Corporate News

A DEVELOPER will mandate homes are built to a seven-star energy efficiency rating in the next stage of its Mt Duneed estate released on Saturday.

Villawood revealed the 12 blocks in the stage 49 release at the Armstrong estate would require homes to better the existing six-star standard required across Victoria.

The Boundary Rd blocks, which measure 400sq m to 512sq m, have north-facing backyards and are opposite the site of a future secondary school. More than 50 house designs from 10 builders are available in the measure, dubbed a ‘7-Star Revolution’, which allows new home buyers to save money from lower energy bills and tackle climate change by reducing demand for non-renewable energy.

Villawood is rolling out seven-star precincts in all its masterplanned communities, which ups the ante from the 6star minimum energy requirement. The energy savings can be made through various measures, such as double glazing, solar passive design such as large eaves, keeping south and west facing windows reasonably small and allowing cross-flow ventilation to let homes cool down after a hot day and reducing the number of items penetrating ceilings, such as downlights, ducts and skylights.

Participating builders are Simonds, Mimosa, Kingsbridge, Fairhaven, Arden Homes, Long Island Homes, Geelong Homes, Hamlan, Hotondo Homes and JG King.

The developer says beyond the basic star rating, home builders can gain an edge by foregoing natural gas, instead using induction cooktops, high-performance heat-pump hot water systems and efficient heating and cooling systems.

Villawood executive director Rory Costelloe said building a more energy efficient home had financial benefits by saving money spent on gas and electricity.

“For over 30 years, Villawood Properties has been committed to community growth, sustainability, environment enhancement, new technologies and social responsibility,” Mr Costelloe said.

“Our 7-Star Revolution embodies these values while delivering real energy savings to families, easing their financial burden while contributing positively to the health of the planet.” Home buyers can enjoy effortless year-round comfort in a home designed to stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer’s extremes, he said.

Villawood isn’t the first developer to stretch energy efficiency goals by mandating higher energy efficiency standards in homes.

Barwon Water’s Salt Torquay estate demanded homebuyers build to a 7.5-star rating.

The Torquay estate, built around a former water basin, is not connected to natural gas.

With household take-up of solar-connected batteries, combined with modern, efficient building standards and appliances, and a 250kW solar array, more energy is generated than is consumed.

Originally Published in Geelong Advertiser 31/01/2022