NatHERS News - March 2023
As preparations continue for the introduction of new energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC), AccuRate Home can now be used to produce ratings for all new dwellings, compliant with NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements.
The AccuRate Home Conditional accreditation means the tool can model all dwellings for regulatory purposes but can’t generate certificates. Once certificates are finalised AccuRate Home will meet the requirements and be fully accredited, this is expected in April.
Other commercial tool providers are currently applying for conditional accreditation which is expected to be approved during April.
Assessors can also continue to test new designs by using the beta tools released last year. The Australian Building Codes Board’s (ABCB) NCC Whole of Home Calculator and Sustainability Victoria's FirstRate5 Whole of Home Pilot Tool are both available alongside AccuRate Home.
Free online training is now available to help assessors learn how to undertake new Whole of Home assessments. Sessions are running regularly from March through until August.
Additional resources
The Whole of Home National Calculations Method document is available. It outlines the method that underpins the NatHERS Whole of Home modules and rating in the benchmark tool (AccuRate Home).
You can also check out the latest software fact sheet and other new fact sheets for more information on the NCC 2022 changes.
The new NatHERS Explainer and NatHERS ‘Whole of Home’ videos are also great resources which discuss the changes and the new Whole of Home energy rating in a simple way.
The Your Home You Tube channel additionally features a series of videos with several case studies and experts discussing key topics relating to energy efficiency.