and Specification. Confirmation of the building design must be documented and plans should be the copy stamped with the building approval. This avoids the builder or owner substituting later versions of the plans that may have changes which may affect the energy efficiency performance of the dwelling when compared to the plans originally assessed.


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Accredited assessors In assessing the energy equivalence of house plans, the building certifier must decide whether a person is competent to assist with design and specifications under section 17 and 18 of the Building Regulation 2006. A person who is registered as an accredited assessor with an assessor accrediting organisation can be considered as a competent person to use house energy rating software to meet the energy efficient requirements of the BCA.

The NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations has been established to approve the operation of accrediting organisations, who in turn administer the registration of accredited assessors. Currently, the Association for Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) is the only available accrediting organisation for accredited assessors.

Outdoor living area The QDC contains provisions that are designed to promote our sub-tropical and tropical lifestyle. An optional ½ or 1 star credit is available for new houses and townhouses that include a covered outdoor living area such as a deck, veranda or pergola.

The outdoor living area must have the following features:

• be directly accessible from, and attached to, an internal living area, such as a lounge, kitchen, dining or family room

• have a minimum floor area of 12m2 and a minimum dimension in all direction of 2.5 m • be fully covered by a impervious roof • have two or more sides open or capable of being readily opened, not including the connection

between the outdoor living area and the internal living area (i.e. lounge, kitchen, dining or family room), to allow cross-flow ventilation and breezes.

Generally, the open side should be as open as possible to allow breezes and air movement. However, where more than two sides are open or where the outdoor living area is raised above the ground level or on a second or higher level, standard balustrades or walls no higher than 1 metre with the remainder of the side able to be open to the external elements (e.g. breezes) are acceptable. However, a side with floor to ceiling glazing is considered as closed. It is permissible to have roller-blinds and awnings attached to an open side.

In addition, to achieve a ½ star credit the outdoor area must: • be fully covered by an impervious insulated roof that achieves a minimum total R-value of 1.5

for downward heat flow. To achieve a 1 star credit the outdoor area must: • be fully covered by an impervious insulated roof that achieves a minimum total R-value of 1.5

for downward heat flow • have a permanently fixed ceiling fan with a speed controller and a blade rotation diameter of

not less than 900 mm. If using the software assessment method, the QDC credit for an outdoor living area can be used as an acceptable solution in conjunction with the BCA to achieve the 5-star energy equivalence rating for the house.

If an outdoor living area is used in the house’s design, designers should be mindful of the orientation of the building. While the northern aspect is the preferred orientation for an outdoor living area as it provides best access to sunlight, the benefits of solar access during winter to internal living rooms should also be considered as part of the building’s overall design. If an outdoor living area is located over the entire northern aspect of the house, it will result in a loss of access to winter sun and natural light in the adjacent internal rooms.

A house with an outdoor living area is shown in Figure 1 (floor plan) and Figure 2 (3-D model).


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Figure 1: Floor plan of house with outdoor living area

Figure 2: 3-D modelled house with outdoor living area

A house with an outdoor living area, with at least two openable sides, can promote Queensland’s tropical and sub-tropical lifestyle, as well as be more energy efficient.


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If a house is to have air-conditioning in the internal living area connected to an outdoor living area, owners should consider installing an automotive switching device to the doors leading to the outdoor living area. The switch could ensure the air-conditioning unit switches if the doors to the outdoor living area remain open for an extended period, thereby reducing household energy consumption.

Alterations to an existing building

Under section 81 of the Building Act 1975, the building certifier has the discretion to determine how the 5-star housing requirement applies to the existing area of the house (see page 4).

To determine the house’s energy equivalence rating, a software assessment of the building design (using 2nd generation software) is recommended, as using the DTS method would be difficult. Where a software assessment is undertaken, the certifier should consider any of the available practical steps that the energy efficiency assessor has identified that will assist the house to achieve a star rating as close to 5-star as possible.

Where practical, the following features should be considered and applied to the existing area of the house, insulation of new walls, roof lining and ceiling, shading of walls and windows with roof eaves and awnings (it would not be expected that existing roof eaves would need to be altered), window size and location to promote ventilation, treated glazing and a ceiling fan if it is a living area or bedroom. In the instance where a house is elevated for the purpose of building work, if the elevation creates separate rooms, including enclosed spaces, the new building work below the building would be expected to comply with the 5-star requirement as much as practicable. Existing houses raised above ground level that have no enclosed spaces on the lower level and where no other building work is undertaken would not be expected to comply (case study 2, p 10).

Case study 1—outdoor living area A family is designing a new house (Class 1 building) and their plans include a covered outdoor living area with a ceiling fan, which will only be accessible from an internal laundry. Their house design (excluding the outdoor living area) has been rated at 4 stars using the software method and the building certifier needs to consider whether the design can achieve compliance with the 5-star requirement by the inclusion of an outdoor living area using the provisions of the QDC.

This design will not achieve a 5-star rating as the outdoor living area is only accessible from the internal laundry. It needs to be directly accessible from, and attached to, a living area, such as a lounge, kitchen, dining or family room. This is because outdoor living areas need to be easy to use and therefore need to be connected to internal living areas so occupants are more likely to enjoy their amenity for socialising, dining etc. If applicants wish to gain the optional 1 star credit for the outdoor living area they would need to amend their design to connect the outdoor living area with an internal living area, or alternatively, ensure the house, excluding consideration of the outdoor living area, meets the 5-star standard.


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Relocation of an existing house Under section 36 of the Building Act 1975, building assessment provisions generally apply at the time the building development application is approved. The relocation of an existing house onto a new site or onto a different part of a lot would be the subject of a building development application and may be required to comply with some or all of the current building assessment provisions. The extent to which the new building assessment provisions would apply to the relocated home would be dependent on the extent of work needed to practically upgrade the building and would be determined by the building certifier.

For example, if either the internal lining or external wall cladding was not removed or replaced, the building certifier may decide not to require insulation in the walls of the relocated home. However, even if the building work did not involve removal of the roof structure or roof covering it would be reasonable to require ceiling insulation to be installed. Compliance can also be enhanced through good building orientation in positioning the home on the new property (where possible), installation of ceiling fans in the living rooms and bedrooms and adding shading over windows e.g. awnings.

If the relocated home is to be elevated, and enclosed spaces are created below the building, it would be reasonable to expect that this new habitable area would need to comply with the 5-star requirement as much as practicable.

To determine the house’s energy equivalence rating, a software assessment of the building design (using 2nd generation software) is recommended, as using the DTS method may not be practical. Where an assessment is undertaken, the certifier should also ensure that the energy efficiency assessor identifies any of the available practical steps that will assist the house in achieving a star rating as close to the 5-star as possible.

Pre-fabricated houses New pre-fabricated houses need to comply with the current building assessment provisions (QDC and the BCA). This needs to be achieved through both their design and on-site construction.

Case study 2—alterations to an existing building Homeowners of an existing house have lodged a building development application to re-configure the living area, kitchen and bathroom and add an extra room. This work covers more than 50 per cent of the existing dwelling’s floor area (and therefore the total volume). Does this new work, as well as the remaining area of the house, have to meet the 5-star requirement? Do light fittings in the existing part of the house have to comply with the new energy efficient lighting requirement?

The areas of the home which are being renovated and involve new building work that is the subject of the building development application, must comply with the 5-star requirements. The building certifier may also require the existing parts of the home to comply with some or all of the new requirements as well, as the alteration is greater than 50 per cent of the existing building. For the existing parts of the building, the 5-star provisions should be applied as far as practically possible and certifiers should consider insulation (roof space and accessible walls), shading over windows (awnings), treated glazing and ceiling fans. It would be impractical to incorporate other 5-star design features to the existing area of the house, such as re-orientation, wall insulation (where plasterboard/lining is not being removed), treated glazing and wider eaves to the existing roof structure etc. However, where existing internal wall linings are removed, building certifiers should consider requiring insulation to be placed in external walls.

The energy efficient lighting provisions will be required for the area covered by the building development application. The building certifier should consider if the light fittings in the existing part of the home are required to comply with the new requirements considering the practicality and benefit of retrofitting existing fixtures.


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Case study 3—relocated home Owners of a home on a 1400 m2 lot wish to subdivide their land into two separate blocks and relocate their existing house onto one side of the property to allow a new house to be built on the adjacent lot. Does the existing house planned for relocation have to meet a 5-star energy equivalence rating?

Yes, where practical. When relocating an existing house, whether to another location on the same property or to another site, reasonable steps must be taken to comply with the 5-star requirement. This could include optimal orientation of the building on the new lot, adding insulation in the roof/ceiling space, installing ceiling fans to living areas and bedrooms, light coloured roof and walls, and adding shading over windows e.g. awnings.


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Energy efficient lighting

Previous requirement Since 1 March 2006, new houses, townhouses (Class 1 buildings) and units (Class 2 buildings) in Queensland were required to install energy efficient lighting to a minimum of 40 per cent of the dwelling’s floor area, including the garage, with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or fluorescent tubes.

