If you're venturing into the residential building sector, you probably have come across the concepts of the National Construction Code (NCC) and NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating System).
The minimum energy rating has been upgraded from 7 stars to 6 stars. Meaning all of your projects will need to comply with the 7-star energy rating threshold. Understandably, you are worried about the extra construction expenditure associated with the extra star.
We're here to make your energy star upgradation process easy and affordable. Focusing on three main areas of your residential construction project can help you improve the energy efficiency of the residential dwelling and increase the star rating. These improvements will also make it for you to obtain the BASIX certificate.
Let's get started!
How To Increase NatHERS Star Rating of Your Residential Dwelling- 3 Practical Solutions.
1. Focus on building orientation
- The orientation of a home can make a big difference in energy efficiency. Building orientation can improve the energy efficiency of a home in Australia.
- The orientation of a building is determined by the prevailing wind direction, climatic zone and how that affects the sun's rays.
- The orientation should be appropriate for the climatic conditions. Orientation increases comfort and reduces maintenance costs, which will help you save expenses on your energy bills, thus improving your NatHERS star rating.
- Orientation aiming for passive heating should increase northern exposure of walls and glazing. It should also minimize west and east exposure to prevent excessive heating during hot seasons.
- Orientation aiming for passive cooling eliminates solar access with proper shading and enhances access to cooling breezes.
Also Read: Solar Panels And NatHERS 7-Star Rating: What’s the Connection?
2. Carefully plan the window glazing.
Window glazing can improve the energy efficiency of a home in Australia by reducing heat loss and solar heat gain.
- Appropriate window glazing should prevent heat loss from windows in winter. Heat loss can occur when there is no insulation around a window or when it is not sealed properly so that cold air can find its way back into the room.
- Proper glazing should also reduce solar heat gain through your windows in summertime (when sunlight enters your room), which prevents excessive cooling costs associated with using an AC/heating unit.
- High-performance windows are made from a variety of materials, including aluminium, vinyl and glass. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so you should choose the type that works best for your residential project and construction budget.
Having the correct glazing isn't just a requirement of NatHERS but also essential for a BASIX certificate.
3. Don't Forget Shading Components
Shading is an important aspect of energy efficiency in residential structures in Australia. Shading can help a home stay cooler by reducing the amount of sunlight entering a building while also reducing its impact on the environment.
There are three types of shading you'll want to consider when installing shading in your residential project:
a) Overhang: This is the most common type of shading used in Australia. Overhang shading provides an overhead cover that blocks direct sunlight from entering the room without creating shadowing or reflection issues.
b) Louver: Louvers are similar to overhangs but installed on the side instead of overhead. This type of shading gives you more control over how much light comes into your room and can help reduce glare from windows and skylights.
c) Wall-O-Shade: A wall-o-shade is a sheet that hangs from ceiling to floor and covers all sides except for one window or door opening (usually about 10% of each wall). This type of shading ensures that your windows receive less direct sunlight than before, reducing their need for air conditioning or heating during hot weather months, which saves money!
Therefore, appropriate shading can positively impact your NatHERS star rating.
Takeaway
Starting a new residential project? Hire experienced building consultants to streamline your energy efficiency requirements and documentation.
