What a 7 Star NatHERS Rating Means for Your Project

The 7-star NatHERS rating is now the minimum requirement for most new homes in Australia under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022).

This shift reflects a broader move toward more energy-efficient housing — but in practice, it also changes how homes are designed, assessed, and approved.

Understanding what a 7-star rating means will help you avoid delays, reduce redesign, and make better decisions early in your project.

What changed under NCC 2022

Under previous versions of the NCC, most homes were required to achieve a minimum 6-star NatHERS rating.

NCC 2022 increased this to 7 stars, alongside the introduction of Whole of Home energy requirements.

This means:

• The building fabric must perform better (NatHERS rating)
• The overall energy use of the home is also considered (Whole of Home)

Together, these changes aim to improve comfort, reduce energy use, and lower emissions across residential buildings.

Why 7 stars matters

A higher NatHERS rating means the home relies less on mechanical heating and cooling to stay comfortable.

At 7 stars, a home is designed to:

• Maintain more stable indoor temperatures
• Reduce heating and cooling demand
• Perform more efficiently across different seasons

In practical terms, this can lead to:

• Lower ongoing energy costs
• Improved year-round comfort
• Better long-term building performance

The shift to 7 stars also aligns with broader national targets around energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

What it means for your project

For most projects, achieving 7 stars is not about adding expensive upgrades at the end — it’s about making the right design decisions early.

Key factors that influence your rating include:

• Orientation of the building
• Window size, placement and glazing
• Insulation levels
• Shading and ventilation
• Overall layout and zoning

Small adjustments in these areas can significantly improve performance without increasing construction cost.

Design needs to be resolved earlier

One of the biggest changes under NCC 2022 is timing.

Energy performance is no longer something that can be addressed late in the process.

To avoid redesign:

• NatHERS assessments should be considered early
• Key design decisions should be tested before approval
• Changes should be made while plans are still flexible

Compliance pathways still vary

While 7 stars is the standard, how you achieve compliance can differ.

Most projects use the NatHERS pathway, but some may qualify for:

• Alternative solutions (e.g. VURB)
• State-specific requirements
• Combined compliance methods

Choosing the right pathway depends on your project type, location, and design.

The goal is not just compliance

A 7-star rating is the minimum — not the target.

Well-performing homes go beyond compliance by:

• Improving passive performance
• Reducing reliance on systems
• Supporting long-term efficiency

When done well, the outcome is not just a compliant design, but a better home to live in.

Final note

The move to 7 stars has already been adopted across most of Australia.

For new homes, it is now a standard part of the approval process — not an optional upgrade.

Understanding how it applies to your project early can save time, reduce cost, and lead to a more efficient design outcome.

→ 7 Star NatHERS Certificate – requirements, process and costs