As of 1 May 2009 the Building Code of Australia requires all calculation reports for demonstrating the performance of insulation products to be carried out according to the 2006 amendment of AS/NZS 4859.1:2002. This means any product labeling and promotional materials showing calculated system R-values should be updated to meet the changes in the 2006 amendment.

See the Australian Building Codes Board for more information.

The amendment includes adjustments to a product’s tested emissivity, in Section K3.2. These adjustments are summarised as follows:

-For vertical and downward facing surfaces, emissivity of 0.03 or as tested, whichever is greater

-For upward facing surfaces in non-vented cavities where the cavity is fully sealed, emissivity of 0.03 or as tested, whichever is greater

-For upward facing surfaces in non-vented cavities where no special precautions for the prevention of air ingress have been included, assume slight dust cover and add 0.05 to the tested emissivity

-For upward facing surfaces in naturally ventilated space, assume moderate dust cover and add 0.25 to the tested emissivity.

Section K4.2 of the amendment addresses the ventilation of roofs, walls and floors. The implication of this section is that tile roofs are assumed to be naturally ventilated; whereas metal roofs are assumed to be non-vented. This means that any reflective foil insulation installed directly under a tiled roof will be penalised with an additional 0.25 added to the tested emissivity for moderate dust cover.

Section 3.12.1 in volume two of the Building Code of Australia gives the requirements for building thermal insulation. Table 3.12.1.1 gives the minimum total R-Value for different climate zones, with the minimum being 2.7 downwards for zone 1 and the maximum 4.8 upwards for zone 8.

The effect of the amendment will mean that some systems, particularly tiled roofs with the insulation installed parallel to a roof, and including an anti-glare upper surface, and without any sarking, will not achieve an R-Value of 2.7.

One solution to this problem is to use reflective foil and bubble cell insulations in new installations in a similar manner to the retrofit case. This would mean specifying systems for new installations with a reflective sarking (with an upward facing anti-glare surface and a downward facing low emissivity silver surface) under tile roofs, (metal roofs may not need the sarking) and install reflective insulation parallel to the ceiling with both upper and lower surfaces being low emissivity silver.

By Jodie Kemp

The Australian Government seeks to improve the energy efficiency rating of Australian homes through its $4 billion Energy Efficient Homes Package. This is the largest measure of this kind ever to be undertaken in Australia and represents a significant opportunity for the insulation industry.

Ceiling insulation is one area being particularly targeted. As part of the package, assistance may be granted:

Up to the value of $1,600 through the Homeowner Insulation Program, and
Up to the value of $1,000 through the Low Emission Assistance Plan for Renters.

These programs will remain in effect until 30 June 2011 for renters and landlords, and 31 December 2011 for owner-occupiers.

Since 2004, e3k has been working with industry leaders to calculate and identify the “total R-Value” of various building structures, that is, a structure’s overall resistance to heat transfer. This is an essential quantity for compliance with the relevant standard*, the Building Code of Australia, and to qualify for the grants.

Comparing different products in various installation configurations can be challenging. The total R-Value provides a benchmark against which to measure, and is required for effective comparison.

With the knowledgeable and experienced help available through e3k, insulation suppliers can position themselves to benefit to the fullest from this environmentally friendly initiative.

For further information on the Energy Efficient Homes Package, click here

Download the Homeowner Insulation Program Guidelines as a PDF here

* Australian and New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 4859.1:2002/Amdt 1:2006 Material for the thermal insulation of buildings

Leighton Contractors and e3k have teamed up to create the Leighton Energy Efficiency Equations, or Le3 method for short, for benchmarking the energy efficiency of material transportation.

The idea for the research and development came from Leighton Contractors, operators of one of the largest fleet of bulk materials transport vehicles (haul trucks) in Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Steve McDonald, General Manager Plant for Leighton Contractors said the company needed a reliable measurement system that could be applied equally across all operations and within the operations, where the nature of the work undertaken varied frequently.

“When we looked for such a system, it was clear that no-one had developed anything that could take into account the variation that we frequently encounter, particularly in our contract mining operations,” Mr McDonald said.

“Together with e3k we have been able to develop a system which will enable us to lower our carbon emissions and fulfil our commitment of becoming a more sustainable company.”

Leighton Media Centre

See the full article.

The 2009 Australian Federal Budget outlined an enhanced Research and Development Tax Concession scheme

From 2010-11 the Government will replace the current R&D Tax Concession with a simplified Tax Credit.

The new credits (either a 40% or 45% credit), are equivalent to a 133% or 150% tax deduction respectively.

The 45% credit applies to firms with an annual turnover of less than $20 Million, whilst the 40% credit applies to foreign owned firms and those with an annual turnover of greater than $20 Million.

The refundable 45% Tax Credit will be available to small companies in tax loss, with no limit on the level of R&D expenditure i.e. firms will receive a tax refund of 45% of their R&D spending when they file their tax return, even if they are in tax loss.

The current Tax Concession works in the same way but at a lower level equivalent to a 125% tax deduction rather than a 150% tax deduction, and with a $2 Million cap on R&D expenditure.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

The 2009 Australian Federal Budget outlined an enhanced Research and Development Tax Concession scheme.

From 2010-11 the Government will replace the current R&D Tax Concession with a simplified Tax Credit.

As a transitional measure for 2009-10, the R&D expenditure cap for the existing R&D Tax Offset will be lifted from $1 Million to $2 Million.

The cap is the maximum amount a firm can spend on R&D to be eligible for the Tax Offset.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

The 2009 Australian Federal Budget outlined an enhanced Research and Development Tax Concession scheme.

From 2010-11 the Government will replace the current R&D Tax Concession with a simplified Tax Credit.

Under the new Tax Credit system, eligibility criteria will be tightened to maximise the results of the Government’s investment. Only genuine R&D will be supported.

The Government plans to consult further on the eligibility criteria in developing the legislation during 2009. A consultation paper is expected mid 2009 with an exposure draft towards the end of 2009.

Working with an AusIndustry Registered Research Agency (RRA) is expected to ensure that genuine R&D is being undertaken.

Gilmore Engineers Pty Ltd – e3k has been a RRA since 2001 (registered number 34439).

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

Gilmore Engineers Pty Ltd – e3k has been a RRA since 2001 (registered number 34439).

Other advantages of working with a Registered Research Agency are:

1. A company which spends less than $20,000 on eligible R&D in any year is entitled to the full concession if the R&D is performed by a Registered Research Agency, provided that the RRA is not an associate of the company.

2. A company is able to claim, in advance, payments made to the RRA for contract R&D projects to be performed in the following twelve months.

Federal Government support is provide in the form of business assistance through a network of private sector COMET business advisers. Merit based financial assistance is available to successful applicants.

COMET assistance is available for up to 2 years.

Grants of up to $120,000.00 excluding GST are available.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au

Gilmore Engineers Pty Ltd has been granted AusIndustry Registered Research Agency status with the Industry Research and Development Board, for the purpose of performing contracted Research and Development, effective 30th January 2001. Our registration number is 34439.

Companies incorporated in Australia who contract complying R&D to Gilmore Engineers will nominally be entitled to the full 125% tax concession now available. No minimum threshold of expenditure applies, and further benefits may apply, including the 175% premium tax concession, if eligible.

Visit www.ausindustry.gov.au for further information of R&D Tax Concessions.

Our client - Joinlox won the 2008 Invention of the Year on the ABC TV show New Inventors.