NatHERS News – Tuesday 19 March

NatHERS software accreditations complete 

Technical updates for all NatHERS tools are now complete! Hero, FirstRate5, BERS Pro and AccuRate Home are all fully accredited including certificates.

It’s been a busy time for the NatHERS Tools and Technical team responsible for the detailed reviews and checks required to ensure the tools are as accurate as possible.

Chris Videroni, the new Branch Head of the Home Ratings and Disclosure Branch, has highlighted the commitment and hard work put in by the team to get the job done.

“NCC 2022 has demanded some of the most technically challenging updates NatHERS has ever gone through and it’s taken time, effort, and expertise to get it right.

“But the wait has been worth it, knowing these changes are helping drive energy efficient design and construction beyond minimum standards, and supporting new homes that will be resilient in the face of more extreme weather and a changing climate.

See the software page on the NatHERS website for new software versions and technical information, or contact FirstRate5,  BERS Pro or  Hero with software specific queries including public release dates.

Family in front of house

NCC 2022 – Whole of Home info sessions 

As we inch closer to the adoption of new energy efficiency requirements in Victoria and Queensland, a series of info sessions commenced this month to help assessors get up to speed on the changes.

Co-hosted by NatHERS technical experts and software tool providers, the webinars focus on changes to the National Construction Code (NCC 2022). They feature Whole of Home demonstrations in each NatHERS software tool and end with live questions and answers. The first BERS Pro online event, held on 7 March, had over 130 attendees.
 
You can still sign up for the Hero or FirstRate5 sessions:

  • Hero: 1pm – 2.30pm (AEDT) Wednesday (tomorrow) 20 March
  • FirstRate5 (AEDT) 2pm – 3.30pm Tuesday 26 March.

Book your session using Trybooking.
 
Recordings of the sessions will be available on the NatHERS YouTube channel and via Assessor Accrediting Organisations (AAOs) and tool providers in the weeks following the events.

Reach out to your software provider for more information on additional NCC 2022 and Whole of Home training currently available.

And if you want to become certified for Whole of Home assessments, visit the NatHERS Assessor Toolkit page and follow the steps under the ‘Whole of Home training and certification’ section.

Picture of an open book

New Assessor Handbook now online

The updated NatHERS Assessor Handbook is hot off the press this week! Assessors and other building professionals can access the new version on the NatHERS website.

The book’s 14 chapters are jam packed with advice on building and environmental elements, and assessment tool functions. Some key updates include:

  • Appliances for Whole of Home assessments including advice on improving a rating and when to re-simulate the NatHERS Whole of Home assessment.
  • How to model thermal bridges in walls, floors, ceilings, and roofs in steel framed construction.
  • Window performance values and specifications, default libraries and advice on high-level glazing.
  • Conditioning advice, and a new section on lift zoning as well as specific scenarios and how to assess ambiguous spaces.

An easy-to-navigate online version of the handbook is under development and will be available in April.

Resources for NCC 2022