Observing energy rating stars through the Australian Consumer Law lens: How volume home builders' advertising can fail consumers

Abstract

Australia builds approximately 200,000 new homes per annum, which must meet minimum energy efficiency performance requirements. One common assessment measure is the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), in which homes are typically required to meet a 6 Star minimum. However, current advertising practices of some volume home builders are unclear as to what consumers will receive in terms of energy efficiency in their new home. This research examined the advertising practices of Australia's largest volume home builders via their organisation websites, to determine whether the advertising material and other information on their websites could breach section 18(1) of the Australian Co..