6 Design Tips for a 6 Star NatHERS Energy Rating

What is a 6 Star Rating?

The National Construction Code (NCC formally known as the BCA) requires all new residential dwellings in Australia (Except NSW)* to achieve a minimum of a 6 Star Rating using the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), approved software.

One of our most frequent requests from our clients is to reduce or remove the requirements of double glazing on their projects. Double Glazing can cost up to twice the amount of single glazing and on some projects it can tip the feasibility scales. Every year it seems the ever improving Energy Efficiency - Section J of the National Construction Code and the National Thermal Comfort (NatHERS) regulations are making it increasingly difficult to avoid specifying double glazing. However, at Certified Energy we have 5 tried and true tips that will go a long way to avoid specifying double glazing on your next project.

You might be in a hurry when you are looking for your NatHERS assessment. But be aware of choosing too fast and ending up with an Assessor that will take their time. We have written down 4 tips we think you should know before choosing your NatHERS Assessor.

NSW BASIX Regulation Update for Architects:

The Evidence of Suitability method using the Deemed to Satisfy Provisions of Part J of the Energy Efficiency section of the NCC Volume 1 (formally the BCA) have been chosen as the most appropriate method to assess the compliance of the proposed development.

Due to concerns regarding global warning, the Australian Government in July 2000, announced that the State and Territory governments along with industry had reached agreement in regards to adopting a “two pronged” approach to reducing the overall greenhouse emissions from buildings. This was first introduced through the implementation of mandatory minimum energy performance requirements through the Building Code of Australia (BCA). Secondly was the encouragement of voluntary best practice initiatives within the industry. These initiatives were widely supported, with the reasoning that the building related matters be consolidated in the BCA wherever possible.