Clause H1 – Energy efficiency provisions

There is less awareness that this clause also specifies that:

H1.2 Buildings must be constructed to achieve an adequate degree of energy efficiency when that energy is used for—

a. modifying temperature or humidity, or both; or

b. providing hot water to sanitary fixtures or sanitary appliances, or both; or

c. providing artificial lighting

Requirement H1.2(a) does not apply to assembly service buildings, industrial buildings, outbuildings, or ancillary buildings.

Requirement H1.2(c) applies only to commercial buildings and communal non-residential buildings whose floor area is greater than 300 m2.

Before January 2009 requirement H1.2(a) did not apply to “to plant and equipment provided to modify temperature, humidity, or both.” This, in effect, meant that HVAC systems were not required to be energy efficient.

In 2008 a new clause (H1.3.6) was added so that from 1 January 2009.

H1.3.6 HVAC systems must be located, constructed, and installed to––

a. limit energy use, consistent with the intended use of space; and

b. enable them to be maintained to ensure their use of energy remains limited, consistent with the intended use of space.

Performance H1.3.6 applies only to commercial buildings but does require that HVAC systems in these buildings must be energy efficient.

To allow an understanding of what this new clause means, DBH has issued ‘Guidelines for energy efficient HVAC plant’.

The guidelines cover:

• Introduction
• Controls
• Air-conditioning and ventilation systems
• Smoke and ventilation
• Heating and chilling systems
• Miscellaneous exhaust systems
• Access for maintenance

EMANZ members should be aware of these changes to building requirements and the impact it should be having on new and replacement HVAC equipment. The guide is also useful in that it outlines actual energy efficiency figures, including insulation of pipes and ducts, and details control protocols and where specific items of plant are, or are not, required.