Application The energy efficient lighting requirement, effective from 1 March 2009, applies to all new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings) and their enclosed attached garage or carport (Class 10a building) and new units (Class 2 buildings). It also applies to alterations or additions to existing dwellings, such as extensions, renovations or relocation. Minor alterations, maintenance and repairs to existing buildings that do not require a building development application do not need to meet the energy efficient lighting requirement. However, owners should always consider using energy efficient fittings so that they save on energy bills and also reduce their household environmental impact.

New pre-fabricated houses or relocated homes moved to a permanent location must comply with the energy efficient lighting requirements.

Compliance In new houses, townhouses and units, light fittings must be energy efficient to a minimum of 80 per cent of the total fixed internal lighting. Under the QDC, energy efficient lights must have a minimum efficacy of 27 lumens per Watt. Depending on their efficacy, compliant lamps may include fluorescent tubes, CFLs, neon, metal halide and LED. Energy efficient directional CFLs suitable for downlights are now available.

This requirement also applies to existing dwellings when undertaking alterations or additions, such as extensions, renovations or relocations. The building certifier has discretion to apply the energy efficient lighting provisions to only the new building work or to the entire dwelling, depending if the requirement is considered not to provide a level of benefit commensurate with additional cost or is considered as overly onerous or technically impractical.

An alternative solution can be used if there is any form of departure from the acceptable solution in the QDC. Alternative solutions must be assessed against all relevant performance criteria of the QDC. Building certifiers are responsible for assessing whether an alternate solution complies with the QDC performance requirements for energy efficient lighting and they may rely on expert judgement, such as practitioners who are a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland (RPEQ), Member Illumination Engineering Society (MIES) or other equivalent qualification.

Design principles Using daylight The first design principal for achieving energy efficient lighting in dwellings is optimising the use of natural light. Using natural light minimises the need to use artificial lighting during the day time. Daylight can be captured by: • better consideration of window locations • better consideration of window size and style • use of skylights to provide light in corridors and dark areas, such as store rooms • using lighter colours for internal surfaces to reflect daylight (thereby reducing the need to use

artificial lighting).


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In designing dwellings to capture daylight, attention also needs to be given to potential glare, radiant heat gain from reflective outdoor surfaces, and thermal heating and cooling through windows. The sun’s path (its movement during the day and throughout the year) relative to the dwelling’s location and design needs to account for seasonal differences, as building orientation, shading, window size and location and room configuration are important aspects in optimising daylight and minimising over-exposed areas. For example, a passively designed dwelling (based on sun path) can gain good solar access and daylight to living areas (while maximising solar heat gain in cooler months and minimising it in hotter months).

Lighting levels (lux) Lighting level is the amount of light reaching a surface, and is known as ‘illuminance’ and is measured in ‘lux’. Generally, the lighting level relates to surfaces/positions where tasks are performed e.g. kitchen bench or table, desk or reading position. The more difficult the task being performed, the higher the recommended lighting level.

Before selecting which lamps to use, the appropriate or desired average lighting level or ‘lux’ for a room needs to be determined. This depends on the type of room and tasks to be conducted in that area. For residential dwellings there are no mandatory light levels in Australian Standards, however suitable light levels for typical situations can be sourced from other Australian Standards, for example AS/NZS1680.1 and AS4299. Some typical recommended average lighting levels are shown in Table 1 (some specific areas, such as kitchen and laundry benches, may need levels up to 240 lux):

Table 1

A For a more precise definition of recommended average lighting levels refer to AS/NZS1680.1–2006 for definition of Recommended Average Maintained Illuminance.

Appropriate lamp selection There are several factors to consider when selecting lamps to ensure compliance with the QDC and deliver appropriate lighting performance throughout the dwelling. Consideration should be given to the following criteria:

• light output (lumens) • colour appearance • dimmable features • installation. Light output (lumens) As a simple guide for typical ceiling heights, only approximately half of the light from a ceiling lamp reaches the task areas. The amount of light required from all the lamps installed in a room can be determined by the following formula:

Room type Recommended average lighting level A (lux)

Kitchen (and other work bench areas) 160 Living/dining 80 Bathroom 80 Bedroom 80 Entry/corridor/stairs 40 Other (daytime use) 40 Other (nighttime use) 80

Total light output required from lamp:

=

twice the recommended average lighting level

x

room area (m2)


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Example:

For a living room 4 metres x 4 metres = 16m2, the recommended average lighting level is 80 lux (from Table 1 above), so the lumens can be calculated as:

The light output (lumens) of lamps is usually marked on its packaging. If this product information not available, it can usually be obtained from the manufacturer’s data sheet, either in-store from the lighting supplier or from the manufacturer’s website.

Colour appearance The colour appearance can be different for different types of lamps. Generally incandescent lamps and halogen downlights have a warm yellowish/white appearance. Fluorescent lamps in all forms (CFLs, circular and linear tube fluorescents) are available in a variety of colour appearances ranging from ‘warm white’, ‘white’ to ‘cool white’ (also known as ‘daylight’ or ‘cool daylight’). This can also be indicated on the lamp’s packaging as ‘colour temperature’. The colour appearance and temperature of different lamp types is shown in Table 2:

Table 2

Colour

appearance Mid-colour

temperature Lamp type available

warm white 3000 incandescent, halogen, fluorescent, light emitting diodes (LED)

white 4200 fluorescent, LED cool white (daylight)

5500 fluorescent, LED

In most residential situations warm white lamps are preferred as they provide a soft warmer light comparable to traditional incandescent light bulbs, and can be used in living and bedroom areas. A white or cool white lamp provides neutral light comparable to office lighting, and can be used in service areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and garages. Ultimately, the lamp’s colour appearance is a matter of preference.

Dimmable function All halogen downlights and incandescent lamps are fully dimmable with their light output adjustable from 0 per cent to 100 per cent.

Currently, most CFLs are non-dimmable lamps. However, there are some CFL downlight lamps that are dimmable from 10 or 20 per cent to 100 per cent, and they work effectively on standard household dimmers. Details on the appropriate types of dimmers should be checked before using these products, which is normally indicated on the product’s packaging.

With special electronic ballasts, most other fluorescent lamps are dimmable. However, these products are expensive and not commonly used.

Most light emitting diodes (LED) lamps can be dimmed with appropriate control equipment, and these systems are becoming more affordable. Fact sheets on LEDs and associated products and their performance are available at www.lightingcouncil.com.au

Installation: Fire risk and thermal effects Some light installation may present a potential fire risk if not properly installed. This applies particularly to incandescent and halogen downlights with recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling. These can attain a very high temperature which presents the potential risk of fire or deterioration of nearby materials, especially ceiling insulation. Refer to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000:2007 (‘commonly referred to as the ‘Wiring Rules’), section 4.5.2, for further information.

80 x 2 x 16 Total light output required from lamp: = 2560 lumens


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Additionally, overheating of a CFL can cause the electronics in the base of the lamp to fail. When this occurs the lamp fails to operate and will need to be replaced. Manufacturers of CFLs often indicate on the packaging if these lamps are ‘not suitable for enclosed downlights or fixtures’. Light fixture selection needs to take into consideration its suitability for the expected lamp type.

Recommended minimum clearance distances between the recessed lamp, its transformer and ceiling insulation is shown in Figure 5 (refer to the Australian Standard 3000:2007 Electrical installations for full details).

Mercury content There is no mercury in incandescent, halogen or LED lamps. All fluorescent lamps contain very small quantities of mercury sealed within the lamp. When the lamp is in use, no mercury is released and it is safe to use in the home. For further information on mercury in lamps and other health matters, including breakages and safe disposal, refer to www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au or www.lightingcouncil.com.au

Figure 3: Default minimum clearances for recessed lighting

Source: AS/NZS 3000:2007 Electrical installations


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Fixed internal lighting (fixtures) For the purposes of the QDC, fixed internal lighting is a light fixture which is hard-wired to a household electrical circuit and fixed to the structure of the house e.g. ceiling or wall. Fittings with more than one lamp but having only one connection to an electrical circuit are counted as one light fitting. Examples are multi-lamp bars, track lighting fixtures, chandeliers and oyster fixtures, as shown below:

Efficacy (output) Efficacy is the term used to describe a lamp’s efficiency at converting electrical power into light. This is calculated by dividing the luminous flux (the light’s output, indicated by ‘lm’) by the lamp’s wattage (the light’s power, indicated by ‘W’). For example, a lamp with 680 lm and 15 W has an efficacy of 45 lumens per Watt.

lamp efficacy

=

lumens

÷

watts

Some manufacturers provide the lamps efficacy on the packaging (as shown in blue below). Most manufacturer’s now supply sufficient information in the form of light output and wattage on the packaging to readily determine the efficacy of the lamp (as shown in red below). If this product information not available, it can be obtained from the manufacturer’s data sheet, either in-store from the lighting supplier or on the manufacturer’s website.

