The proportion of Class 2 buildings (apartments) as a segment of all residential building approvals is increasing in South Australia.

Increasing the energy efficiency requirements for Class 2 residential buildings

A Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) has been completed to increase the energy efficiency requirements for apartments in South Australia from 2019. This would be a jurisdiction based change to the National Construction Code.

Consultation - energy efficiency requirements for Class 2 buildings (apartments)

The Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) (PDF, 2.6 MB) shows a strong case for increasing the energy efficiency requirements by one star for new apartments. The increase would provide net benefits of over $3 million at a benefit-cost ratio of 2.8:1.

For most apartments, the new requirements could be met through small improvements to insulation. The improvement would provide heating and cooling energy cost savings to the home occupier, either owner or tenant, over the life of the building.

The RIS is now available for public review and consultation. Information gathered will be used to inform a potential variation to the National Construction Code.