Tools
The following tools are provided as examples of the many tools available to assist in the designing of environmentally sustainable homes. Their inclusion should not be construed as an endorsement of any organisation or product. See Disclaimer page for more details.
FirstRate
Demonstration version
of FirstRate
(setup.exe)
To order FirstRate visit
www.seav.sustainability.
vic.gov.au
The FirstRate house energy rating software provides a simple method for assessing the energy efficiency of house designs and completed homes.
The FirstRate software package will show you how the energy efficiency of a house design can be improved - making it easier to produce a better home, cheaper. The automated hints provided by FirstRate for optimising energy efficiency make this an invaluable design tool.
You don't have to be an expert. FirstRate is ideal for builders, designers, architects, planners and consumers, or indeed anyone who needs to know how energy efficient a home will be. The FirstRate software package needs only a PC with Windows 3.1, Windows 95 or later or Windows NT 3.1 or later.
The FirstRate computer program rates homes using the 5 star scale, with 5 stars being the most energy efficient, for 20 different climate zones across Australia.
The FirstRate software was developed by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Victoria. FirstRate is the energy rating software used by building authorities in Victoria and the ACT.
EcoSpecifier
To find out more visit
www.ecospecifier.org
EcoSpecifier is a guide to sourcing environmentally preferred materials that are commercially available in Australia.
EcoSpecifier's primary aim is to help architects, designers, builders, specifiers and consumers shortcut the materials sourcing process.
Its broader aim is to help create a more sustainable physical environment by increasing the use of environmentally preferable materials. EcoSpecifier helps you to assess housing materials in terms of their life cycle impacts.
EcoSpecifier is a joint initiative of the Centre for Design at RMIT, EcoRecycle Victoria and the Society for Responsible Design.