- New standards mean minimum energy efficiency requirement will shift from six to seven stars
- Cedar Woods has announced a new focus on providing EV infrastructure
- The initiative is hoped to help to break down barriers to EV ownership
With the bar recently raised for the energy efficiency of new homes in Australia, one development company is opting to incorporate electric vehicle (EV) chargers in their residential projects.
The recently announced changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) mean that the minimum energy efficiency requirement will shift from six to seven stars to ensure we are building homes equipped for the future.
Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) currently provides a rating out of 10 stars that considers a home’s design and construction materials including walls, insulation, windows and roofs.
While the NCC changes only come into effect from May next year, Cedar Woods has announced a new focus on providing EV infrastructure in its properties as a part of its environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) strategy.
Cedar Woods’ Managing Director Nathan Blackburne believes that “planning for tomorrow will future-proof today’s projects.”
“We continually look for ways to reduce our ecological footprint and think about tomorrow.”
Nathan Blackburne, Cedar Woods’ Managing Director
“We are constantly assessing the design of all of our projects to ensure they adapt to the changing world in which we live and meet the need of purchasers now and in the future.”
Preparing for tomorrow, today
Electric Vehicle Council Head of Energy and Infrastructure Ross De Rango, said that including EV infrastructure during initial construction is the most cost-effective time.
“Incorporating charging infrastructure into construction projects will help to break down barriers to EV ownership and boost consumer confidence in EVs.”
Ross De Rango, Electric Vehicle Council Head of Energy and Infrastructure
“Research shows that even if an EV was charged by coal-fired electricity, it would still generate lower net emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles. As electricity grids become cleaner, so will EVs,” Mr De Rango explained.
“EVs are the way of the future, so it is important we set up that future now.
“With the new National Construction Codes all apartment buildings will soon be required to incorporate readiness for electric vehicle chargers into their developments,” Mr De Rango said.
Initial installations have begun
In Victoria, EV chargers have been installed at Cedar Woods’ Huntington Apartments and are proposed for Aster Apartments at Jackson Green in Clayton South. A carshare initiative means the residents at Aster and Huntington Apartments will be able to hire an electric vehicle by the hour.
Cedar Woods’ office building at Williams Landing also features EV charging stations for tenant use and the company is planning to continue offering this feature at future strata offices including Boston Commons.
At Cedar Wood’s Glenside complex, in Adelaide’s east EV all apartments are EV ready and while the Botanica Apartments offer two chargers for resident use.
“Our new requirements mean EV infrastructure must be installed in a way that services all cars in the building. This includes switchboard sizing, off peak load management and cable trays for future EV charging installations by the purchasers,” Mr Blackburne said.
