Extension of time for use of previous versions of BERS Pro and FirstRate5 Software
Following a further request for an extension of time from Energy Inspection (owner of the BERS Pro software used in NatHERS energy rating assessments), the NatHERS Administrator has granted:
- an extension of time for short-term accreditation for the current accredited version of the BERS Pro software (version 4.2.110811) until 30 September 2015; and
- an extension of the accreditation of the previous version of FirstRate5 (v.5.1x) until 30 September 2015.
Further details around accreditation of a proposed updated version of BERS PRO’s software that incorporates CSIRO’s Chenath engine V3.13 will be posted on this website as they become available. For existing BERS PRO license holders, please continue to use your existing version of the BERS Pro software until 30 September 2015 or until notified of a change via this website.
As outlined in previous updates, accreditation for the new version of FirstRate5 (v5.2.0) was granted from 1 February 2015 and so energy rating assessments using either version of FirstRate5’s software will be valid under NatHERS until 30 September 2015.
The latest version of CSIRO’s AccuRate software has been fully accredited under NatHERS since 1 November 2014 and is the only version of this software that can be used to determine NatHERS energy ratings.
Notes to software users:
- If the software you are using includes the new Chenath engine (V3.13), then you need to use Technical Note 1.2. Earlier software users would continue to use Technical Note 1.1.
- Some state and territory regulators may have different transitional arrangements in place. Please check with your relevant building or planning authority.