Weather sealing activity updates

12 January 2024

We have released an update to the Space Conditioning and Shower Rose Activity Guide to clarify the requirements of weather sealing (activity 15) in response to identified compliance issues and requests for additional guidance from stakeholders on how to comply.

The changes have been made to support Accredited Persons and installers to better understand how to meet the installation and activity requirements for the weather sealing activity, in particular those relating to sealing door (activity 15A), permanent sealing of chimney or flue (15F) and temporary sealing of chimney or flue (15G). 

Sealing door activity (Activity 15A) - clarification of installation requirements

To be eligible to create Victorian energy efficiency certificates (VEECs) under this activity:

• Installers must install weather sealing product to each edge (the entire perimeter) of an external door or frame to restrict airflow around the entire perimeter of the door. If the door or frame is only partially sealed, the installation of the product does not constitute a prescribed activity for which VEECs may be created.
• An eligible upgrade may be achieved by installing new weather sealing products in combination with appropriate and effective pre-existing weather sealing products on the door or frame.
• Geo-tagged photo(s) of the door post-installation must be collected. See activity guide for further information including examples of best practice photo evidence to provide clarity for installers on the evidence they need to capture when undertaking this activity (see appendix C).

It is the responsibility of Accredited Persons to ensure installers gather the required photo evidence as outlined in the updated activity guide to demonstrate the door has been appropriately sealed. VEECs may not be registered where Accredited Persons do not provide the required photo evidence. Please download the latest assignment form on this page.

Sealing of chimney or flue (Activity 15F and 15G) - clarification of requirements

To create VEECs for sealing of chimney or flue activity, the product must be installed in an unsealed chimney or flue of a fireplace:

• in which a temporary chimney or flue seal (15G product) is not already installed (under activity 15G)
• in which a permanent chimney or flue seal (15F product) is not already installed (under activity 15F).

We have updated the activity guide to:

• clarify that chimneys with an inbuilt damper seal are considered sealed and are not eligible for the installation of chimney seals
• include examples of what constitutes an ineligible fireplace environment and eligible fireplace environment (see appendix D)
• require the collection of geo-tagged photo(s) of the fireplace with an unsealed chimney or flue to demonstrate the fireplace is an eligible environment. 

It is the responsibility of Accredited Persons to ensure installers gather the required photographic evidence as outlined in the updated activity guide to demonstrate the chimney or flue is unsealed and therefore eligible for activity 15G. VEECs may not be registered where Accredited Persons do not provide the required photo evidence.   

Where to get help

If you have any questions with respect to the information set out in this update, please contact VEU support on (03) 9032 01310 or veu@esc.vic.gov.au.