Heat lamps Heat lamps, commonly used in bathrooms, are used to warm the room. They are therefore not considered to be a lamp for lighting purposes (i.e. excluded from the QDC for assessment of energy efficient lighting) as long as there is an alternative lamp for lighting purposes on a separate switch. If a lamp inside the heat lamp fixture is wired to a separate switch and is used in isolation to light the bathroom, then that lamp must be counted as part of the energy efficient lighting requirements as it is used for lighting purposes.

multi-lamp bar track lighting fixture chandelier oyster fixture trapeze (or wire) system

efficacy light output


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Task lighting Directional lighting is a possible option to illuminate fixed task areas, such as a kitchen bench. Where a manual dimmer is installed, task lighting can be adjusted so that it is not operating at 100 per cent when the lamps are in use (as shown in Figure 4). The manual dimmer can lower the light level and energy used with the directional lighting. Directional lighting is generally best achieved with reflector lamps (i.e. a reflector is inside the lamp, such as an MR16 lamp). Halogen lamps are predominantly used to produce the desired task level lighting to illuminate narrow bench spaces. The use of a manual dimmer in conjunction with the most energy efficient halogen reflector lamps for directional lighting can achieve a degree of energy efficient lighting when the dimmer reduces the lighting level over a fixed task area when the area is not being used for task orientated purposes but the light contributes to the ambient lighting in the room. For the purpose of the QDC, manual dimmers on a separate electrical circuit exclusively for lights over a fixed nominated task area, such as kitchen bench, will attract an adjustment factor of 0.85 for the efficacy of the lamps on that circuit. All other criteria associated with the QDC remain the same. The adjusted efficacy of lamps used for fixed task lighting is calculated by:

Adjusted lamp efficacy

=

specified lamp

efficacy

÷

adjustment

factor Figure 4: Task lighting on dimmable control

directional lighting

manual dimmer

fixed task area

Case study 1 —bathroom heat lamps (3-in-1s) A building designer has been asked by their client to include a 3-in-1 heat lamp (heater, light and exhaust) in the bathroom of their new house which has an incandescent lamp and two heat lamps. The incandescent lamp is on a separate switch to the heat lamps. Is the fixture subject to assessment under the QDC?

Yes, the incandescent lamp is required to be assessed as part of the energy efficient lighting requirements. As it is an incandescent lamp, it would not qualify as an energy efficient lamp. If the incandescent lamp was replaced with a CFL lamp, it would count as an energy efficient lamp as it is on a separate switch for lighting purposes.


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BCA Section J methodology Energy efficient lighting may comply with the QDC where designers can satisfactorily demonstrate to the building certifier that the required overall energy efficiency of the lighting installation can be achieved through lighting solutions using sophisticated lighting control. In effect, while potentially higher lighting power may be installed with the type of lamps, the use of a lighting control system can result in lower energy use. Additionally, a lighting control system may be part of a broader home automation system.

Control systems for limiting lighting energy that would otherwise exceed the QDC acceptable solutions are: • fixed dimming (limitation on maximum power output to something less than 100 per cent;

cannot be adjusted by user) • programmable dimming (pre-selected lighting scenes determined by combinations of time of

day, daylight level and occupancy) • manual dimming • dynamic dimming for lamp deterioration • whole-of-house lighting load limiting • motion sensing. To accommodate some of these lighting control systems with the QDC, an alternative solution is required. These types of lighting installations are designed by professional lighting designers and are similar to commercial office and retail lighting arrangements. Therefore, an alternate solution based on the BCA’s methodology as per 2008 edition for maximum Illumination Power Density (IPD) may be considered appropriate (refer to BCA 2008 Volume One, Section J 6.2(b)). Lighting arrangements using the BCA equivalence modelling should be designed to provide both a practical level of lighting illumination as required for the intended use, as well as being energy efficient.

Using this alternate solution methodology on a typical house with appropriately designed illumination levels, an equivalent level of Watts per square metre (W/m2) can be ascertained for specified areas as well as an overall average (W/m2) for the entire dwelling. When assessing a typical fluorescent lighting scheme without any lighting controls which complies with the QDC performance criteria (i.e. with 80 per cent fluorescent using a combination of CFL, circular or linear fluorescent) a benchmark level for W/m2 can be obtained. This is the W/m2 level obtained from Benchmark House in Appendix D. It has an average adjusted IPD of around 8.2 W/m2.

Extending the lighting scheme to include appropriate, good quality, lighting design features incorporating technologies such as directional lamps (narrow beam) for task benches, highlighting features and artwork lighting requires an adjusted IPD of around 10.0 W/m2 under the BCA methodology. Lighting installations with an IPD (before inclusion of adjustment factors as per the BCA IPD methodology) of 6.0 W/m2 for most spaces provides good quality lighting design features within the lighting scheme while adhering to the performance criteria of the QDC. The recommended maximum IPD for spaces in Class 1 and Class 2 buildings are shown in Table 3:

Case study 2—fixed task lighting Four Infra Red Coated (IRC) MR16 halogen lamps, having a specified efficacy of 23 lumens per Watt, are placed on an electrical circuit with a manual dimmer designed for exclusive lighting of a kitchen bench. The adjusted efficacy of these lamps is calculated to be:

Adjusted lamp efficacy

=

23 ÷ 0.85

=

27.1 lumens per Watt

This therefore complies with the QDC as the adjusted lamp efficacy is greater than 27 lumens per Watt.


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Table 3

Space Maximum illumination power density (W/m2)

car park, passage ways, separate toilet 3 all other spaces 6

For the purposes of the QDC, the stated values in the above table are to be used instead of Table J6.2b in Volume One of the BCA 2008 (which are for commercial buildings), but the adjustment factors for increasing the IPD as described in Table J6.3c of the BCA 2008 can apply to the QDC alternative solution1.

In addition to benchmarking the QDC performance criteria to the BCA (refer to Appendix D: Benchmark house), three lighting schemes for a typical house ranging from a basic lighting design to a ‘high-end’ dwelling designs are presented in Appendix D: Houses A to E with all the appropriate calculations and formula provided for illustration and guidance on the modelling process.

1 This allows the room size adjustment factor to be included in a combined adjustment factor where two or

more adjustment factors apply to a space as per Note 7 of Table J6.3c of Volume One of the BCA 2008. (NB. BCA 2009 does not allow the room size adjustment factor to be used with another adjustment factor, this is why the BCA 2008 has been adopted.)


21

Case study 3—using Section J methodology Owners of a 3-bedroom house wish to have a more flexible lighting arrangement than predominantly fluorescent lighting. They investigate a number of lighting schemes including combinations of fluorescent lighting (FL), halogen lighting (TH), LED lighting and lighting control systems. How can building certifiers assess these lighting arrangements under the QDC?

They can assess the lighting arrangements using the QDC performance criteria and they may consider using the BCA 2008 method of analysis for compliance with a comparable maximum IPD to a reference house, as presented with the worked examples in Appendix D. The house plans is shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5—lighting scheme house plan

HIA Standard House copyright © 2006 Housing Industry Association

An analysis of three lighting schemes was undertaken with outcomes shown in Table 4. The detailed modelling analyses is provided in Appendix D (Examples A, B and C).

In Table 4, lighting schemes in Examples B and C can be considered as compliant with the QDC, any of which the owners may choose.


22

Case study 3 (continued) Table 4

Ex

ampl

e

Li

ghti

ng

sche

me

Aver

age

IPD

(W

/m2 )

Aver

age

allo

wab

le

IPD

(W/m

2 )

% e

nerg

y ef

ficie

nt

light

ing

QD

C co

mpl

iant

A High-end lighting scheme: Infra-red coated halogens with lighting controls

10.45

9.45

2.2

NO

B Mid-range lighting scheme: mix of lamps with lighting controls

8.12

8.36

70.0

YES

C Mid-range lighting scheme: mix of lamps with lighting controls

6.92

8.36

42.86

YES

The owners have a number of options from which they can choose for a range of budgets.

Houses B and C can be considered compliant with the QDC performance criteria, with House C having high amount of lighting controls. For House C to become compliant with so few fluorescents there has been a very large number of lighting controls installed, as illustrated in Appendix D. Less expensive alternative solutions can be obtained with a more balanced blend of energy efficient lamps.


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Water conservation

Previous requirements Since 1 March 2006, new houses and townhouses (Class 1) and units (Class 2 buildings) in Queensland have been required to install minimum AAA-rated or 3-star Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards (WELS) rated toilets and AAA or 3-star WELS rated showerheads.

Application The water conservation requirements, effective from 1 March 2009, apply statewide to all new houses and townhouses (Class 1 buildings) and new units (Class 2 buildings). It also applies to alterations or additions to existing dwellings, such as extensions, renovations or relocation. Minor alterations, maintenance and repairs to existing buildings that do not require a building development application do not need to meet the water conservation requirements. However, owners should always consider using water efficient fixtures so that they save on water bills and also reduce their household environmental impact.

New pre-fabricated houses or relocated homes moved to a permanent location must comply with the water conservation requirements.

Compliance In new houses, townhouses and units, the following water conservation fixtures must be installed throughout the dwelling: • Toilets—minimum 4-star WELS rated. • Tapware—minimum 3-star WELS rated for kitchen sinks, basins and laundry troughs. • Showerheads—minimum 3-star WELS rated.

Existing dwellings For existing houses, townhouses and units where an extension or renovation requires building and plumbing approval, all toilet and showerhead fixtures within the dwelling, regardless of whether or not the fixture is part of the extension or renovation work, must be upgraded to a minimum 4-star WELS rating for toilets and a minimum 3-star WELS rating for showerheads. Tapware installed in a new area of an existing house, townhouse or unit is required to be a minimum 3-star WELS rated. There is no requirement to upgrade existing tapware in the dwelling.

