Team CE

Team CE

Articles written by the Certified Energy technical team covering NatHERS, BASIX and building performance in Australia.

Recent posts by Team CE

16 min read

AAC in BASIX and NatHERS: Wall Performance | Certified Energy

By Team CE on Oct 28, 2016 4:20:15 PM

Does AAC Improve BASIX and NatHERS Performance?

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete, commonly known as AAC, is widely used in Australian residential construction as wall panels, blocks and lightweight masonry cladding systems. Its air-filled structure can provide useful thermal resistance while remaining substantially lighter than conventional concrete.

AAC can form part of a well-performing BASIX and NatHERS design, but the material does not automatically produce a higher energy rating. The result depends on the complete wall construction, including the AAC thickness, frame type, insulation, cavities, internal lining, external finish and any thermal bridging through the assembly.

Topics: BASIX Emerging Materials Residential Compliance
4 min read

U and R Values & Energy Rating: What do they mean?

By Team CE on Aug 19, 2016 5:20:17 PM

In the field of ESD, two terms which constantly appear are the U and R values of products, but what do these mean? Whether referring to insulation or glazing each product on the market has a specific either U or R value. These values refer to the thermal performance of specific products and materials and how they assist in maintaining thermal control in a building or structure. These values are an integral part of the BASIX, NatHERS and Section J process in the NCC, which require specific values to be either entered into the glazing calculator for Section J reports or specific glazing types with predetermined U and SHGC values for BASIX and NatHERS along with specific R values for insulation and building materiality.

Topics: ESD Section J BASIX NatHERS Star Rating Accreditations
4 min read

Star Rating: How to Increase Your Star Rating for Free

By Team CE on Jul 1, 2016 10:12:29 AM

The NCC sets a minimum acceptable thermal performance for residential dwellings by specifying a minimum 6 star rating for all new projects in Australia with the exception of NSW who are under the BASIX programme.

Topics: Design BASIX NatHERS Star Rating Accreditations
2 min read

DA Documentation: How to Avoid Drawing Lighting Plans at DA Stage

By Team CE on May 26, 2016 3:04:14 PM

NSW BASIX Regulation Update for Architects:

Topics: Design NatHERS Accreditations Thermal Performance Residential