Six star energy efficiency rating
The Australian Government requires that, where possible, the new houses to be built under Stage 2 of the Initiative will conform to a 6 star energy efficiency rating and have insulation, draught proofing, solar hot water heater (or equivalent) energy efficient lighting and glazing, shading, ventilation closing mechanisms and a water tank.
The Department of Environment has provided advice to the Department about the energy efficiency requirements for houses to be constructed under the Initiative. This information has been incorporated into the guidelines provided to States and Territories.
Six minimum universal design elements
To make properties more accessible to people who are ageing or live with disability, 99 per cent of all new dwellings funded through Stage 2 of the Initiative are expected to incorporate six minimum universal design elements.
These features are:
- installation of, or reinforcing for, grab rails in bathrooms and toilets;
- hobless/step free shower recesses with adjustable/detachable hand held shower roses;
- internal doorways on entrance levels having minimum clear openings and minimum corridor widths;
- bench areas in kitchens that adjoin the oven and cook top to allow easy placement of hot pots and pans;
- door handles are to be lever style and tap hardware to be lever or flick mixer style; and
- light switches located near doorways at appropriate heights.
In addition to these minimum requirements the Government set a target of 20 per cent of the dwellings to be constructed under Stage 2 achieving a higher level of adaptability, by meeting the Australian Standard for Adaptable Housing AS4399-2995, Class C.
- Examples of features under Class C include moveable walls in bathrooms that can create a larger space to provide appropriate access to a person in a wheelchair and kitchen benches that can be lowered with only minor modifications to meet special needs.