Under section 81 of the Building Act 1975, a building certifier has the discretion to determine how the water conservation requirements apply to the existing parts of dwellings with proposed extensions, alterations or re-locations. For example, if the alteration represents more than 50 per cent of the existing building, the building certifier can determine whether the existing building, along with the alteration, would also need to comply with these requirements.


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Energy efficient air-conditioners

Background Increasing use of air-conditioners in homes is contributing to significant growth in average household energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and demands on community-owned electricity infrastructure, particularly in periods of ‘peak demand’.

National minimum thresholds for energy efficiency—the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)—for the majority of air-conditioners used in Australia are outlined in Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 3823.2. The AS/NZS 3823.2 also outlines requirements for energy labelling for certain types of air-conditioners. Separate ratings exist for the cooling and heating functions of an air-conditioner. The measure of energy efficiency for cooling is the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER), while for heating it is the Coefficient of Performance (COP).

From 1 September 2009, Queensland Development Code (QDC) Mandatory Part (MP) 4.1—Sustainable buildings sets an increased minimum standard for the energy efficiency of air-conditioners installed in houses, townhouses and units in Queensland. In addition, the Electricity Regulation 2006 has been amended to ban the sale of air-conditioners in Queensland that do not meet the new energy efficiency requirements.

Application From 1 September 2009, when an air-conditioner is installed (including replacement) and connected to the building’s electrical wiring using a plug or by permanent wiring in a new or existing house, townhouse or unit (i.e. Class 1 or 2 building), the air-conditioner must have a tested average Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) of 2.9 or higher for cooling.

The requirement applies to any air-conditioner that uses either single phase power (i.e. the 230 Volt system most commonly used in homes to operate appliances and small motors) or three-phase power (i.e. the 400 Volt system typically used to run larger electric motors and appliances), and is required under Commonwealth legislation to be tested for an EER in accordance with AS/NZS 3823.2. This generally includes window/wall systems, split systems and ducted systems, as shown in Figure 1 (see page 31 for further explanation of different types of systems).

split system window/wall unit ducted system

Figure 1—Examples of air-conditioners that will be affected by the new Queensland requirements


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The new requirements do not apply to portable air-conditioners/coolers, evaporative coolers (as shown in Figure 2) or multi-split air-conditioners (i.e. those that have one outdoor unit with two or more indoor units that can be individually controlled) as these are not currently required by state legislation to be tested for an EER (in the absence of a relevant Australian Standard). Evaporative coolers rely more on water than energy to operate and portable units are generally small and are not a fixed installation.

Figure 2—Examples of air-conditioners that will not be affected by the new Queensland requirements

Transitional arrangements Section 30 of the Building Act 1975 states that all building work (including installation of air-conditioners) must be carried out in accordance with the building assessment provisions, which include the QDC. However, under section 37 of the Building Act 1975, if the ‘lawful carrying out of the work’ starts before a building assessment provision (i.e. the QDC) is amended, the work is considered to be lawfully carried out if it was carried out under the building assessment provisions in force immediately before the amendment. Where building work associated with the installation has commenced (e.g. installation of electrical wiring, condensate lines, ductwork, refrigerant pipework or framing that is specific to the air-conditioner) or at least a part of the system has been delivered to the site and affixed in its permanent location, building work (e.g. the installation process) can be considered as having commenced. Further, in the instance where a ducted system is being installed in a new home and the roof space has been specifically designed to accommodate that particular air-conditioner, the commencement of construction of that section of the roof can also be considered as relevant building work.

Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) The tested average EER refers to a measure of how efficient an air-conditioning unit is for cooling based on Australian Standard test conditions. An EER indicates the ratio of cooling output in kilowatts (kW) for every kW of energy input.

The tested average EER has been referred to in the QDC as it is an industry recognised measure and is based upon actual test results or simulations. Residential air-conditioners under 65kW in capacity that are sold in or imported into Australia (other than evaporative coolers, portable systems and multi-split systems) must have a tested average EER under Commonwealth legislation. The Building Code of Australia contains energy efficiency requirements for air-conditioning systems over 65kW in capacity.

portable air-conditioner/cooler

evaporative cooler

A higher tested average EER = more cooling capacity per kW of electrical input = greater energy efficiency


26

There are a number of ways to ascertain the tested average EER of an air-conditioner, including:

• Contacting the manufacturer: The tested average EER can be found by contacting the

manufacturer of the specific unit. • From the Commonwealth Government website: The tested average EER for all air-

conditioner models currently registered for sale under the MEPS program in Australia (a requirement under the Electricity Regulation 2006) can be found within a database available at the following Commonwealth Government website www.energyrating.gov.au/appsearch/download.asp. The user must download the ‘air-conditioners’ file, perform a search of the model number (if applicable) and look at the ‘EER MEPSLev’ column (column AT) to determine the tested average EER for the air-conditioner.

• From product brochures: Product brochures or data sheets from air-conditioning

manufacturers will also generally contain EER ratings for each model. Purchasers will need to check that it is actually the tested average EER that is being referred to. In some cases, the EER shown in product information may be a ‘rated’ EER, which may not meet the QDC requirements as it is not a tested value.

Testing procedures for determining EER

Tested average EER values that have been determined under the testing procedures listed in AS/NZS 3823.2 (e.g. physical testing as per AS/NZS 3832.1.1 or AS/NZS 3823.1.2, or computer simulation as per AS/NZS 3823.3 for models that are not registered for energy labelling) comply with the requirements of the QDC if the tested average EER is at least 2.9. This includes EER values that were determined using the testing procedures outlined in the version of the AS/NZS3823.2 that was current at the time of registration of the product.

The simulation method (as per AS/NZS 3823.3) is currently listed under AS/NZS3823.2 as an alternative to physical testing for models that are not registered for energy labelling. The AS/NZS 3823.2 further states that simulation models are based on ideal conditions and may not provide a comprehensive representation of the unit’s performance in a real-life testing situation. As a result, manufacturers using tested average EER values determined using the computer simulation method should be aware that they do so at their own risk as actual tests may show a performance lower than that estimated. If a model’s check-tested results under AS/NZS 3823.2, differ from the simulation results, the physical test results will take precedence over simulated results.

Clause 3.4 of AS/NZS 3823.2 currently details two methods of determining minimum energy performance standards and high efficiency claims. The first method is using an operational test to determine cooling capacity compared to the effective power input in accordance with AS/NZ 3823.1.1-3. The second acceptable method for making high efficiency claims is using a part load testing method that is deemed to be the equivalent of testing at rated capacity for systems with variable speed or variable output compressors. Tested average EER values that have been determined using this method will be able to be used to meet the new requirements under the QDC, provided the tested average EER is at least 2.9. Hence, the minimum tested average EER of 2.9 will need to be used in place of the MEPS levels where these are referenced under A3 within clause 3.4 of AS/NZ S3823.2.

Compliance This section is intended to assist in complying with the new energy efficient air-conditioning requirement as well as providing information on how to ensure the performance of air-conditioners is maximised and suited for the building.


27

The installation of air-conditioners is prescribed under Schedule 1 of the Building Regulation 2006 as self-assessable building work if the air-conditioner is not an integral part of the building. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the QDC, when having an air-conditioner installed.

Currently local governments have the power to enforce the installation ban under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 (IPA). Section 4.3.2 of IPA stipulates that self-assessable development must comply with the applicable codes. The installation of air-conditioners is self-assessable development and any installation work must comply with the QDC. The maximum penalty is 165 penalty units (currently equivalent to $16 500).

New houses, townhouses and units

The new QDC requirement will apply to any relevant air-conditioner that is installed in a new house, townhouse or unit (Class 1 or 2 building).

If an air-conditioner has been specified by a client, the building designer should incorporate the minimum 2.9 tested average EER requirement as a note on the design plans.

If a second-hand air-conditioner is installed into a new house, townhouse or unit on or after 1 September 2009, it will need to meet the new requirements.

Existing houses, townhouses and units The new QDC requirement will apply to both new air-conditioners installed in an existing home, as well as the replacement of an air-conditioner in an existing home. Existing air-conditioners that are moved from one location to another location within the same dwelling (house, townhouse or unit), do not need to comply with the new requirements. However, if an air-conditioner is installed that is either new, or new to the dwelling (even if the air-conditioner is not new), it will need to meet the minimum 2.9 tested average EER requirement if installed on or after 1 September 2009.

Case study 2—Breakdown and replacement of an air-conditioner A homeowner has lived in her current home for a number of years. Recently the split system air-conditioner broke down and the homeowner called an air-conditioning professional to inspect and repair the system. The professional advised the homeowner it could not be repaired and would need to be replaced. Under these circumstances, the new air-conditioner would need to meet the new QDC requirements.

Case study 1—Air-conditioners as part of new home packages A couple have purchased a home and land package. The house plans include a ducted air-conditioner as part of the cost of the new home. The house plans should specify that a tested average EER of 2.9 is required. The owner should ensure that the builder installs an air-conditioner with a tested average EER of 2.9. Where the homeowner oversees the air-conditioner installation, the homeowner should ensure the electrician installs an air-conditioning system that meets the QDC requirements.


