NATIONAL
Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA)
The Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) is a not for profit Peak Body association that represents building and design professionals who specialise in assessing the environmental impact of buildings in both Australia and New Zealand. ABSA Accredited Assessors use sophisticated computer programs to analyse your house. They are specifically trained to ensure that your home meets all government requirements and regulations, eliminating any costly changes or delays caused by non-compliant plans.
STATE FOCUS
The following state agencies all have various information brochures relating to energy efficiency and
building or renovating available in hard copy or on websites. Many have additional services, listed
below, which will be very useful for owner builders/renovators.
VICTORIA
Sustainability Victoria (SV)
‘Energy Smart Advisory Service’ consults on the efficiency of house plans, and provides an ‘Energy
Efficient Housing manual’, both available for a fee.
They also have a contact list of energy assessors for second generation software.
Telephone 1300 363 744 or www.sustainabilityvictoria.gov.au
Victorian Planning Portal
Find information on planning and property businesses and goverment departments. www.iburb-vic.com.au
NEW SOUTH WALES
Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DEEC)
DECC coordinates the NSW Government’s response to climate change. DECC’s wide range of climate change programs include:
- strategies to reduce emissions, encourage efficient use of water and promote adaptation to climate change impacts
- research to better understand the effects of climate change on biodiversity and conservation planning
- development of a resilient system of protected areas to help minimise the effects of climate change on the environment
- the Sustainability Advantage Program, which assists business to improve environmental performance.
Telephone (02) 9995 5000
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/climatechange/energyefficiencystrategy.htm
NORTHERN TERITORY
Department of Lands, Planning and Environment
Telephone (08) 8999 8965 or www.lpe.nt.gov.au
QUEENSLAND
Environmental Protection Authority
Has an Energy Advisory Service (over the phone)
Telephone 1300 369 388 or www.epa.ald.gov.au/sustainable_energy/
TASMANIA
Dept. of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources.
Telephone 1300 135 513 or www.dier.tas.gov.au
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Energy SA
Sustainable Energy Advisory Centre – provides advice relating to new and existing
homes.
Display Homes – provide a list of energy efficient display homes for builders/buyers.
Telephone (08) 8204 1888 www.sustainable.energy.sa.gov.au/home/home.htm
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO)
Home Energy Line for enquiries relating to energy use at home.
House Energy Rating Scheme, administered by SEDO to assess and improve the energy efficiency of
housing design.
Telephone 1300 658 158 or www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au/index.asp
ACT
Planning and Land Management
ACT House Energy Rating Scheme: rating required for all houses being sold, and a four star rating for
new homes.
Telephone (02) 6207 1743 or www.palm.act.gov.au/quality_and_sustainable_design/index.htm
BOOKS
‘Sustainable House’ by Michael Mobbs.
‘Warm House, Cool House’, by Nick Hollo.
‘Energy Efficient Building Design Resource Book’, by Renewable Energy Centre.
‘The Green Technology House and Garden Book’.