NatHERS Requirements for Australian States and Territories

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What is NatHERS?

Requirements for each Australian state

Minimum star rating for each state

Appendix

Works Cited

Contents

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- Australian Capital Territory (ACT)- New South Wales (NSW)- Northern Territory (NT)- Queensland (QLD)- South Australia (SA)- Tasmania (TAS)- Victoria (VIC)- Western Australia

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What is NatHERS?

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is an Australian star rating system that rates the energy efficiency of a home [1]. It supports Australian governments’ efforts to reduce energy impact of residential buildings [2]. NatHERS also contributes to make homes more comfortable for their inhabitants and simultaneously helps them to save on energy bills [1].

Using computer simulations, NatHERS calculates the potential thermal performance of Australian homes on a scale of zero to 10 stars. The more stars, the less likely the occupants will need to artificially cool or heat their homes to feel comfortable [3].

Many factors affect the NatHERS star rating, such as the home’s design, construction materials, the orientation of the residence and the climate where it is being built [1].

NatHERS groups regions of similar climatic conditions, referred to as climate zones [4]. Climate zones allow to produce a flexible approach to meet energy efficiency standards [2]. They generally match postcode boundaries, except where there is a topographical or other feature within the postcode area that impacts the local climate. [4]

Simulations allow to determine the heating and cooling loads throughout the year and how the dwelling performs according to the particular climate zone [4].

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Requirements for each Australian state

The National Construction Code (NCC), details the minimum necessary standards in the design and construction of new buildings throughout Australia [5]. This is where you can find the performance requirements for energy efficiency [6].NatHERS software tools are referenced in the NCC as one of the pathways to comply with these requirements [5].

What is important to know is that the NCC is given legal effect by state and territory governments [5]. This means that the states and territories are able to vary the technical provisions to suit their own circumstances [2]. Thus, the minimum energy efficiency requirements differ between states.State and territory governments also decide if the ratings must be done by accredited or licensed assessors, so this is another element that varies across jurisdictions [2].

All new buildings constructed in the ACT must comply with the provisions in the NCC, also known as Building Code of Australia (BCA) [6].

In the ACT, Class 1 buildings (detached and attached houses) and Class 4 parts of buildings must achieve a 6-star rating.

For Class 2 buildings (apartments), an average of six stars for all units in an apartment block and a minimum of five stars for each unit is required [6].

For alterations and additions, in cases where the existing dwelling has not previously been assessed using a NatHERS software, it may be more practical to use the Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) elemental provisions. This is another pathway to demonstrate compliance with the energy efficiency requirements [6].

ACT has also its own legislation for licensing and regulating energy assessors (appendix 1) [7].

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY (ACT)

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In New South Wales, the Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) system replaces BCA energy efficiency requirements and adds other sustainable aspects (water, energy) [5].

It is necessary to refer to the BASIX thermal comfort protocol [8] [6].

In the Northern Territory, the reference is the BCA.

All new houses and renovations to existing houses must have a 5-star energy rating [9].

The requirements for the Thermal Comfort part of BASIX are satisfied when:The heating and cooling do not exceed their respective caps for each dwelling (see Appendix 4)The average heating and cooling loads of a multi-dwelling do not exceed their respective caps calculated by BASIXThe calculation of the project achieves a ‘pass’ outcome

When using the BASIX tool, the heating and cooling loads must be adjusted to the climate zone where the project is located, to the type of dwelling as well as to the specific area inside the dwelling [8].

NatHERS can be used as one way of meeting BASIX targets for the heating and cooling performance of buildings. When using NatHERS for generating heating and cooling loads in NSW, assessors must rate the building taking into account the orientation, the construction materials, the climate zone and the exposure [8].

In NSW, the thermal comfort simulations must be conducted be an accredited assessor (appendix 1) [2].

Other types of buildings in the NT do not require a minimum energy rating [9]. The use of accredited assessors is recommended but not mandatory (appendix 1) [2].

NEW SOUTH WALES (NSW)

NORTHERN TERRITORY (NT)

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For all new apartments and townhouses,

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The minimum energy efficiency rating required for houses and townhouses is 6 stars [13]. This standard also applies when undertaking major renovations to existing houses, such as additions, alterations or re-locations [10].

New multi-unit residential buildings, such as apartments, must achieve an average rating of at

New homes and extensions built in South Australia must achieve at least 6 stars, as outlined into the BCA [12].

