Energy Efficiency Rebate

1. About the Rebate Scheme
2. Energy Efficiency and other considerations
3. How do I qualify for the rebate?
4. Rebate Qualifying Criteria Checklist
5. The Application Process
6. Other available initiatives

About the Rebate Scheme

Hobart City Council offers a 100% rebate on Council’s basic planning fee* and building administration fee where sound and permanent energy efficient principles and features are incorporated into the planning and design of new houses and additions to existing houses.

*The Planning Fee component of the rebate excludes costs associated with the notification of an application by advertising in the “Mercury”.

Energy Efficiency and other considerations

It is important that applicants are aware that the qualifying criteria in this document is not always possible to achieve for a number of reasons:

• The location, orientation and size of the block of land to be built on may not allow buildings to be ideally orientated or sited
• Neighbouring properties may have structures that will overshadow where property owners want to build
• Other issues including bushfire protection, landscape protection, bushland and habitat conservation, cultural heritage preservation, streetscape, urban design and amenity may need to take precedence depending on their relative significance under any given circumstances

However, often a compromise can be achieved between achieving energy efficient planning and design and the range of other considerations pertinent to a given site.

How do I qualify for the rebate?

By achieving the score of 6 points, applicants will not only be rewarded with a healthier and more comfortable cost saving energy efficient home, but also qualify for 100% rebate of the basic planning fee and building administration fee.

The rebates are only paid following final building inspection, the issue of a certificate of completion, and only if it has been demonstrated that the criteria listed below have been complied with.

Rebate Qualifying Criteria Checklist

Element	Assessment Criteria	Qualifying Points
Location	Building has been located to avoid overshadowing by neighbouring buildings, structures or vegetation and of neighbouring buildings.  [Shadow diagrams are required to demonstrate compliance]	2pts
Orientation	Building faces north between 15 degrees to north-west and 30 degrees to north-east.	2pts
Living Areas*	Location 60% of all Living Areas are located on the northern side of the building.	2pts
Solar Hot Water Systems	Correctly sized solar hot water systems (certified by a suitably qualified/experienced person) have been installed.	6pts
5 Star National House Energy Rating	Development is 5 Star National House Energy Rated, certified by a suitably qualified/experienced person.	6pts

* Living Areas include: Lounge, Kitchen, Dining, Family and Study rooms.

Note: A score of 6 points must be attained to qualify for a 100% Planning Fee and Building Administration Fee Rebate.

The Application Process

1. To apply you must have completed your final building inspection and been issued with a certificate of completion.
2. Complete the Application Form* providing evidence demonstrating that the rebate qualifying criteria have been met.
3. •  Planning and Building Administration Fee Rebate Application Form
4. Forward your application along with your certificate of completion to Council either in person at the Council Centre or by mail to:
5. • Energy Efficiency Rebate Scheme
   • Development Planning Unit
   • Hobart City Council
   • GPO Box 503 Hobart 7001
6. Don’t forget to include the receipts for your Planning and Building Administration Fees.
7. Await Council notification of application success.
8. For further enquiries contact Council’s Environmental Development Planner on 62382168.
9. • The Application Form, including terms and conditions, is also available from the Council Service Centre, 16 Elizabeth St, Hobart.

Other available initiatives

The Housing Institute of Australia GreenSmart initiative website provides practical suggestions for building affordable environmentally friendly housing as well as links to environmentally trained building professionals.