Claims that the timber industry will suffer under the Australian Building Code Board (ABCB) decision to introduce minimum safety standards for energy and water efficiency in new homes are based on misinformation, according to Tony Arnel, Victoria’s building commissioner. He says timber-floored homes can, and are, achieving five star ratings in Victoria and the same will apply to the rest of Australia.
The change will take place with respect to timber floors when the national regulations are introduced on May 1, 2006. At that time, the exemption that applied to houses with a timber sub-floor construction will end.
“Timber-floored homes are popular throughout Australia and this will continue because 5 star is a performance-based standard with a wide range of options available to achieve the energy rating,” Arnel says.
Source : Building Product News
