It has come to Sustainability Victoria attention that some assessors are experiencing problems with custom windows when upgrading project files completed in previous versions of the software to FirstRate5 v5.2.4 (3.1.3). The latest version of software is not recognising some custom windows and assessors are having to manually respecify windows after opening existing project files in FirstRate5 v5.2.4 (3.13). Sustainability Victoria is currently rectifying the problem and a bug fix version will be released in the coming days.

FirstRate5 v5.2.4 (3.13) is now available as a free download from www.fr5.com.au. SV recommends that all users upgrade to this version. This version includes the following changes: updated AFRC custom windows and roof windows library; updated postcode and climate zone data.

Sustainability Victoria is introducing a new help desk system to manage technical support requests submitted through the online technical support contact form and sent by email to [email protected]. As of 12:00pm on Thursday 10 November 2016, all FirstRate5 technical support requests received will be managed through Freshdesk. By submitting a request for technical support through the online technical support contact form or by sending an email to [email protected], users agree to the terms of Freshdesk’s Privacy Policy.

St Kilda East group known as '38 Westbury Street' has won the Built Environment category in the 2016 Premier's Sustainability Awards for their Green Roof in the City program.

Sustainability Victoria (SV) is pleased to release the FirstRate5 data analysis report. The report presents the results of an analysis of Home Energy Ratings certified for the 2014/15 financial year and will form the baseline for future reports. The analysis approach is based on questions developed by SV following discussion with industry and government in Victoria.