Accreditation of BERS Pro v4.3.0.1 (3.13) - Final end date of short-term accreditation of BERS Pro 4.2.110811 and FirstRate5 version v5.1(x)

Energy Inspection has been granted accreditation for BERS Pro v4.3.0.1 (3.13), conditional on Energy Inspection’s resolution of some issues with the software, which do not affect its functionality. This approval allows this version of the software to be used for NatHERS ratings from 1 May 2016.

The current short term accreditation for BERS Pro 4.2.11081 expires on 30 April 2016.

Short term accreditation of FirstRate5 (v.5.1x), also expires on 30 April 2016.

FirstRate5 v.5.2.x (3.13) remains accredited under NatHERS.

Note to assessors:

Projects currently underway in either BERS Pro 4.2.11081 or FirstRate5 (v.5.1x) need to be either completed with a certificate by 30 April 2016, or updated in the new accredited software versions for completion after 1 May 2016.

Large Class 1 or 2 projects that may have been in phases of adjustment for some time would need to be considered by your relevant building authority if assessors are seeking to complete these projects in the un-accredited software after 1 May 2016. Contact your AAO in the first instance for advice. Un-accredited raters should contact your state or territory building authority.

Except in cases of specific jurisdictional allowances, all energy ratings after 1 May 2016 should be completed in the latest version of the NatHERS Universal Certificate.

Note to Council staff and Building Certifiers on accredited software’s numbering for upgrades and bug-fixes:

Any subsequent BERS Pro minor up-grades or bug-fix using the same engine would, if approved, retain accreditation and the suffix would change.

For example any further version where the ‘x’ changes (v4.3.0.x (3.13)) that version would have accreditation subject to confirmation by the National Administrator. This rule also applies to FirstRate5 v.5.2.x (3.13).