How one builder is making 8-star homes the new standard

With Victoria known for experiencing four seasons in one day, new builds need to focus on comfort – whatever the weather.In fact, comfort is just one of the reasons Victoria increased the minimum energy efficiency building standards for new homes from 6 to 7 stars in the National Construction Code 2022.A 7-star NatHERS home should also emit fewer greenhouse gas emissions and cost less to run.While 7 stars is a solid baseline, there’s always more that can be done. One Victorian builder, JG King Homes, has made the decision to go above this minimum to deliver all its homes at an 8-star NatHERS rating.“Victoria's climate deserves more than the minimum,” says John King, Executive Director, JG King Homes.“Families choosing a standard JG King Homes 8-star home will consume up to 30 per cent less energy and enjoy significant savings on their annual energy bills compared to a 7-star home. For those coming from a home that is less than 7 stars – the savings will be even greater.”He says JG King Homes isn’t making this effort to just “tick a sustainability box”.“It’s about creating a smarter, more comfortable place to live,” he says.JG King Homes is going above and beyond the minimum energy ...