Overview

For almost 30 years the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) has provided energy performance information and ratings, to support the delivery of comfortable, energy efficient homes to Australian homeowners.

There are exciting changes coming to NatHERS that will help deliver the next generation of modern, sustainable homes for the future.

A NatHERS star rating provides information about the thermal performance (heating and cooling needs) of a new home based on the:

  • home’s design
  •  materials
  • climate where it is being built.

Upcoming changes

Work is underway to expand and improve home energy ratings to assess and rate the energy performance of the whole home and of older, existing homes.

NatHERS will continue to provide a thermal performance star rating, while also introducing a new Whole of Home rating. This rating includes an assessment of common household appliances, and any on-site energy generation and storage, for example, through solar panels and a battery.

There will also be voluntary assessments for older homes, where building plans are not available. These assessments will help home owners to:

  • understand their home’s energy performance
  • identify cost-effective upgrades
  • improve energy efficiency
  • reduce energy bills.

We would like to know your thoughts and suggestions about these proposed changes and how they may affect you.

We will use the information you provide to guide and inform final decisions about the changes to NatHERS.

Discussion paper

This survey is designed to be read in conjunction with a discussion paper. It provides background information and a detailed explanation of the changes to NatHERS.

Proposed changes to the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) Discussion Paper (15MB PDF)

The Discussion Paper refers to a number of technical papers that are also available for review and comment. These are available for anyone to review. However, due to their technical nature, those familiar with NatHERS or other energy assessments are likely best placed to review these.

Your feedback

Responses generally supported the proposed changes including:

  • maintaining and improving building thermal performance
  • expanding and extending assessments to the whole home including fixed appliances and established properties.

The consultation summary report on the NatHERS website outlines key consultation themes and how we are addressing the issues raised.

Read more

NatHERS Technical Papers

Whole of Home:

In Home:

Links

Recorded public webinars

Watch our recorded public webinars to learn more about the proposed changes. These webinars will help you complete the survey or make a formal submission. If you have any specific questions about the sessions, or the consultation, please email us at admin@NatHERS.gov.au.

NatHERS Overview and Changes to Regulation (including recorded Q&A on Thursday 18 November)

Experts will guide you through upcoming changes to NatHERS including improvements to Thermal software, and how Whole of Home and In Home assessments will be introduced into the Scheme. This session will also dive deeper into how the changes will support proposed variations to the National Construction Code for 2022, including software changes, proposed certificates, training and accreditation processes. This webinar includes a Q&A session that may assist in answering some of your queries about the proposed changes.

NatHERS Technical Overview (including recorded Q&A on Monday 22 November)

This technically focused information session is tailored for tool providers and other industry professionals involved in NatHERS assessments. It will take a detailed look at the methods and assumptions that go into the Whole of Home calculations and those being considered for In Home assessments, and the supporting guidance for Whole of Home and In Home assessors such as technical notes, handbooks and professional development pathways. This webinar includes a Q&A session that may assist in answering some of your queries about the proposed changes.


Timeline