Existing homes consultation launches

A four-week consultation on the expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) to include energy ratings for existing homes has opened today (29 July). 

The planned expansion will help boost home energy efficiency and comfort, while reducing household energy costs and emissions.

We want your feedback to shape this milestone change to the scheme and are welcoming submissions on the following topics: 

  • program objectives and design principles 
  • proposed delivery model for NatHERS for existing homes 
  • assessor training, accreditation and audit processes  
  • rating certificate and upgrade advice 
  • energy rating tools. 

Have your say

If you would like to provide feedback or comments, all you need to do is: 

  • review the NatHERS for existing homes consultation paper; and 
  • provide a submission via Have Your Say by 11:59pm Friday 30 August 2024.  

 The consultation closes at 11.59pm 30 August 2024. 

Consultation webinar sessions

Learn more about the proposed NatHERS expansion to existing homes by attending the below webinar sessions during August. Simply click on the links to book: 

  • Consumer experience (Webinar 1) – Thursday 8 August, 2.30pm – 4:00pm: overview of proposed: program and certificate design, upgrade advice, role of assessors and communications. NatHERS Webinar 1: register here 
  • Assessor services (Webinar 2) – Monday 12 August, 12.30pm – 2:00pm: overview of proposed: program design, assessor training and accreditation, auditing and evidence. NatHERS Webinar 2: register here 
  • Energy rating tools (Webinar 3) – Thursday 15 August, 12.30pm – 2:00pm: overview of proposed: program design, existing homes Benchmark Tool, technical settings, and software accreditation. NatHERS Webinar 3: register here 

Homes in suburban Australia.

Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework and consultation 

Energy Ministers released the Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework Version 1 on 19 July 2024.
 
The framework sets out a national approach for assessing the energy performance of homes and providing an energy performance rating and certificate to households at the point of sale or lease. It outlines policy parameters for disclosure schemes, which can be adapted and implemented by state and territory governments and provides guidance on developing a supportive market environment.
 
NatHERS has been chosen to underpin home energy ratings disclosure under Version 1 of the framework, which focuses on owner-occupied and tenanted single dwellings (NCC Class 1a).

Consultation has now commenced on Version 2 of the framework, which will include apartment buildings (NCC Class 2) and other parameters not included in Version 1 (communication, validity periods and phasing). 

Have your say

If you would like to provide feedback or comments, all you need to do is: 

  • review the draft Disclosure Framework Version 2, particularly chapter 2 ‘Framework parameters’
  • submit your feedback via Have Your Say by 5pm Friday, 23 August 2024

The consultation closes at 5pm 23 August 2024.

WERSLink Libraries now online! 

WERSLink Default and Custom Window libraries are now included in the latest versions of NCC 2022 software for BERS Pro and Hero. Accurate Home continues to feature the WERSLink Default Window Library only.

As assessors are getting accustomed to the new libraries, they should refer to the NatHERS Assessor Handbook and Technical Notes, as well as the relevant software support manuals for guidance.

There are some rare cases of legacy errors expected in some product data carried over from the old window database into the WERSLink database. We are working with software providers and the Australian Glass & Window Association (AGWA) to fix these issues as they arise.

Options to include more common window types found in Class 2/apartment buildings into the WERSLink Default Window Library are currently under development and will be added as soon as possible.

Keep an eye on this newsletter and the NatHERS FAQs page which will include ongoing updates and relevant information.

NCC Building Classification Class 1b in NatHERS 

NatHERS has recently received approval to allow the option of modelling Class 1b building types in its software for regulatory purposes. Both the Technical Note and Handbook are being updated with the required modelling guidance.

This change aligns with the NCC 2022 Volume Two and the Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) Housing Provisions for both the Thermal and the Whole of Home requirements.  

The option to model Class 1b dwellings adds to the current capability of the tools to assess new builds and major renovations of NCC Class 1a, 2, and Class 4 parts of buildings.

Learn more about NCC building classifications.

Resources for NCC 2022

Check out these quick links to help with the transition to the new energy efficiency requirements in NCC 2022: