The Alternative Technology Association (ATA) is undertaking a research project for the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) to understand the economic value of building new residential apartment buildings to higher levels of energy efficiency.

Anecdotal evidence to ATA from various case studies around Victoria demonstrates that there may be significant economic opportunity to build above the mandatory 6 Star minimum under the National Construction Code (NCC).

Considering that most new apartment buyers finance their purchase, increases in upfront costs may be offset by energy savings over time – such that building to a higher level of energy efficiency makes economic sense from the customer’s perspective.

The purpose of this research is to explore the relationship between upfront building costs and ongoing energy costs of dwellings through this research project.

We are seeking information on:

· the typical appliance mix, particularly for hot water, space heating/cooling and cooking, in new Class 2 residential buildings; and

· the typical additional charge paid by new Class 2 home buyers to build to higher levels of energy efficiency (e.g. 7, 8, 9 Stars etc).

We would be very appreciative of your participation in this survey. Any results that are used in future publications will be generalised so that individual responses cannot be identified.

Should you have any queries regarding this survey, please do not hesitate to contact Damien Moyse, ATA Policy & Research Manager, at Damien.Moyse@ata.org.au or on 03 9631 5417.

We thank you for your time and ask for your responses to the following questions: