As the world progresses towards a sustainable future, the construction industry is slowly adapting to more sustainable methods.
In May 2023, the National Home Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) released its latest updates. This upgrade will include new ways to make homes more energy-efficient, as well as tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint.
If you want to stay ahead of the competitive curve on sustainable building, make sure to check out the latest innovations and techniques in sustainable construction.
What are the latest updates you can expect from NatHERS?
New software accreditation
AccuRate Home is now fully accredited and can be used to produce both thermal and Whole of Home ratings and certificates for new dwellings, compliant with NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements.
This means that AccuRate Home is now the only software that can be used to generate Whole of Home ratings for new dwellings during NatHERS assessment.
New Whole of Home rating
NatHERS has introduced a new Whole of Home rating, which takes into account the energy efficiency of the building shell, the heating and cooling systems, and the appliances.
This rating will help home buyers to make more informed decisions about their purchases.
The Whole of Home rating is on a scale of 1 to 10 stars. 10 stars signify the most energy-efficient building. The rating is based on the following elements:
- The energy efficiency of the building shell
- The efficiency of the HVAC systems (heating and cooling systems).
- The energy efficiency of the appliances
NatHERS is being updated to include a new climate file
Previously the NatHERS climate file was based on data from the 1970s and 1980s. With the recent update, the climate file entails data from the 2000s and 2010s.
This will help to ensure that NatHERS ratings are more accurate and reliable in the current climate.
Additionally, the new climate file includes data for more locations and climate types in Australia.
Some of the fundamental advantages of using the new climate file include:
- More accurate and reliable ratings for varying climatic zones and locations
- Improved decision-making about energy-efficient building designs and practices.
- Reduced energy consumption
How Can You Prepare for the Future of Sustainable Building?
Educate yourself about sustainable building practices
There're many resources available to learn about sustainable building, including books, articles, and websites. By educating yourself and hiring building consultants, you'll be better equipped to make proper decisions about your building projects.
Choose sustainable materials and products
There are a growing number of sustainable materials and products available on the market. When choosing materials and products for your building project, look for those that have been certified by a reputable organisation, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.
Design your building for energy efficiency
There are several ways to design a building for energy efficiency, such as using insulation, energy-efficient appliances, and solar panels. By designing your building for energy efficiency, you can save money on your energy expenses and minimise your environmental impact.
Build your building to last
Sustainable buildings are built to last. By using durable materials and construction techniques, you can create a building that will stand the test of time and reduce the requirement for demolition and new construction in the future.
Wrapping Up
NatHERS is an important tool for improving the energy efficiency of Australian homes. By understanding NatHERS and the updates that are being made, you can help to make your residential projects more energy efficient and earn recognition in the industry.
