Conceptualised and introduced in 1993, NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) determines a residential dwelling’s energy efficiency to provide thermal comfort and generate a star rating. The start rating scale ranges from 0 to 10.
The greater the star rating, the minimal energy is required to artificially heat and cool the living space to keep it comfortable.
Assessors performing the NatHERS assessment generally utilise the residential project plans, and construction and design specifications of residential development to input data into a NatHERS accredited software tool. NatHERS tools evaluate the heat load that needs to be added or eliminated to keep the interiors of a residential dwelling comfortable.
Once the data are fed to the software and the evaluation is completed, the NatHERS tools generate a NatHERS star rating of 10 and a NatHERS Certificate. This star rating indicates the residential dwelling’s thermal performance based on its design structure and building materials.
NatHERS has become an integral part of the BASIX certificate. In the thermal comfort section, a NatHERS rating is essential to understand the thermal performance of a new residential dwelling in NSW.
What Are The Costs Associated With NatHERS Assessment?
NatHERS assessment has two components.
- The first is the fixed Government fee paid to the CSIRO HStar government web portal for generating the certificate. The amount is $30+GST per dwelling.
- Additionally, you’ll need to pay a specific service fee to the accredited NatHERS assessor performing the site assessment. This service fee depends on the complexity of the residential project and thus varies for each unique project.
- Remember BASIX certificate costs are separate from the NatHERS assessment cost and need to be paid separately during the BASIX assessment of water and energy components.
What Is The Validity Of The NatHERS Certificate?
NatHERS certificates created after the assessment in the HStar portal have a 12-month validity. If your residential project is updated or modified before 12 months from the date of issuance, the old certificates in the HStar portal can be updated without any additional cost. However, after the completion of 12 months, a fresh certificate must be purchased with government fees and service fees.
What Is A NatHERS Accessor?
A NatHERS Assessor is a professional organisation or agency that is trained, certified, qualified and accredited to perform the NatHERS assessment using the software tool and award a building-efficiency star rating under the national Assessor Accredited Organisation (AAO).
Three organisations are certified to offer training to companies under the AAO:
- Australian Building Sustainability Organisation (ABSA),
- House Energy Rates Association (HERA)
- Design Matters National
Also Read This : A Practical Insight To natHERS Assessment
What Is Considered A Good NatHERS Rating?
NatHERS assessment is based on a 10-point star system when rating your residential project. On this scale, the higher the rating, the more ‘thermally comfortable’ the interior environment is. Thus, less energy is required to artificially heat and cool the residential property.
6-stars is the minimum rating required for a residential project in most states and territories in Australia. Anything above the 6-stars rating is considered to be a good NatHERS score.
If your residential project scores 10 stars, it indicates that the development is unlikely to need artificial heating or cooling from electronic appliances such as air conditioners, ceiling fans or heaters to keep the interior climate of your residential property comfortable.
NatHERS assessment has become a vital component of the Australian sustainability standards. Ensure to get your NatHERS and BASIX certificate from an accredited building consultant.
