NatHERS News - 4 October 2024

SA adopts NCC 2022

South Australia has implemented the latest National Construction Code (NCC 2022) which now includes  a minimum 7-star thermal star rating, and a Whole of Home assessment for new houses and apartments.

The updates reflect advancements in building technologies and industry best practices and will apply to new residential building approvals.

Taking effect from 1 October (2024), South Australia’s move to NCC 2022 follows the ACT, Victoria and Queensland. NSW also implemented enhanced BASIX which includes a 7-star rating minimum in October 2023.

Assessors seeking information on NCC 2022 software can access the following resources:

See Plan South Australia for more specific information on the introduction of NCC 2022 requirements.

Picture of a construction frame

NatHERS expansion - existing homes update

Plans to expand NatHERS to include assessments for existing homes are gathering pace!
The new assessments will help homeowners better understand their home’s energy performance so they can make upgrades to reduce energy bills and improve the comfort of their homes.

Public consultation has wrapped up on the expansion of NatHERS to existing homes and Version 2 of the Home Energy Rating Disclosure Framework.

Over 1,000 people participated in webinars during August. More than 80 submissions were received during the two consultations. Feedback was overwhelmingly supportive, including ideas on improving capacity, governance and consumer experience.

Submissions and a high-level summary of feedback is expected to be published on the DCCEEW consultation hub  following full consideration of the outcomes of the consultation processes.
 

Technical Working Group EOI now open

NatHERS has launched a request for expressions of interest (EOI) for qualified technical experts to join a new working group. The group will shape the development of the user interface protocol (UIP) for NatHERS tools for existing homes.

The UIP will set requirements for third-party user interfaces to undertake home energy ratings for existing homes using AccuRate Enterprise.

Candidates should be adept in software engineering, user experience (UX) design, human-computer interaction, or protocol development. Relevant academic qualifications and/or experience in user interface research and development is also highly desirable.

Visit the EOI publication for further details and how to submit interest by 17 October 2024. The first working group will be held on 24 October 2024.

If you have any questions, email: admin@nathers.gov.au
 

Accreditation services – AusTender RFI 

A Request for Information (RFI) has been released via AusTender for accreditation services. The RFI will gauge market interest and gather feedback from potential assessor accreditation service providers for NatHERS for existing homes.

Delivery arrangements will differ significantly from those currently in place for new homes assessments, as existing homes assessors will need to visit private properties to collect data and information for ratings.

Interested organisations can review the RFI and make a submission via the AusTender portal.
 

Trials launching soon!

A request for expressions of interest (EOI) will be published soon to recruit trial assessors to review and test existing homes training, tools and processes. The assessors will also be the first to conduct NatHERS trial assessments in participating homes.  

Individuals with experience in home energy efficiency, building and construction, property or related fields are encouraged to apply, although previous experience is not mandatory.

Keep an eye on the NatHERS website and newsletter for the request for expressions of interest which will go live in the coming weeks.

An image of two people leaning over a planning document

Centralised services consultation update

Consultation has now closed on the Preliminary Impact Analysis (PIA) for Centralised Services and the proposed Apartment Centralised Services Method.

The PIA, released for comment in June, documented the rationale for including centralised services into the NatHERS Whole of Home National Calculations Method.

The method provides a framework for assessing shared hot water and space conditioning systems in apartment buildings.

NatHERS is currently reviewing the feedback received during the consultation.

Resources for NCC 2022