On July 4 2003, the Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and the Minister for Environment and Water, John Thwaites, announced the introduction of a 5 Star energy standard for new housing.
Implementation of the new standard commenced with a 12 month transitional period starting 1 July 2004.

New Homes

July 2004 - July 2005
During the 12-month transition period, houses had three options for achieving a 5 Star rating:
Option 1 - 5 Star energy rating for the building fabric
Option 2 - 4 Star energy rating for building fabric + water saving measures (AAA shower head, taps and pressure reduction valve) and a rainwater tank
Option 3 - 4 Star energy rating for building fabric + water saving measures (AAA shower head, taps and a pressure reduction valve) and a solar hot water system.

July 2005 -
From July 2005, compliance with 5 Star requires:

• 5 Star energy rating for building fabric plus water savings measures, and a rain water tank or
  
• a solar hot water service (both subject to a Regulatory Impact Statement)

*The transition period has been extended for houses with a timber sub-floor construction and mudbrick and relocatable houses.

Apartments & Units

From March 1 2002 in Victoria, proposals for two or more dwellings on a lot in residential zones that fell under the provision of the then 'Rescode', were required to have a 4 Star or greater energy rating from an SEAV accredited energy rater.

July 2004 onwards -
For all Class 2 buildings the overall building is required to achieve 5 Star level with each individual Unit to achieve a minimum of a 3 Star rating.

Extensions

5 Star does not apply to renovations or alterations to existing homes in Victoria but some Councils are enforcing insulation requirements under local planning provisions.