Building Code Australia

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) contains the technical provisions of the minimum safety, health, amenity and sustainability specifications required of new buildings and acts as the nationally consistent building regulations of all states and territories. In May 2011, the BCA requires lights in all new building designs to operate under 5 watts per square meter – and have provided a calculator for this new standard which can be viewed here. This requirement will make halogen bulbs unfeasible options due to their energy inefficiencies.

http://www.abcb.gov.au/index.cfm?objectid=959C6DF0-9A12-11DF-A133001143D4D594

Green Star

Green Star is as an environmental rating system that evaluates the design and construction of buildings in relation to the environment. There are nine different rating tools to guide building developments, and points are awarded for each level achieved. A project will be Green Star Certified if it achieves a score of 45 or above. Eleven percent of Australia’s CBD commercial buildings are currently Green Star certified.

http://www.gbca.org.au/green-star/green-star-overview/what-is-green-star/2139.htm

National Framework for Energy Efficiency (NFEE)

The National Framework for Energy Efficiency ensures the Australian market is receiving its full economic potential of energy efficiency. The NFEE has two stages; the first consists of nine policy packages that focus on extending or developing current energy efficiency measures. The second package focuses on new energy efficiency measures, including MEPS and Halogen Phase Out (see below).

http://www.ret.gov.au/Documents/mce/energy-eff/nfee/default.html

Halogen Phase Out

The Australian Government is gradually phasing out all inefficient sources of light and replacing them with energy efficient types, such as LEDs. To achieve this, the government has introduced minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for all lighting products and placed a restriction on imports of incandescent lights. The Halogen Phase Out will deliver considerable savings to the environment and the economy as well as reducing green house gas emissions. As a result, energy efficient types of lighting will be made more available and encouraged in a mass market.

http://www.climatechange.gov.au/en/what-you-need-to-know/lighting.aspx

MEPS

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are included on products so consumers can recognize energy efficient products. Since implemented in 1999, MEPS has increased energy efficiency ratings across a range of appliances and equipment. Products manufactured in Australia or imported here must meet Australian MEPS or face execution from the market.

http://www.energyrating.gov.au/lmenu.html