Home buyers, builders and timber industry to benefit
23/Apr/2007
The Insulation Council of Australia & New Zealand (ICANZ) today welcomed the Victorian Building Commission's decision to bring new timber-floor homes into compliance with the 5 Star energy efficiency provisions of the Building Code of Australia.
Dennis D'Arcy, ICANZ President, said that the decision to end a 22 month transitional period on 30 April 2007, during which timber-floor homes have been exempt from 5 Star compliance, is good news for the building industry and new home buyers.
"Industry research* has shown that builders and designers of timber-floor homes can easily meet 5 Star compliance through the use of existing low cost options, such as increased levels of insulation, installing ceiling fans and draft proofing," Mr D'Arcy said.
"New home buyers will now be able to enjoy the structural and aesthetic qualities of timber-floor homes as well as the economic, environmental and social benefits that come with living in 5 Star energy efficient homes," he said.
"Awareness of climate change has made energy efficiency a new driving force in the real estate market. Now the timber industry can share in the demand for 5 Star homes," he said.
*Research commissioned by ICANZ and the Forest and Wood Product Research & Development Corporation (FWPRDC). Copies freely available at www.icanz.org.au and www.fwprdc.org.au.