28

Temporary, relocatable and mining buildings Where an air-conditioner is installed in a new or existing portable or temporary building (e.g. mobile home, relocatable home or mining building) that is a house or townhouse (Class 1) or unit (Class 2 building), the air-conditioner will be required to comply with the QDC. If the portable/temporary building already has an air-conditioner installed and is relocated with the existing air-conditioner, there is no requirement to replace the existing air-conditioner with one that meets the minimum 2.9 tested average EER. Further, portable or temporary buildings that fall under another building classification (e.g. work areas such as Class 5 or 8, or an accommodation building in which more than 12 people normally reside, such as Class 3) would not be required to comply with the new QDC requirements as they are outside the current application of the code.

Enforcement and penalties As the installation of air-conditioners is in most cases self-assessable building work under the Building Regulation 2006, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure compliance with the QDC. Under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, local governments have the power to enforce the provisions of the QDC. Under the Integrated Planning Act 1997, a penalty of up to 165 penalty units (currently equivalent to $16,500) is applicable for breaches of self assessable development conditions.

Further suggestions for efficient cooling and heating The following information does not relate to mandatory requirements for air-conditioners under the QDC, but it may be useful in helping to achieve greater efficiency when cooling and heating a home. Greater efficiency can reduce the need to operate an air-conditioning system and can save money on energy bills.

Case study 3—Air-conditioner installed in a mining accommodation building A portable building is being used as temporary accommodation for three workers on a mining site. The portable building has an existing split system air-conditioner installed, which has a tested average EER of 2.5. The owners of the portable building need to move the building to a new location and have enquired whether the air-conditioner will need to be upgraded in order for them to meet the new QDC requirements. Under these circumstances, the air-conditioner would not need to meet the new QDC requirements. This is because the air-conditioner is an existing system within the building and the air-conditioner is not being installed as a result of moving the building. However, if the building previously had no air- conditioning and one was being installed (or an existing system broke down and required replacing), the new air-conditioner would need to comply with the QDC.


29

Each of the factors specified below (which are discussed in greater detail in the following sections) has the potential to significantly enhance or detract from the comfort of a home, as well as the effectiveness and energy efficiency performance of an air-conditioner:

Thermal performance of the building envelope

Capacity and type of air-conditioning system

Correct installation of the air-conditioning system

Efficient operation of the air-conditioning system

Periodic maintenance of the air-conditioning system

Thermal performance of the building envelope ‘Mechanical cooling and heating should never be used as a substitute for good design.’—Your Home technical manual. The term ‘thermal performance’ in relation to a building envelope refers to the amount of cooling and heating energy required to maintain comfortable temperatures within the building. The thermal performance of both existing and new homes can be enhanced in a cost-effective manner through the use of ‘passive design’ features that minimise the entry of summer heat into the home and loss of warmth from the home in winter. The following features can reduce the need to operate mechanical cooling and heating and they have the potential to provide significant energy savings. Orientation For new homes, orientation of the building should take advantage of passive cooling and heating potential (e.g. this could include north facing living areas, placing infrequently used rooms/areas on the western side, and/or windows and doors located to maximise cross-ventilation by natural breezes). Building materials When building a new home, consideration should be given to the thermal mass (i.e. the ability of a material to absorb heat energy) and/or the lightweight nature of certain construction materials. The colour of building materials can also have a significant impact on heat absorption, with lighter colours minimising heat gain. These factors should be discussed with the building designer during the early design phase. Insulation Insulation improves the energy efficiency of a home by reducing the rate of heat entering the home during summer and retaining indoor warmth during winter. Installation of suitably rated insulation in ceilings, walls and under elevated timber floors (where the lower level is exposed to the elements) can assist in providing comfortable living temperatures.

Where air-conditioning is installed, insulation can provide the following benefits:

up to 20–30 per cent lower capacity of the system is required

up to 30–40 per cent less energy consumption per annum

more stable temperature control and less wear-and-tear on the air-conditioning unit.


30

Insulation may be grouped into three broad categories:

• Bulk—contains fibres which trap pockets of air and resist heat flow e.g. batts or loose fill made of natural wool, recycled newspaper, glass wool, or polyester.

• Reflective—reduces infrared radiant heat transfer between hotter and cooler surfaces e.g. foil sheets, silver batts, sarking.

• Composite—those types with the above two varieties combined e.g. batts with foil backing.

Insulation R-values

An R-value describes the thermal resistance of a material, or how much it inhibits heat transfer. The greater the R-value the more effective the insulation will be.

The R-value may be listed in one of two ways:

• System R-value—the total thermal resistance of the building materials as well as the insulation product, e.g. a wall with insulation.

• Product R-value—the thermal resistance of the insulation product alone.

It is recommended the homeowner ensure that any comparisons they make are of those with the same rating system.

Air movement—ventilation, fans and seals

Ventilation of the roof space (through the use of whirlybirds, eave vents, and/or whole-of-house fans) can assist in removing excess heat from the area during summer. Ventilation of the roof space will also allow any heat energy trapped by insulation to be released back into the atmosphere.

Maximising cross-flow ventilation and natural breezes can be an energy efficient cooling option during summer. Wall or ceiling fans can also provide summer comfort in most conditions and use significantly less energy (65 watts compared to 500 watts maximum consumption for the smallest sized room air conditioner) than air-conditioning.

Where air-conditioning is installed, the room or area should be properly sealed to prevent any conditioned air from escaping (e.g. minimise any gaps and install weather seals around doors and windows, and seal any gaps between floorboards).

Windows

For new homes, the style and size, number and location of windows to minimise undesirable heat entering the home should be considered during the design phase. The type of glazing, such as low-e glass or professionally fitted reflective film also influences the amount of heat that can enter the house.

For existing homes, the amount of heat entering the home through windows, particularly those facing east, west and north west, can be reduced by installing external shading, light coloured curtains/blinds, professionally fitted reflective film and/or planting vegetation.


31

Shading

Heat penetration can be minimised by providing shading to windows and external walls (particularly those that receive direct sun), such as large eaves, awnings, shading devices (such as external blinds), vegetation and covered verandas/decks.

Roof colour

Roof colour can have a significant effect on the temperature inside a home. A light coloured roof with good ceiling insulation will reduce the amount of heat entering the home, and allow for more comfortable temperatures inside. The thermal performance of dark roof materials (e.g. for existing roofs) may be improved by re-colouring or adding reflective treatments.

Capacity and type of air-conditioning solution Selecting the right capacity and type of air-conditioning solution for a particular home plays an important part in achieving energy efficiency. System capacity Selecting an air-conditioning unit that is the wrong capacity (e.g. over-sized or under-sized for a particular situation) not only results in poor performance (and reduced comfort inside the home), but also increased energy use and operating costs. It can also reduce the life-span of the system. Choosing a system with the right capacity may involve an onsite evaluation by an air-conditioning professional, and should include consideration of the following:

• home floor plan, house construction type (materials), insulation and sealing of openings

• orientation of rooms to be air-conditioned and surface areas of exposed glass

• ceiling height (floor to ceiling) and height of roof cavity (ceiling to roof apex)

• likely occupancy of the home

• maximum and minimum floor area to be air-conditioned simultaneously

• the climate zone in which the home is located.

Homeowners are able to use an on-line calculator provided at the FairAir2 website www.fairair.com.au to perform a rudimentary estimate of the capacity required in kilowatts (kW). It should be noted however that professional advice should be sought before finalising the unit capacity required for a specific application.

Type of system

There are several distinct types of air-conditioning units that need to meet the new Queensland requirements and are suitable for residential applications. These include:

• split systems (these may be ‘high-wall’, floor-mounted or ceiling cassette systems)

• ducted systems (‘whole-of-house’)

• window/wall box units.

2 FairAir is a website provided by the Australian Institute of Refrigeration Airconditioning & Heating (AIRAH)


32

Seeking professional advice on the type of system most suited to a particular application will maximise energy efficiency over the lifespan of the equipment.

Noise

Internal noise

Some air-conditioning systems can create excessive internal noise that may interfere with sleep or conversation. The sound power rating (dBA) of the indoor unit/s, should be compared prior to purchase. This information is usually contained within manufacturer’s brochures or labelled on the system itself.

External noise

Requirements for external noise levels can differ between local government areas so it is suggested that purchasers check with their local government before buying an air-conditioner to ensure the sound power rating (dBA) of the outdoor unit complies with local requirements. State legislation sets some broad standards for noise levels from air-conditioners. Section 440U of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 states the following in relation to air-conditioners:

‘An occupier of the premises must not use, or permit the use of, the equipment on any day—

(a) before 7a.m, if it makes a noise of more than 3dB(A) above the background level; or

(b) from 7a.m. to 10p.m, if it makes a noise of more than 5dB(A) above the background level; or

(c) after 10p.m, if it makes a noise of more than 3dB(A) above the background level.’ However it should be noted that the responsibility for these noise provisions has been devolved to local governments, and individual local governments may amend the state government requirements through local laws. This is why it is important to check with your local government to ensure any local provisions are complied with. The following factors can influence the amount or effects of noise produced by an air-conditioning system:

• Location of the outdoor unit (i.e. condensing unit):

o avoid placing the unit adjacent to your neighbours’ windows, outdoor living areas, etc

o avoid placing the unit adjacent to hard surfaces such as walls or overhangs, which may cause noise reverberation or amplification.

