Unlock the secrets to an energy-efficient home with the NatHERS Existing Home Trial, set to revolutionise how Australians rate and improve their properties.
The NatHERS Existing Home Trial is a groundbreaking nationwide pilot program set to run from late 2024 into 2025. This initiative is designed to test and refine the expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) to include existing homes across Australia. Until now, NatHERS ratings were exclusively available for new homes and major renovations. However, the upcoming expansion, slated for mid-2025, will enable millions of Australian homeowners to access official energy ratings for their current properties.
This expansion is a significant step forward in Australia's commitment to energy efficiency and sustainability. By providing homeowners with accurate energy ratings, the trial aims to empower them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about energy efficiency upgrades, ultimately leading to reduced energy bills and enhanced living comfort.
The NatHERS Existing Home Trial is organised into two main streams: the Core Stream and the Scale Stream. The Core Stream involves trained assessors conducting detailed in-home energy assessments. These assessments provide a comprehensive analysis of a home's energy performance, identifying opportunities for improvement.
The Scale Stream, on the other hand, focuses on collecting property data during home valuation inspections. This stream aims to test the scalability of the scheme across diverse regions and housing types, ensuring that the new rating process is both accurate and effective on a large scale. The trial is being conducted in collaboration with CSIRO, major banks such as ANZ, ING, and NAB, property valuers, and energy assessors, all working together to ensure the process is user-friendly and reliable.
Homeowners selected to participate in the trial, often through their bank when refinancing or topping up a mortgage, will receive a free in-home energy assessment. This assessment typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes and is conducted by a trained energy assessor. Following the assessment, homeowners will receive a trial energy rating certificate.
The certificate will feature a star rating and tailored recommendations for energy efficiency upgrades. These recommendations are designed to help homeowners identify practical ways to reduce their energy bills and improve home comfort. Participant feedback is crucial for refining the assessment tools, processes, and overall consumer experience ahead of the full national rollout.
The NatHERS Existing Home Trial is more than just a pilot program; it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of energy efficiency in Australia. One of the primary goals of the trial is to pave the way for mandatory energy rating disclosure, which will provide potential homebuyers with valuable information about a property's energy performance.
Additionally, the trial supports the growth of green finance by providing banks with reliable energy performance data, which can be used to offer incentives for energy-efficient homes. This initiative is also integral to helping Australia meet its climate and energy efficiency targets, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Homeowners interested in the NatHERS Existing Home Trial should stay informed about its progress and results. As the trial progresses, updates and findings will be shared, providing valuable insights into the effectiveness of the new rating system.
Those considering participating in future programs should keep an eye out for announcements regarding the official launch in mid-2025. This launch will make it easier than ever for homeowners to benchmark their properties, identify opportunities for upgrades, and future-proof their homes for enhanced comfort, savings, and sustainability.