Guidelines and Standards

New Homes

Designing for compliance and long-term efficiency

For new homes and major renovations energy ratings can be an integral part of meeting the National Construction Code (NCC) energy efficiency requirements. Around nine in ten new homes use this approach.

Modelling early in the design phase allows designers and builders to test different orientations, configurations, materials and systems to optimise the home’s rating.

Energy-smart building design is central to achieving high home energy ratings. Factors such as orientation, insulation, glazing, ventilation and material choices all influence how well a home performs – both in comfort and in energy use. By understanding and applying passive design principles, designers and builders can deliver homes that are more resilient to extreme temperatures, cost less to run, are more comfortable and meet or exceed regulatory requirements.

Existing Homes

Upgrading energy efficiency through information

A Home Energy Rating for an existing home uses a tailored approach that considers the property’s age, orientation, construction type and existing appliances. The assessment and certificate also help identify what upgrades will have the most impact. This information supports targeted retrofits and staged improvements of existing homes ensuring energy efficiency gains are maximised, and the client achieves a more comfortable home which costs less to run.

A Home Energy Rating for existing homes cannot be used to meet NCC requirements for major renovations and extensions. A Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) for New Homes can be used for these projects.

Energy-smart building design is central to achieving high home energy ratings. Factors such as orientation, insulation, glazing, ventilation and material choices all influence how well a home performs – both in comfort and in energy use. By understanding and applying passive design principles and appliance energy efficiency, designers and builders can deliver homes that are more resilient to extreme temperatures, cost less to run, are more comfortable and meet or exceed regulatory requirements.t

Collaboration with Assessors

Working together for the best results

Accredited assessors provide much more than a Home Energy Rating certificate. For designers and builders, working closely with an assessor at the early stages of the design process means that energy efficiency is built into the project from the beginning.

When to engage an accredited assessor

To ensure compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and local regulations, it’s best to involve an accredited assessor early in the design phase.

Whether you are building a new home or undertaking a renovation (link to renovation page under household content), early energy performance modelling can guide key design choices, such as the home’s orientation, as well as the best materials, insulation and glazing for the climate. This avoids costly re-design or construction alterations if you discover your design does not comply with the NCC and local regulations later in the process.

How to choose an assessor

Designers and builders should work with accredited assessors. Accreditation guarantees a well-trained assessor who is subject to professional standards and quality assurance. Choosing an assessor familiar with your type of project – from renovations and custom builds to volume housing – can also make the process smoother.

Collaboration with an accredited assessor creates better outcomes… a smoother, cheaper design process, compliance with state and territory regulations, and comfortable homes with lower energy bills.

To locate an accredited assessor, contact an accreditation body for the relevant rating type.

• AAOs for assessors that conduct Home Energy Ratings (NatHERS) for New Home and Major renovations assessments based on design (Link to New Homes AAO page)
• AASP for assessors that conduct Home Energy Ratings for existing homes (Link to Existing Homes AASP page)

A Home Energy Rating for existing homes certificate cannot be used to meet NCC requirements for major renovations and extensions. A Home Energy Rating (NatHERS) for New Homes can be used for these projects.