• Type of air-conditioner:

o the noise produced by ‘inverter’ or ‘digital scroll’ type units may be less intrusive noise due to reduced stopping and starting of the unit.

• Sound barriers:

o noise dampening covers, fences and dense shrubs can be used to reduce noise travel. However care should be taken to avoid recirculating hot air from the outdoor unit.

Further information relating to noise from air-conditioners may also be found in the AIRAH best practice guide.

Features/functions of the system

When selecting the most suitable air-conditioning system for a home, other important considerations may include:

• ‘reverse cycle’ units can have benefits for regions that experience cold winters, as they can provide an efficient heating option


33

• ‘inverter’ or ‘digital scroll’ type units may provide enhanced energy efficiency, especially where the system will be operated frequently throughout the year

• systems with built in demand response capability (i.e. the ability to be cycled on and off during periods of peak electricity demand, as per Australian Standard 4755.3.1—2008) may enable householders to take advantage of any potential reduced electricity tariffs if they were to be offered in the future for systems with demand response capability

• systems with automatic timers can provide greater control over energy use, such as the capability to turn the unit ‘on’ and ‘off’ at a pre-set time

• in the case of residential ducted systems, greater energy efficiency may be achieved where:

o the system includes a zone controller allowing unoccupied rooms/areas to be turned off (most homes will require 4 to 8 zones, and will particularly benefit where each zone can be set to a pre-selected temperature and time)

o the layout of the ductwork in the ceiling has been designed by a competent professional to minimise cool air losses (poor duct design will seriously impact on the energy efficiency and lifespan of all brands of unit)

o the design of the ductwork and zoning system does not require wasteful ‘dump zones’ (where conditioned air is constantly supplied regardless of whether the area is occupied) where applicable

o all ductwork and duct components are rated at a minimum of R1.0 thermal performance and preferably R1.5 (particularly in high humidity climate zones).

Installation of an air-conditioning system

Correct installation of an air-conditioning system can enhance the energy efficiency and lifespan of the equipment. The following matters should be considered in regards to correct installation.

Licensing

Purchasers of residential air-conditioning installation services should request proof of licence currency for the type of work to be undertaken. Depending on the application, this will include most or all of the following licences:

• Refrigerant handling licence Any person who handles refrigerant is required to have a current refrigerant handler’s licence from the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). Handling a refrigerant means to do anything with the refrigerant that carries the risk of its emission to the atmosphere including installing, commissioning, servicing or maintaining equipment that will contain a fluorocarbon refrigerant—even if the refrigerant is not present. This means that the entire installation must be completed by a licensed person, not just the final commissioning of the system.

Regardless of any other licensing held (such as an electrical contracting or Building Services Authority—BSA licence) it is essential that all installers hold a current ARC ‘Full refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC)’ or ‘Restricted split system installation and decommissioning’ licence.

Further, technicians with a refrigerant’s handler’s licence are obliged to work to a range of standards, including the Australia and New Zealand Handling Code of Practice 2007. This code of practice outlines the standards that installations of air-conditioning systems must meet. For further details contact ARC at www.arctick.org/index.php or (07) 3207 4222 in Queensland.

• Building Services Authority licence In addition to the above ARC licence, where installation work is valued at more than $1100 (including labour and materials) the installer requires a BSA licence. For further details contact the BSA at www.bsa.qld.gov.au or 1300 272 272.


34

• Electrical Contracting licence In all cases where electrical installation work—including interconnection cabling—is required, this work must only be performed by a licensed Electrical Mechanic. A licensed electrical contracting company may be required to undertake the electrical installation work. For further details, contact the electrical safety office at www.deir.qld.gov.au/electricalsafety/index.htm or 1300 650 682.

Installation and location of system

The following installation practices can help to maximise the efficiency, lifespan and effectiveness of the air-conditioning system:

• avoid locating the outdoor unit (i.e. condensing unit) where it is:

o in the direct western sun (i.e. locate it in a shaded area)

o adjacent to neighbours’ windows, outdoor living areas, etc to minimise effects of potential noise from the system during operation

o adjacent to walls, fences or overhangs that could cause hot air recirculation and/or noise amplification

o more than 15 metres away from the indoor unit location.

• Refrigerant pipework should be:

o refrigeration-grade tube (not plumbing tube)

o pressure-tested for leaks after installation

o properly evacuated to remove all air before charging with refrigerant gas (i.e. using a professional vacuum pump for a number of hours)

o suitably insulated and encased within UV resistant pipe duct.

• For ducted systems, it is recommended that:

o all ductwork and duct components have a minimum R-value of R1.0 (and preferably R1.5, particularly in high humidity climate zones)

o kinks, sharp bends and any other potential blockages in ductwork are minimised

o ductwork should be properly sealed so that leakage of conditioned air into the ceiling cavity is minimised

o runs of flexible ductwork from the indoor unit (i.e. located in the ceiling) to each ceiling or wall vent do not exceed 15 metres in total length.

Efficient operation of the air-conditioning system

The efficiency of an air-conditioning system can be enhanced by taking the following approach before and during operation:

Before turning air-conditioning on:

• in summer, open the windows and doors to allow breezes to travel through the home and expel as much hot air as possible

• try using ceiling fans, pedestal fans or wall fans whenever possible as an alternative to operating the air-conditioning system in summer. Fans consume significantly less energy and will provide satisfactory comfort in many cases.


35

When operating air-conditioning:

• close all external windows and doors

• close window blinds/curtains, especially for windows facing east (in the morning) and west or north west (in the afternoon) in summer

• close internal doors, if possible, to separate areas that are occupied and require air-conditioning from those that are unoccupied

• when turning the air-conditioning ‘on’, consider setting the ‘off’ time in advance

• do not set the thermostat to a higher (or lower) temperature than is actually required (Please note that setting the thermostat lower in summer does not make the unit cool faster). Seasonal thermostat settings should be:

o no less than 24oC during summer

o no more than 21oC in winter (if the unit is reverse cycle).

• do not leave an air-conditioner running if no one will be home for more than an hour as this will provide little benefit on return and can waste large amounts of energy while the home is unoccupied.

Maintenance of the air-conditioning system

The return air filter should be cleaned (or replaced depending on the model) at least every three months—dirty filters can have impact on energy efficiency. This can be done by the householder.

The cleaning or replacement procedure should be outlined in the air-conditioner’s instruction manual. Filters may be located in hinged filter frames attached to the return air grille, or in another position along the duct that returns air from the house to the air-conditioner. Some filters are not reusable and will need to be replaced each time, while others may be able to be cleaned with a cloth or rag and then washed in soapy water (be mindful to dry the filter properly before re-inserting into the air-conditioner). Vacuuming certain filters may also be effective, although care needs to be taken because there may be some potential to damage the filter. Prior to removing and cleaning/replacing the filter, it is recommended that the householder refer to the instruction manual, or alternatively contact an air-conditioning professional. It is also generally recommended that an annual service be completed to maintain efficiency of the air-conditioning system. This should be performed by a suitably qualified and licensed tradesperson, and include:

• a basic check of the system’s operation including ‘air-on’ and ‘air-off’ temperatures

• cleaning of the return air filter

• checking the level of refrigerant charge, for evidence of refrigerant leaks and ensuring correct operation of all fan motors and louvres

• Chemical cleaning of the indoor and outdoor heat exchanger coils if significantly blocked.


36

Further information Queensland Development Code Mandatory Part 4.1—Sustainable buildings The QDC is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning website at: www.dip.qld.gov.au (under ‘laws and codes’) Air conditioning residential best practice guideline (Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heating Inc) Guideline for suppliers, installers and maintainers of air-conditioners which outlines best practice installation and load calculation and noise measurement and mitigation: http://www.airah.org.au/tec_bes_pra_gui.asp Australian Building Codes Board Provides information on the energy efficiency aspects of the Building Code of Australia, at: www.abcb.gov.au National House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) Provides information on software and accredited assessors, at www.nathers.gov.au Noise calculator Calculates the amount of noise that will be produced by an air-conditioner: http://www.fairair.com.au/Calculator.Noise.aspx Water Efficiency and Labelling Standards (WELS) Provides information on star ratings for toilets, tapware and showerheads, at www.waterrating.gov.au Your home technical manual Provides details about passive design, material use and heating and cooling that can be u sed to assist in designing a house at www.yourhome.gov.au/technical Lighting Further information on the following topics is available from the listed on the next page.


