Page 1281 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
The member is not correct in her references to the purposes and processes by which energy efficiency ratings are produced. The building approval processes under the Building Act and the mandatory disclosure of building energy efficiency of residential houses through the ACT house energy rating scheme are two separate processes. The Building Code of Australia is not a house rating scheme. The information provided in my response of 19 March to a question on notice on this matter advised that ratings are not mandatory under the BCA. The ratings are a method of verifying compliance with energy efficiency performance provisions. The government does not recommend this method of verification over other available methods.
All ratings permissible under ACT building and sale of residential property legislation are produced by rating tools within the same suite of tools. The new software that the member refers to in the motion is, in fact, the second generation or later versions of the type of software already in use for the ACT house energy rating scheme and for verification under the BCA. Assessors have been aware of and have been using the new software for BCA compliance since 2006, when the new protocol was first introduced. Under this process, assessors have already been given a three-year phase-out period in which to seek training on and familiarisation with the second-generation software for the purpose of compliance with the Building Code.
Mr Speaker, it is important to note that both generations of tools have been utilised concurrently since 2006. This has not caused confusion in the industry or with consumers, as the output from both generations of tools is broadly aligned. ACTPLA representatives have been actively participating in the process for extending mandatory disclosure through the national framework for energy efficiency, and action 19 of the government’s climate change policy, weathering the change, also clearly recognises the government’s commitment to ensuring national consistency. It would have been inappropriate for the ACT to progress the expansion of the ACT house energy rating scheme to commercial buildings and residential leases without first having a clear indication of the nature and timing of proposals at the national level.
I am pleased to advise that, as aspects of the proposed schemes have been increasingly clarified, the ACT is now able to progress amendment of the house energy rating scheme to ensure compatibility with agreed national objectives. An energy rating adviser is shortly to be appointed by ACTPLA and will work with existing policy staff to continue the development of an ordered regime for energy assessors.
This will include an assessment of the resources required to carry out a suitable level of auditing. It should be noted that, at this time, officers are limited in their ability to enforce standards for energy assessments as there is no formal legislative framework. This also is being addressed as a priority. To initiate the process, ACTPLA is finalising a discussion paper, which has not previously been published, that will address issues regarding energy assessment and the broader provisions of the ACT house energy rating scheme.
The paper will outline proposals for formal licensing and auditing of energy assessors, addressing issues with broader compliance with the scheme, moving to
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .