# Energy 3.2 Hot Water
# Applies to
All development types
# Objective
Ensure the efficient use of energy and to reduce consumption and greenhouse emissions from water heating.
# Summary
Points are awarded when the hot water system energy consumption is >10% below the benchmark for dwelling or meets the benchmark for non-residential spaces, as calculated by the built-in calculator, demonstrated by commitment to deemed-to-satisfy (DTS) criteria (non-residential only) or demonstrated by alternative modelling.
BESS allows for a solar thermal contribution to hot water energy use. First select the type of system that is boosting the solar. Then identify the percentage contribution that solar is making to the total energy used to heat the water.
If you have used the built in calculation tools, the result here is calculated from previous inputs, and also from the efficiency of your hot water fittings/fixtures which are entered in the water section. To improve your result, improve the efficiency of your hot water system, add solar hot water and/or improve the efficiency of your hot water fittings/fixtures (e.g. showers in water section).
This credit is a good example of why it is best to work progressively through the tool, as the fixtures that were selected in the water section impact on the amount of energy used by the hot water system.
# Documentation & evidence required
- Location of hot water systems to be shown on plans.
# Further information
Under the National Construction Code the minimum solar contribution required to meet the plumbing regulations 2008 for Class 1 buildings is as follows:
15 Requirements relating to solar water heaters (1) A solar water heater installed in a new Class 1 building in order to comply with the requirements of the building regulations must comply with the following requirements— (a) the solar water heater must perform to a standard under which the energy savings, relative to a conventional water heater, are 60% or more when calculated in accordance with AS 4234;