37

General www.iesanz.org → Resources → Best practices in lighting lighting Orientation www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/your_home/building/orientation www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs43.html Shading www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs44.html Glazing www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs410.html Windows www.wers.net/residential/wers-for-residential Globes www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs63.html www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/your_home/kitchen/lighting

www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1432/00316-0607_CSL__Switch_to_CFLs_webs.pdf

www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/12441/CFL_factsh

eet_low_res.pdf Air-conditioners www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs62.html

www.energyrating.gov.au www.airah.org.au www.airah.org.au/tec_bes_pra_gui.asp www.bsa.qld.gov.au

Sun paths www.smarthousing.qld.gov.au → Building your own smart house → Sun path

diagrams Lamps www.yourhome.gov.au/technical/fs63.html www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/your_home/kitchen/lighting

www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1432/00316-0607_CSL__Switch_to_CFLs_webs.pdf

www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0012/12441/CFL_factsh

eet_low_res.pdf


38

Appendix A—definitions

Definitions Alteration

Under the Building Act 1975, an alteration applies to an existing building or structure, including additions to the building or structure.

Building development application

A building development application is an application for development approval under the Integrated Planning Act 1975 to the extent it for building work.

Under the Building Regulation 2006, a building development application is required for most building work. However, there are concessions for some minor alterations, maintenance and additions depending on the proposed nature and extent of building work to be undertaken. To confirm if a building work requires assessment, refer to Schedule 1 of the Building Regulation 2006, and contact your local government or building certifier.

Building classifications

For a building, means its classification under the BCA. Relevant classes for this QDC are: Class 1: one or more buildings which in association constitutes: a). Class 1a–a single dwelling being:

i. a detached house; or ii. one of a group of two or more attached dwellings, each being a building, separated by

a fire-resisting wall, including a row house, terrace house, town house or villa unit. b). Class 1b–a boarding house, guest house, hostel or the like:

i. with a total area of all floors not exceeding 300m2 measured over the enclosing wall of the Class 1b; and

ii. in which not more than 12 persons would ordinarily be resident which is not located above or below another dwelling or class of building other than a private garage.

Class 2: a building containing two or more sole-occupancy units each being a separate dwelling. Class 10a: a non-habitable building being a private garage, carport, shed or the like. Sole-occupancy unit means a room or other part of a building for occupation by one or joint owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier to the exclusion of any other owner, lessee, tenant, or other occupier and includes: a). a dwelling b). a room or suite of rooms in a class 3 building which includes sleeping facilities c). a room or suite of associated rooms in a class 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 building d). a room or suite of associated rooms in a class 9c aged care building, which includes

sleeping facilities and any area for the exclusive use of a resident. Floor area Is the gross area of all floors in the building measured over the enclosing walls other than the area of a verandah, roofed terrace, patio, garage or carport in or attached to the building.


39

Appendix B—BCA climate zones map

Zone 1—Tropical

High humidity summer, warm winter

Zone 2—Sub-tropical

Warm humid summer, mild winter

Zone 3—Hot arid

Hot dry summer, warm winter

Zone 5—Warm temperate

Warm summer, cool winter

NB. Zone 4 does not exist in Queensland.


40

Appendix C—software climate files map

Queensland climate files Number Location

3 Longreach 5 Townsville 7 Rockhampton 9 Amberley 10 Brisbane 19 Charleville 29 Weipa 32 Cairns 35 Mackay 36 Gladstone 39 Mount Isa 50 Oakey

Atherton (proposed) Toowoomba (proposed) Maleny (proposed)


41

Appendix D—examples of worked analyses

Benchmark house: 3-bedroom house—minimum 80% energy efficient lamps (QDC) using BCA methodology

L(m

)

W(m

)

H(m

)

Are

a (m

2 )

room

inde

x

light

ing

appl

ied

ener

gy e

ffic

ient

tag

lam

p w

atta

ge (W

)

num

bers

of l

amps

balla

st (W

)

num

bers

of f

ixtu

res

in

this

are

a

tota

l lig

htin

g lo

ad fo

r thi

s ar

ea (W

)

allo

wab

le IP

D fo

r thi

s ar

ea (W

/m2)

room

inde

x ad

just

men

t fa

ctor

light

ing

cont

rol

othe

r fac

tors

tota

l adj

ustm

ent f

acto

r

adju

sted

IPD

for t

his

area

(W

/m2 )

max

imum

allo

wab

le

desi

gn il

lum

inat

ion

pow

er lo

ad (W

)

Room

nam

e

A B C D=AxB E=D/(Cx(A+B)) F G H I J K L=(H+J)xIxK M N* O P Q* R=M/Q S=RxD

general lighting 32W Circ Fluor Yes 32.0 1 4.4 2 no control 1 Kitchen 4.2 3.4 2.4 14.28 0.78

task area MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 5

277.8 6 0.7 no control 1

0.7 8.57 122.40

general lighting 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 7 no control 1 Dining and family 6.6 5.3 2.4 34.98 1.22 decorative

lighting MR16 35W

IRC DL No 35.0 3 6.0 2 417.5 6 0.7

no control 1 0.7

8.57

299.83

general lighting 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 4 no control 1 Living 5.1 4.7 2.4 23.97 1.02 decorative

lighting MR16 35W

IRC DL No 35.0 3 6.0 1 221.0 6 0.7

no control 1 0.7

8.57

205.46

Entry 4.7 1.7 2.4 7.99 0.52 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 2 35.2 6 0.5 no control 1 0.5 12.00 95.88

Garage 6.4 6.1 2.4 39.04 1.30 Twin 36W Fluor Yes 36.0 2 6.0 1 84.0 3 0.7 no control 1 0.7 4.29 167.31

Master bed 4.1 3.7 2.4 15.17 0.81 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 4 70.4 6 0.7 no control 1 0.7 8.57 130.03

general lighting 13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 no control 1 Ensuite 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 task area 15W Lin Fluor Yes 15.0 1 5.5 1

38.1 6 0.5 no control 1

0.5 12.00 41.04

WIR 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 17.6 6 0.5 no control 1 0.5 12.00 41.04

Bed 1 4.0 3.5 2.4 14 0.78 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 4 98.0 6 0.7 no control 1 0.7 8.57 120.00

Bed 2 3.4 2.9 2.4 9.86 0.65 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 4 98.0 6 0.5 no control 1 0.5 12.00 118.32

general lighting 13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 no control 1 Bath 3.0 2.0 2.4 6 0.50 task area 15W Lin Fluor Yes 15.0 1 5.5 1

38.1 6 0.5 no control 1

0.5 12.00 72.00

Passage 2.2 0.9 2.4 1.98 0.27 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 17.6 3 0.5 no control 1 0.5 6.00 11.88

Laundry 3.0 1.7 2.4 5.1 0.45 32W Circ Fluor Yes 32.0 1 4.4 1 36.4 6 0.5 no control 1 0.5 12.00 61.20

WC 1.7 0.9 2.4 1.53 0.25 13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 17.6 3 0.5 no control 1 0.5 6.00 9.18

Total 180.74 44 1467.3 1495.57

TD TK TL TS


42

All calculations are illustrative only and may not represent exact specifications of particular lighting products currently available on the market. Designers wishing to use this compliance method should source actual specifications of the lighting products they intend to install in the dwelling. Average IPD = total lighting load / total area: (TL/TD)

8.12 W/m2

Average Allowable IPD = maximum lighting load allowable / total area: (TS/TD)

8.27 W/m2

Percentage of efficient light sources: 81.82%

Acceptable solution compliant: (using QDC min. 80% EE lamps) Yes the percentage of efficient light sources is more than 80% of total fixed

internal lighting. Alternate solution compliant: (using BCA modelling) Yes the designed power load is less than the average allowable IPD calculated using the

methodology of BCA 2008 section J6. QDC compliant

YES


43

EXAMPLE A: 3-bedroom house—high-end lighting scheme (infra-red coated [IRC] halogens with lighting controls)

L(m

)

W(m

)

H(m

)

Are

a (m

2 )

room

Inde

x

light

ing

appl

ied

ener

gy e

ffic

ient

tag

lam

p w

atta

ge (W

)

num

bers

of l

amps

balla

st (W

)

num

bers

of f

ixtu

res

in

this

are

a

tota

l lig

htin

g lo

ad fo

r th

is a

rea

(W)

allo

wab

le IP

D fo

r thi

s ar

ea (W

/m2)

room

inde

x ad

just

men

t fa

ctor

light

ing

cont

rol

othe

r fac

tors

tota

l adj

ustm

ent f

acto

r

adju

sted

IPD

for t

his

area

(W/m

2)

max

imum

allo

wab

le

desi

gn il

lum

inat

ion

pow

er lo

ad (W

)

Room name

A B C D=AxB E=D/(Cx(A+B)) F G H I J K L=(H+J)xIxK M N* O P Q* R=M/Q S=RxD

Kitchen 4.2 3.4 2.4 14.28 0.78 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 8 328.0 6 0.7 manual

dimmer 0.95 0.68 8.79 125.54

Dining and family 6.6 5.3 2.4 34.98 1.22 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 9 369.0 6 0.7 program

dimming 0.85 0.65 9.27 324.14

Living 5.1 4.7 2.4 23.97 1.02 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 6 246.0 6 0.7 program

dimming 0.85 0.65 9.27 222.12

Entry 4.7 1.7 2.4 7.99 0.52 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 2 82.0 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 95.88

Garage 6.4 6.1 2.4 39.04 1.30 Twin 36W Fluor Yes 36.0 2 6.0 1 84.0 3 0.7

motion detector (up to

2 lights) 0.55 0.47 6.42 250.52

Master bed 4.1 3.7 2.4 15.17 0.81 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4 164.0 6 0.7


