NatHERS News
NCC 2022 preparations
The NatHERS team is finalising updates to the Scheme to support the anticipated introduction of increased energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC), expected later this year.
Over the coming months the focus will be on:
- Delivering the benchmark software tool (AccuRate) to include the proposed NCC changes
- Updating the Software Accreditation Protocol (SAP) in stages so tools can be brought to market as soon as possible
- Finalising technical guidelines and developing training and accreditation for assessors.
All material to support commercial tool providers to develop accredited NatHERS tools incorporating the proposed NCC changes will be available by 1 September 2022.
In the meantime, enhancements to the NatHERS thermal assessment (such as new starbands, climate files and heating and cooling load limits) are being incorporated into beta versions of all software tools. These beta tools can be used for testing new build designs with a non-steel frame (around 80 per cent of new builds).
A version of AccuRate including thermal bridging updates proposed by the Australian Building Codes Board will be released in May. This new version of AccuRate may be used to test house designs with a steel frame. In addition, this Thermal Bridging report shows the expected star rating impacts on homes in different locations.
A recent Building Ministers’ Meeting (BMM) reviewed residential energy efficiency and building readiness for emerging technologies for NCC 2022.
Beta software tools ready for testing
Beta versions of software tools can be downloaded so users can try out some of the new features and gauge the star rating impacts on specific dwellings.
The beta versions will include a range of updates in preparation for NCC 2022.
Test out the beta software tools.
*Please note these tools are for research and testing purposes only. They cannot be used for regulatory purposes.
Consultation report goes live
The Improving the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) public consultation has been finalised and a summary report is now available.
Feedback from the consultation is helping shape NatHERS to deliver the next generation of modern, sustainable homes for the future.
The Consultation Summary Report – April 2022 outlines the main feedback received on the proposed changes to NatHERS.
Overall, the proposed changes to NatHERS were supported. Feedback emphasised the importance of maintaining and improving thermal performance for buildings.
Respondents also supported the expansion of energy assessments to include fixed appliances and onsite energy generation, as well as the extension of the Scheme to include energy assessments for established properties.
Download a copy of the summary report or email admin@nathers.gov.au with queries.
Save the Date
The Your Home and NatHERS team will be exhibiting at the Energy Efficiency Conference in Melbourne (25-26 May), and the Sydney Home Show (27-29 May). If you are attending either of these events, please pop by and say hello to the team!