Home Design Guides: Regulations, Energy and water management
Special topics
Phase out of incandescent light globes
The difference between an efficient light globe and an inefficient one is amazing. To prevent unnecessary waste, inefficient incandescent GLS globes are being phased out in Australia.
BCA lighting restrictions
Regulations exist in Australia to determine how much electricity you're allowed to use for lighting in your home, based on floor areas. Find out what's allowed and how to make the most of it.
MEPS labels and ratings for air conditioners
Air conditioners come with labels these days that indicate how efficiently they're able to cool (and to heat, if they're reverse-cycle models). Find out more about these labels and what to look for.
WELS labels and ratings
Water-producing bathroom fittings in Australia need to comply with basic water-efficiency standards. As a part of the WELS scheme, they are rated and given a label that shows how efficient they are.
Grey water systems
Just because water from the tap has been used, it doesn't mean it can't be used again. See how grey water systems can help reduce your water waste.
Water meters
Find out what the law says about the installation and operation of water meters, how they work, and what you can and can't do with them.
Sub metering and smart water meters
See what the law says about water sub metering for apartment blocks, and using smart meters to assess and manage your water usage.