Striving for energy efficiency in your new home or renovation? Discover how to achieve a NatHERS 7 star rating and meet BASIX compliance in NSW.
A NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) 7 star rating signifies a high level of energy efficiency for homes in Australia. Achieving this rating means that the home is designed to maintain a comfortable temperature with minimal reliance on artificial heating and cooling. In the context of New South Wales (NSW), this is particularly important due to the diverse climate zones ranging from temperate coastal areas to cooler highlands.
A 7 star rating can lead to significant reductions in energy bills and contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, making it a crucial target for environmentally-conscious homeowners and builders. It also enhances the resale value of properties as energy efficiency becomes a more prominent factor in the real estate market.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) is a NSW government planning requirement aimed at improving the environmental performance of residential buildings. It applies to all new homes and renovations costing over $50,000. BASIX focuses on three key areas: thermal comfort, water efficiency, and energy efficiency.
Compliance with BASIX ensures that homes are designed to use less water and energy, thereby reducing the environmental impact and operational costs. Meeting BASIX requirements is mandatory for obtaining development approval in NSW, making it a critical component of any new build or significant renovation project.
NatHERS and BASIX work in tandem to ensure that homes in NSW are both energy-efficient and sustainable. While NatHERS provides a star rating based on the thermal performance of a building, BASIX sets specific targets for energy and water usage as well as thermal comfort.
By integrating NatHERS ratings into BASIX assessments, homeowners and builders can ensure that the design meets the required standards for thermal performance while also addressing broader sustainability goals. This comprehensive approach helps create homes that are comfortable to live in and environmentally responsible.
Achieving a NatHERS 7 star rating involves several design strategies tailored to the specific climate zone of the property. Key strategies include:
1. Optimising Orientation: Positioning the building to maximise natural light and heat during the winter while minimising heat gain in the summer.
2. Insulation: Using high-quality insulation materials in walls, roofs, and floors to reduce heat transfer.
3. Window Placement and Glazing: Installing double-glazed windows and strategically placing them to enhance natural ventilation and light.
4. Thermal Mass: Incorporating materials that absorb and release heat slowly, such as concrete or brick, to stabilise indoor temperatures.
5. Shading Devices: Using eaves, awnings, and shading devices to block excessive sunlight during the hotter months.
When aiming for NatHERS and BASIX approval, there are common pitfalls that homeowners and builders should avoid:
1. Ignoring Climate-Specific Design: Failing to tailor the design to the local climate can result in poor thermal performance and higher energy usage.
2. Inadequate Insulation: Skimping on insulation materials or installation quality can significantly reduce a building's thermal efficiency.
3. Poor Window Choices: Using single-glazed windows or improperly placed windows can lead to heat loss or gain, undermining energy efficiency.
4. Overlooking Professional Advice: Not engaging an accredited assessor early in the design process can lead to non-compliance issues that are costly to rectify later.
Engaging a certified assessor, like those at Certified Energy, early in the planning stages can help identify and mitigate these issues, ensuring a smoother path to achieving both NatHERS and BASIX compliance.