Homes in Australia receive ratings from 1 to 10 based on their thermal comfort, design, construction materials, and where it’s built. This rating is given by the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), so all new Australian homes and some renovations to existing homes must now meet 6-star energy rating report requirements as outlined in the National Construction Code.
What is a 6-star energy rating?
The energy rating is defined by the amount of artificial cooling and heating needed to keep the house under a comfortable temperature range. So, if a house is getting a 6-star energy rating, it means it is more thermal energy efficient than the house which is getting a 5-star rating. Also, the house with a 6-star energy rating is using less energy than the other one. When it comes to the 10-star rating, it means the house doesn't need any artificial heating or cooling to keep the temperature optimal.
How is the rating assessed?
The NatHERS creates the energy report for a house by assessing the way a building has been constructed. It includes the location of the building, its orientation with respect to the north, building material used to make the floor, wall, and roof, the insulation of the house, ventilation, lighting, and the way the floor is covered.
Sometimes, people get confused by the orientation factor. So, the best example would be a home that gets a 6-star rating in Cairns will only receive a 3-star rating if it is in Hobart. A house that is designed to be very airy and according to a hot climate will be very different from a house that is designed to create a warm atmosphere due to the location. And, if you switch the design of the houses but keep the location the same, it would be highly impractical and the energy conservation cost will be way too high.
Who is responsible for conducting energy ratings for houses?
A qualified NatHERS assessor is responsible for giving the energy ratings to houses. He or she uses one of several approved tools to measure how energy efficient a home is. The tools will rate the house according to the building material used to make the house, the climate, and its performance. If you're planning to get a house built for you, you can consult a professional for NatHERS assessment to help you choose the best possible design options for your project. The assessment will also suggest to you the best building solutions address any potential issues such as shades on exterior walls or drafty windows.
“Certified Energy” is an ESD consultancy that operates in Sydney and the Gold Coast. They can recommend thoughtful design solutions to reduce the environmental impact of your design so that your house can get a 6-star rating by an energy rater. They've been active in this domain for more than a decade and have served small and large designing teams with their expertise. To know more, visit certifiedenergy.com.au.
