Software consultation now open

We're developing a 'Home Energy Rating Software Protocol for New and Existing Homes' that will provide a single framework for software used for assessments under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). The new protocol will cover governance, technical, privacy, security, audit and operational requirements. It will support cloud-based tools, reduce duplication, improve consistency, strengthen assurance, and promote innovation across the NatHERS software ecosystem.

We want your feedback on the proposed protocol. You can help us create a practical, proportionate and future-ready framework that supports market access, manages emerging risks, and maintains the integrity of NatHERS.

The consultation will run for 6 weeks until Monday 21 December 2026. 

Consultation documents

Read more

You can find more information about the proposal by visiting the links listed below: 

• User Interface Protocol – Existing Homes
• Software Accreditation Protocol – New Homes
• NatHERS Software Standardisation and Specification Document for existing homes
• Software Standardisation Document for new homes (thermal) 
• NatHERS Technical Note – New Homes
• NatHERS Technical Note – Existing Homes
• NatHERS Guidance Note – Existing Homes
• Assessor Handbook – New Homes
• CSIRO’s Zendesk web page.

Have your say

To have your say on the proposed 'Home Energy Rating Software Protocol for New and Existing Homes':

• read the consultation documents in detail (see above links under ‘Consultation Documents’) 
• prepare a written submission in a separate document.

Submit your feedback in writing by COB Monday 21 December to: UIP@nathers.gov.au

How to submit and what happens

Identified submissions 

Please provide your name, organisation and contact details in the submission email. We may use your contact details to clarify your feedback and comments, if required. 

Your response will be treated as private and confidential. It will not be displayed publicly on the website or otherwise disclosed outside the department unless this is required or authorised by law (for example, in response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request).

Personal information of other individuals 

If you are making a submission on behalf of another person, or your submission contains someone else’s personal information, you must have their consent. If you do not have their consent, please de-identify or remove any individual’s personal information before lodging your submission. 

How we will use and disclose your personal information 

We are bound by the Australian Privacy Principles in Schedule 1 of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). The Privacy Act regulates how we may collect, use, disclose and store personal information. We also hold personal information in accordance with the Archives Act 1983 (Cth).

The department and consultant will use any personal information provided in your submission to:

• assess the outcomes and effectiveness of the 'Home Energy Rating Software Protocol for New and Existing Homes'
• assess the potential impact or outcomes of the 'Home Energy Rating Software Protocol for New and Existing Homes' on the industry and government
• inform policy development that may be undertaken following the review
• identify relevant stakeholders and their industry
• contact you about your submission, including for further information, feedback or to conduct a survey either by us or our representative.

If you have any questions relating to the consultation, or how to make a submission, please email: UIP@nathers.gov.au. 

Newsletter

If you would like updates about consultations or similar topics, we publish a regular newsletter. You can subscribe via this web page.