FirstRate 5 software
The upgrade to FirstRate house energy software FirstRate 4 has now been completed to align it with the national benchmark software, AccuRate.  As of 1st May 2009, the BCA will remove all reference to FirstRate4 from the Building Code of Australia 2009.  From this date forward all FirstRate energy ratings must be completed using FirstRate5. 

Although ratings will take longer to complete, this new software has the ability to rate up to 10 stars, the ability to zone the dwelling according to how each room will be used and includes the full range of AccuRate climate zones meaning all dwellings have the potential to achieve a good energy efficiency rating.

Renovations & Extensions
As of 1st May 2008, the BCA 2008 code was extended to include renovations, extensions and relocations.  All alterations requiring a building permit will be required to comply with the new 5 star standard or Deem to Satisfy*. 
* Please refer to FAQ's for more information.

STEPS Assessments
HomeStar are pleased to announce we are now accredited to perform STEPS assessments.

More and more Victorian based councils are leading the way in promoting sustainable residential development by adopting the use of STEPS as the preferred method of environmentally sustainability assessment.  The tool is used to assess residential planning applications to set clear environmental performance targets for residential development. 

Current participating councils are:
Moreland City Council, City of Darebin, City of Port Phillip, City of Yarra, Hobsons Bay City Council, Knox City Council, Maribyrnong City Council and Nillumbik City Council.