FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sydney, 11 March 2025

Certified Energy is pleased to announce our participation in the NatHERS initiative. Through a ground-breaking collaboration involving the Australian government, CSIRO, ING, and property valuers, Certified Energy has become part of the Scale Stream and is prepared to launch mid-2025.

CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) are collaborating on an innovative trial to assess and improve the energy efficiency of existing homes nationwide, built prior to the implementation of energy assessment regulations.

 The trial is structured into two distinct streams: the Core Stream, featuring comprehensive on-site evaluations by trained assessors, and the Scale Stream, which utilises partnerships between financial institutions and property valuers for efficient data collection.

Certified Energy is delighted to contribute to both the Core Stream and Scale Stream. As part of the trial, our accredited NatHERS assessors will conduct complimentary LiDAR scans to evaluate a property’s energy rating, focusing on key factors such as insulation, heating, and cooling systems. Assessors will then administer recommendations to enhance sustainability and comfort for homeowners.

Jamie, Director of Australia’s leading Environmentally Sustainable Development (ESD) consultancy, Walter, Senior ESD consultant, and Manita, an experienced ESD technician, have been selected to participate in the NatHERS Core Stream Trial. With Jamie and Walter bringing over 15 and 25 years of experience in sustainable design and accredited building design respectively, and Manita contributing her technical expertise, they will collectively contribute their knowledge to the Core Stream of the initiative. Their involvement will extend to collaborations with multiple valuation companies in the Scale Stream, leveraging their combined expertise to advance sustainable practices in the built environment.

 

Jamie, Certified Energy Director, says:

“Australia is catching up to countries like Holland that have implemented mandatory disclosure energy ratings for existing building stock at the point of sale. While we have seen some initiatives by our states towards this outcome such as Canberra (since 1999) and in Victoria they have piloted successful programs such as the Residential Energy Efficiency Scorecard, this new rating tool is a game changer for householders who want to compare how their energy efficiency and thermal comfort compares to new 7-star buildings. The NatHERS ratings for existing homes are an intelligent way to allow the market to self-improve the energy efficiency of our existing building stock with or without government incentives. The long-term strategy of these efforts will result in downward pressure on public energy infrastructure and may reduce the need for new power stations over time.”

“Energy prices are now a significant drain on household budgets, it is hoped that with more awareness and practical advice to householders, our communities will take advantage of future Bank initiatives and incentives to see a tangible return on investment, like we have accomplished with solar energy over the last decade.”

“What doesn’t get discussed is the way moving from a 2-star NatHERS rating to say, a 4- or 5-star NatHERS rating will make an occupant feel. They will sleep better, live longer and generally as tenants stay longer in their rental which is an added incentive for landlords who own our investment housing to consider upgrades.”

 

About CSIRO

CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) was established on March 1, 1926 by the Australian Government with the vision to foster scientific research and innovation in regard to agriculture, mining and industrial development.

About NatHERS

NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) was founded in 1993 by CSIRO in partnership with the Australian Government. Their primary goal is to create sustainable, energy-efficient homes and to contribute to individual comfort and environmental sustainability across Australia.

 

Contact:
Email: press@certified.energy

 

Register for NatHERS Existing Home Trial Core Stream
https://ahd.csiro.au/nathers-existing-homes-trial-core-stream/?utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9T1SxisjBNCO4yvlZZ8ze8J2SxPj7x655LLRfK4ACZa225C1h0Bu8c9OaH0F5LoLCRetZQ

 

Jamie Bonnefin

Written by Jamie Bonnefin

Jamie is the Director of Australia's leading ESD consultancy, Certified Energy. Jamie is a Green Star sustainability leader, NABERS assessor and accredited ABSA and BDAV Assessor. With over 15 years of experience in Sustainable Design in the built environment industry, Jamie is passionate about his work.