6 lights) 0.7 0.60 10.08 152.97

Ensuite 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 1 41.0 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 41.04

WIR 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 1 41.0 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 41.04

Bed 1 4.0 3.5 2.4 14.00 0.78 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4 164.0 6 0.7


6 lights) 0.7 0.60 10.08 141.18

Bed 2 3.4 2.9 2.4 9.86 0.65 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 3 123.0 6 0.5


6 lights) 0.7 0.43 14.12 139.20

Bath 3.0 2.0 2.4 6.00 0.50 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 2 82.0 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 72.00

Passage 2.2 0.9 2.4 1.98 0.27 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 1 41.0 3 0.5 no control 1 0.50 6.00 11.88

Laundry 3.0 1.7 2.4 5.10 0.45 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 2 82.0 6 0.5


2 lights) 0.55 0.39 15.48 78.97

WC 1.7 0.9 2.4 1.53 0.25 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 1 41.0 3 0.5


2 lights) 0.55 0.39 7.74 11.85

Total 180.74 45 1888.0 1708.32

TD TK TL TS


44

All calculations are illustrative only and may not represent exact specifications of particular lighting products currently available on the market. Designers wishing to use this compliance method should source actual specifications of the lighting products they intend to install in the dwelling.

Average IPD = total lighting load / total area (TL/TD)

10.45W/m2

Average Allowable IPD = maximum lighting load allowable / total area (TS/TD) 9.45W/m2

Percentage of efficient light sources: 2.22% Acceptable solution compliant: (using QDC min. 80% EE lamps) No the percentage of efficient light sources is less than 80% of total fixed internal

lighting. Alternate solution compliant: (using BCA modelling) No the designed power load is more than the average allowable IPD calculated using the

methodology of BCA 2008 section J6. QDC COMPLIANT

NO


45

EXAMPLE B: 3-bedroom house—mid-range lighting scheme (mix of lamps with lighting controls)

L(m

)

W(m

)

H(m

)

Are

a (m

2 )

room

inde

x

light

ing

appl

ied

ener

gy e

ffic

ient

tag

lam

p w

atta

ge (W

)

num

bers

of l

amps

balla

st (W

)

num

bers

of f

ixtu

res

in

this

are

a

tota

l lig

htin

g lo

ad fo

r th

is a

rea

(W)

allo

wab

le IP

D fo

r thi

s ar

ea (W

/m2)

room

inde

x ad

just

men

t fa

ctor

light

ing

cont

rol

othe

r fac

tors

tota

l adj

ustm

ent f

acto

r

adju

sted

IPD

for t

his

area

(W/m

2)

max

imum

allo

wab

le

desi

gn il

lum

inat

ion

pow

er lo

ad (W

)

Room name

A B C D=AxB E=D/(Cx(A+B)) F G H I J K L=(H+J)xIxK M N* O P Q* R=M/Q S=RxD general lighting

18W CFL Oyster Yes 18.0 1 6.5 2 manual

dimmer 0.95 Kitchen 4.2 3.4 2.4 14.28 0.78

task area MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 5

254.0 6 0.7 manual dimmer 0.95

0.68 8.79 125.54

general lighting 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 7 manual

dimmer 0.95 Dining and family 6.6 5.3 2.4 34.98 1.22

decorative lighting

MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4


0.68

8.79 307.52

general lighting 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 4 manual

dimmer 0.95 Living 5.1 4.7 2.4 23.97 1.02

decorative lighting

MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4


0.68

8.79 210.73


Garage 6.4 6.1 2.4 39.04 1.30 Twin 36W Fluor Yes 36.0 2 6.0 1 84.0 3 0.7 no control 1 0.70 4.29 167.31 Master bed 4.1 3.7 2.4 15.17 0.81 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 4 70.4 6 0.7 no control 1 0.70 8.57 130.03

general lighting

13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 no control 1

Ensuite 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 task area 15W Lin Fluor Yes 15.0 1 5.5 1

38.1 6 0.5 no control 1

0.50 12.00 41.04

WIR 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 17.6 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 41.04 Bed 1 4.0 3.5 2.4 14 0.78 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 4 98.0 6 0.7 no control 1 0.70 8.57 120.00

Bed 2 3.4 2.9 2.4 9.86 0.65 18W CFL DL Yes 18.0 1 6.5 4 98.0 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 118.32

general lighting

13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 no control 1

Bath 3.0 2.0 2.4 6 0.50 task area 15W Lin Fluor Yes 15.0 1 5.5 1

38.1 6 0.5 no control 1

0.50 12.00 72.00




Total 180.74 50 1466.9 1511.66

TD TK TL TS


46

All calculations are illustrative only and may not represent exact specifications of particular lighting products currently available on the market. Designers wishing to use this compliance method should source actual specifications of the lighting products they intend to install in the dwelling. Percentage of efficient light sources: 70.0%

Average IPD = total lighting load / total area: (TL/TD)

8.12W/m2

Average Allowable IPD = maximum lighting load allowable / total area: (TS/TD) 8.36W/m

Acceptable solution compliant: (using QDC min. 80% EE lamps) No the percentage of efficient light sources is less than 80% of total fixed internal lighting.

Alternate solution compliant: (using BCA modelling) Yes the designed power load is less than the average allowable IPD calculated using the


YES


47

EXAMPLE C: 3-bedroom house—mid-range lighting scheme (mix of lamps with lighting controls)

L(m

)

W(m

)

H(m

)

Area

(m

2 )

room

inde

x

light

ing

appl

ied

ener

gy e

ffic

ient

tag

lam

p w

atta

ge (W

)

num

bers

of l

amps

balla

st (W

)

num

bers

of f

ixtu

res

in

this

are

a

tota

l lig

htin

g lo

ad fo

r th

is a

rea

(W)

allo

wab

le IP

D fo

r thi

s ar

ea (W

/m2 )

room

inde

x ad

just

men

t fac

tor

light

ing

cont

rol

othe

r fac

tors

tota

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A B C D=AxB E=D/(Cx(A+B)) F G H I J K L=(H+J)xIxK M N* O P Q* R=M/Q S=RxD general lighting 32W Circ Fluor Yes 32.0 1 4.4 2 no

control 1 Kitchen 4.2 3.4 2.4 14.28 0.78

task area None X 0.0 0 0.0 0 72.8 6 0.7

no control 1

0.70 8.57 122.40

general lighting 32W Circ Fluor Yes 32.0 1 4.4 2 no

control 1 Dining and family

6.6 5.3 2.4 34.98 1.22 decorative

lighting None X 0.0 1 0.0 0 72.8 6 0.7

no control 1

0.70

8.57 299.83

general lighting 13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 2 manual

dimmer 0.95 Living 5.1 4.7 2.4 23.97 1.02

decorative lighting MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4


0.68

8.79 210.73


Garage 6.4 6.1 2.4 39.04 1.30 Twin 36W Fluor Yes 36.0 2 6.0 1 84.0 3 0.7 no control 1 0.70 4.29 167.31

Master bed 4.1 3.7 2.4 15.17 0.81 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4 164.0 6 0.7 manual dimmer 0.95 0.68 8.79 133.36

general lighting MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 2 no

control 1 Ensuite 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39

task area 15W Lin Fluor Yes 15.0 1 5.5 1 102.5 6 0.5

no control 1

0.50 12.00 41.04

WIR 1.9 1.8 2.4 3.42 0.39 13W CFL DL Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 17.6 6 0.5 no control 1 0.50 12.00 41.04

Bed 1 4.0 3.5 2.4 14 0.78 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4 164.0 6 0.7 manual dimmer 0.95 0.68 8.79 123.08

Bed 2 3.4 2.9 2.4 9.86 0.65 MR16 35W IRC DL No 35.0 1 6.0 4 164.0 6 0.5 manual dimmer 0.95 0.49 12.31 121.35

general lighting 13W CFL Oyster Yes 13.0 1 4.6 1 no

control 1 Bath 3.0 2.0 2.4 6 0.50

task area 15W Lin Fluor Yes 15.0 1 5.5 1 38.1 6 0.5

no control 1

0.50 12.00 72.00




Total 180.74 35 1250.2 1510.28

TD TK TL TS


48

All calculations are illustrative only and may not represent exact specifications of particular lighting products currently available on the market. Designers wishing to use this compliance method should source actual specifications of the lighting products they intend to install in the dwelling. Percentage of efficient light sources: 42.86%

Average IPD = total lighting load / total area: (TL/TD)

6.92W/m2

Average Allowable IPD = maximum lighting load allowable / total area: (TS/TD) 8.36W/m2

Acceptable solution compliant: (using QDC min. 80% EE lamps) No the percentage of efficient light sources is less than 80% of total fixed internal lighting.

Alternate solution compliant: (using BCA modelling) Yes the designed power load is less than the average allowable IPD calculated using the


YES


49

Documents

Guideline for QDC 4 - statedevelopment.qld.gov.austatedevelopment.qld.gov.au/resources/guideline/qdc-4-1...Provision for changes to building assessment provisions ... (for Class 1