Add $10000 value to your project per energy rating star.

Did you know that in 2011, if you want to sell residential property you will have to include your homes energy rating.

Yep, you know those energy stickers on appliances you see all over the place. You’ll effectively have to put one of those on the sales board when you’re selling.

In October 2008, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed to develop a National Strategy on Energy Efficiency to accelerate energy efficiency efforts, streamline roles and responsibilities across levels of governments, and help households and businesses prepare for the introduction of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. (taken from http://www.coag.gov.au/coag_meeting_outcomes/2009-07-02/docs/Energy_efficiency_measures_table.pdf )

So how do you add $10000 to your project?

Well mandatory energy rating disclosure has been around in Canberra for around 5 years. Studies have shown (Master Builders Talk) that the same house on the same block in Canberra with the only identifiable marketing difference being the energy rating of the home, shows that 1 extra star = around $10000 added to the sale price.

So if your building or renovating at the moment should you be keeping this in mind, will something done in construction cheaply or affordably add that $10000 to your place?

Here are some ideas learnt from a few of our builders:

Pump up the insulation in the roof / walls / floor
East West blocks are going to become even more important due to the path of the sun
Northern Aspect living areas again will become even more an important consideration
High energy rated appliances. Think Gas cooktops and Gas and/or solar water heating
Double glazed windows, timber has better ratings than alluminium, although there are new products that are catching up

Exceptional Product – Awarded the Green Plumbers Award for Product of the Year

The Bosch 26 eco+ 6.9 STAR ENERGY RATING
[ Buy online at http://www.renovi.com.au/pd_bosch_26eco_instant_gas_hot_water_system.cfm ]

This is the kind of item that can help you achieve that extra star.

The Bosch 26eco+ gas hot water system is a high-efficiency, fully-condensing appliance. Unlike traditional hot water systems, a condensing unit captures heat from the exhaust gas and uses it to preheat the incoming cold water, making the 26eco+ one of the most energy efficient gas hot water system on the market with a 6.9 star energy efficiency rating. The Bosch 26eco+ was also named the GreenPlumbers Product of the Year for 2009 which demonstrates its contribution to the environment and sustainability.