5 min read

The Thermal Balance Challenge - How Efficient is Your Design?

By Jamie Bonnefin on Jan 31, 2023 3:29:47 PM

 

Topics: ESD Architecture Certification Update NatHERS Star Rating
1 min read

7 Star Energy Designs

By Jamie Bonnefin on Aug 3, 2022 1:41:12 PM

With the new NatHERs minimum set to change to a 7-star energy rating, you may be wondering how to go about building a new house that meets the target. 

Topics: Architecture NatHERS Construction Energy Efficiency
2 min read

Upgrading to 7 Stars Energy Rating on a Budget

By Jamie Bonnefin on Jul 11, 2022 11:39:00 AM

If you are building homes then you probably have heard about the National Construction Code (NCC) and NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating System). And you may already know that the minimum energy rating will soon be changing from 6 star to 7 star. Meaning all of your projects will soon have to meet the 7 star energy rating threshold. Understandably, you will be worried about the extra costs associated with the extra star.

Topics: NatHERS Changes news Energy Assessment Tips & Tricks
1 min read

What is a 7 Star Energy Rating? | Certified Energy

By Jamie Bonnefin on Jun 21, 2022 1:34:13 PM

The National Construction Code (NCC formally known as the BCA) will soon require all new residential dwellings in Australia (Except NSW)* to achieve a minimum of a 7 Star Rating using the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), approved software.

Topics: ESD NatHERS Star Rating Changes FAQ
4 min read

Eaves and thermal comfort

By Jamie Bonnefin on May 12, 2021 11:44:47 AM

Building for the Australian Climate.

A building’s access to sunlight is one of the leading factors contributing to its thermal comfort, with the amount of direct sunlight that the building receives greatly influencing the passive heating and cooling factors. However, as the sun’s path varies seasonally, accounting for the required direct sunlight a building needs becomes difficult. The eaves of building construction can maintain great benefits if used correctly.

Topics: ESD BASIX NatHERS Accreditations Construction Energy Efficiency Residential
2 min read

A National Rollout Of Victoria's Residential Efficiency Scorecard In 2021

By Billie Karadimas on Mar 16, 2021 10:06:20 AM

The Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard is a program which rates the energy performance of residential homes on a 10 star ranking system and provides recommendations to home owners to reduce energy costs. The Scorecard provides an energy assessment with consideration of fixed heating and cooling appliances, hot water systems, window orientation and general structure of the home.

Topics: NatHERS Energy Efficiency Scorecard
3 min read

Your Carbon Foot Print at home

By Adam Serry on Apr 30, 2020 6:31:32 PM

Tips and Tricks to implement within your household to help reduce your carbon footprint and live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle! 

Topics: BASIX NatHERS Sustainability Energy Efficiency Thermal Performance
4 min read

Tips to achieving a 6 Star Energy Rating

By Ilvy Bonnefin on Apr 25, 2020 11:58:34 AM

NatHERS, (or Nationalwide House Energy Rating Scheme), provides a rating system to determine the thermal comfort of Australian homes through software simulations. This system rates from zero to ten stars. The more stars a home gets the more comfortable the occupants will feel when living in the house/unit without additional cooling or heating systems. A building is unlikely to need any artificial heating or cooling system if it gets a 10 star rating.

Topics: Architecture NatHERS Thermal Comfort Thermal Performance Residential
4 min read

How the DA process works in NSW | From Pre-DA to Finish

By Ilvy Bonnefin on Apr 25, 2020 11:51:30 AM

Prior to commencing most types of developments in NSW, you will have to lodge a Development Application (DA) with your local council. 

Topics: BASIX NatHERS Sustainability Residential
2 min read

Top Tips on how to pass BASIX

By Deniro Stocks on Apr 25, 2020 11:48:30 AM

BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) assesses the energy and water efficiency of your development. It is one of the most important planning tools currently operating in NSW to ensure buildings are being developed to operate in a sustainable manner. In NSW the State Government requires that a BASIX Certificate is attached to all development plans when submitted for DA approval.

Topics: ESD BASIX NatHERS Thermal Comfort Sustainability Energy Efficiency Residential