NatHERS News - February 2023
Whole of Home training commencing soon
Building and design professionals can now sign up to learn how to undertake assessments which comply with the National Construction Code’s (NCC) new annual energy use budget. The online modules will guide assessors through a new Whole of Home assessment for regulatory purposes.
Common household appliances included in the new rating are heating, cooling and hot water systems, lighting, pool and spa equipment and on-site energy generation and storage.
Specific information on each appliance type, how to find it, and when to use default values will be included, alongside updates to the NatHERS Technical Note.
The online training features an introductory overview on the changes to requirements for assessments, and is aimed at architects, builders and those with no knowledge of the new provisions.
A second technically focused module will require prior knowledge and understanding of the new assessments. This training has a test at the end and is mandatory for those who want to become certified in Whole of Home assessments.
Training will run from March through to August. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points will be given for attendance. Software specific training will become available as tools are accredited later in the year.
You can register for sessions via the NatHERS website.
ABCB webinars: get up to speed on NCC
Registrations are now open for a series of free webinars being held by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) from 20 – 24 March.
The webinars are a great opportunity for practitioners to learn about key changes and new provisions in NCC 2022 Volume One and Volume Two for energy efficiency, condensation management and livable housing design.
The NCC changes, agreed by building ministers in August last year, will help make homes more energy efficient, more comfortable to live in and cheaper to run. The measures are also supporting the transition to net zero emissions by 2050 by reducing energy demand and the costs associated with new generation infrastructure.
Join an online session to ask questions about changes to the NCC and hear from ABCB and NatHERS experts. Webinars will include:
- Key changes in NCC 2022
- New mandatory requirements
- An overview of available compliance options
- Dates for adoption of the new code
- Tips and examples
- Finding more information and support.
Visit the ABCB website to learn more about the sessions on offer.
Places are filling up fast so book today!
CSIRO research - new homes required for testing!
Do you live in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory or Victoria? Has your home or apartment been completed in the last 4 years? Would you like to know how draughts are impacting your home’s energy bills?
If you answered yes to the above questions you’re eligible to participate in a new CSIRO study investigating the air tightness levels in newly built homes. An accredited technician will visit your home to conduct what is known as a blower door test free of charge.
Find out more or register your interest by visiting https://ahd.csiro.au/air-tightness-study
New window libraries to help modelling
The Australian Glass and Window Association’s (AGWA’s) Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) Link portal is now live! New NatHERS Custom and Default Window Libraries have been created from the WERS Link portal database. Work is underway to embed the libraries into the benchmark tool AccuRate Home.
NatHERS software providers will be able to implement the new window libraries and make them available to users in the future.
The new NatHERS window libraries will help assessors better model windows in assessments by providing more accurate and consistent products and data, and enhanced filtering and search functions.
Log into the WERS Link portal here and search for ‘NatHERS Default Window Library’.
Keep up to date on further developments via the NatHERS Newsletter.
Attention NatHERS Assessors - feedback wanted
We are launching an online survey in March to help us better understand how NatHERS is performing and how it can be improved. Your feedback is critical to helping us update and shape the Scheme in the future. The questionnaire takes around 15 minutes to complete.
If you would like to take part, please email admin@NatHERS.gov.au and keep an eye out for a unique link to the survey.
The survey will run throughout March.
In other news
Contacting us
We are migrating to a new IT system within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Although we aim to respond promptly to any correspondence we receive, please note the delivery of emails may be impacted in the coming weeks.
If you have not received an automated response acknowledging your email, and/or have not heard back from us within 7 working days, please resend your query.
Save the date
- Training for assessors: running from March to August 2023
- Assessor survey: running throughout March
- ABCB webinar series: 20 – 24 March 2023
- National Energy Efficiency Conference: 24 - 25 May 2023