In what is believed to be a first for Victoria, the City of Whitehorse has launched a new initiative that rewards people for building energy efficient homes.Council is offering a free building permit, worth approximately $500, to all new five star rated single dwellings built in Whitehorse over the next two years or until mandated by law.
Victoria’s new residential housing code, ResCode, requires that multi unit dwellings must meet a minimum of a four star energy rating, but there is no star rating required for single dwellings.
“Whitehorse has decided to take a leadership role to encourage people to consider a more energy efficient home by taking advantage of initial savings on the cost of the building permit,” said Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Noelene Duff. “This will complement the longer term savings associated with an energy efficient house. Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings is one of the most cost effective ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
In addition to offering savings on building permits for new single dwellings, accredited staff from Council’s Building Services Department are able to provide residents with general advice on energy efficient housing design.
“The initiative will help raise public awareness of energy efficiency, it will result in reduced energy bills for the home occupant, as well as long term benefits for the environment,” said Noelene Duff.
For further information, contact Council’s Manager Building Services, Glenn Evans, on (03) 9262 6580.
