Assessor accreditation
The success of the NatHERS scheme for regulatory purposes is contingent upon consistent and reliable outcomes being achieved through the correct use of NatHERS software. Given the level of complexity of NatHERS software, it is important that those that use the software to assess the thermal performance of buildings are adequately trained in the use of the software. They also need to have a minimum level of understanding of building construction, building thermal performance and the applicable building regulations.
Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations
The purpose of this protocol is to provide a national framework for the approval and operation of organisations that accredit users of NatHERS software for regulatory purposes. The protocol enables there to be a number of such Accrediting Organisations operating across State and Territory jurisdictions.
Download PDF
- Download the Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations - 110KB)
Documents are available for downloading as PDF files. (PDF help).
Recognised Assessor Accrediting Organisations
- Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) – granted full accreditation
- Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) – granted full accreditation
Qualifications
The Course in Building Thermal Performance (Residential) is due for re-accreditation in NSW in September 2011. In mid 2010, the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council (CPSISC) were engaged to conduct a scoping study to consider the skill and qualification needs for assessors.
Following nationwide consultations with governments, industry stakeholders, building regulators, assessors and training bodies, the report of the scoping study recommended that a national qualification for NatHERS assessors be developed. Work is expected to begin the development process in late 2010 with a completion date toward the end of 2011.
The report also made recommendations on assessor qualifications for the proposed Residential Building Mandatory Disclosure (RBMD) scheme, which is expected to be implemented by the states and territories from 2012 following extensive consultation. The recommendations included the development of a skills set for RBMD assessors. State and territory governments have agreed that RBMD competencies will be developed alongside the development of the national NatHERS qualification. This will provide an integrated, forward-looking training framework for assessors in the home building industry.