However, certain houses can be eligible for a concession [13] [12]. All new elevated Class 1 buildings with a lightweight framed flooring system and capable to be moved (including transportable houses):

of at least 5 stars for the whole building and individual units must achieve at minimum 4 stars [11]. These requirements also apply to major renovations to this type of building [11].

The use of accredited assessors is simply recommended (appendix 1) [2].

With a floor area of 60 square meters or more, if they are located in one of the indicated local government areas (see Appendix 3) or in Climate Zone 4 as defined in the BCA.The additional energy consumed must be offset by the installation of a renewable energy source.With a floor area less than 60 square meters, regardless of their location. In those cases, only a minimum 5-star-rating is required [12].

South Australia keeps its own register of certifiers (appendix 1) [14].

QUEENSLAND (QLD)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA (SA)

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A 6-star rating is the minimum level for thermal efficiency and comfort in Tasmania. It applies to all new detached houses or units, and any attached outbuildings such as a garage [15].

New apartments must also comply with a 6-star rating [15].

In Victoria, all new homes, home renovations, alterations and additions must comply with a 6-star standard in accordance to the provisions included in the BCA [16].

The requirement only applies to major home extensions and renovations (alterations and

New extensions and additions to existing houses must achieve the 6-star requirement [15].

In Tasmania, energy ratings assessments can be prepared by accredited assessors, architects or building designers (appendix 1) [2].

additions). Indeed, if more than 50 per cent of an existing house is being renovating, the whole house need to achieve a 6-star rating.

Minor building works, not requiring a building permit, are not affected by this regulation [16].

It is important to note that Moreland City Council needs an average of 6.5 stars.This rating applies to the building envelope: the roof, walls, floor and windows. It indicates the thermal performance of a home and also includes efficiency standards for lighting (but not plug in appliances) [16].

In Victoria, some councils require a BESS report. BESS is a sustainable design assessment tool that assesses thermal comfort, energy, water efficiency, and overall environmental sustainability performance of any building type [17]. Its use requires an understanding of the NatHERS [17].

In Victoria, it is mandatory to use an accredited assessor (appendix 1) [2].

TASMANIA (TAS)

VICTORIA (VIC)

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The energy efficiency requirements contained in the BCA are applied in Western Australia in accordance to the government technical requirements. The minimum standard is 6 stars [18].This concerns all new houses, new residential buildings as well as alterations and additions to buildings [18].

Western Australian has some specific guidelines to select the climate zone within the NatHERS software. The WA NatHERS Alternative Climate Zone Spreadsheet [19] must be used to complement the national climate zone map [20].In Western Australia, the use of accredited assessors is only encouraged (appendix 1)[2].

WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA)

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Table 1: shows the minimum star rating required for new homes and alterations/additions as well as the relevant code in each state.

*Recommendation (more practical to achieve)

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Appendix 1:

Appendix 2:

Table 2: shows legislation and regulations for energy efficiency requirements under each state (from 2014)[2].

Table 3: shows assessor accreditation requirements in each state as of 2014 [2].

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Appendix 3:

List of the local governments eligible for a concession in South Australia (for houses with a floor area of 60 square meters) [12]

Ceduna CouncilCleve CouncilThe Coorong District CouncilElliston CouncilFlinders Ranges CouncilFranklin Harbour CouncilGoyder CouncilKangaroo Island CouncilKaroonda East Murray CouncilKimba CouncilLand not within a Council areaLower Eyre Peninsula Council

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Land not within a Council areaLower Eyre Peninsula CouncilMid Murray CouncilMount Remarkable CouncilOrroroo Carrieton CouncilPeterborough CouncilSouthern Mallee CouncilStreaky Bay CouncilTatiara CouncilTumby Bay CouncilWudinna Council

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Appendix 4:

Maximum thermal load caps under BASIX (to be used as a guide only).

Table A: Maximum loads for single dwellings, and average in multi dwelling projects [8]

Table B: Maximum loads for each dwelling in a multi dwelling projects [8]

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Works Sited

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Works Sited[1] Australian Government - Department of the Environment and Energy, “Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS),” [Online]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[2] Australian Government – Department of the Environment and Energy, “Administrative and Gov-ernance Arrangements,” 08 2015. [Online]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/files/publications/Admin%20Governance%20Arrangements-August%202015.pdf. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[3] Australian Government – Department of the Environment and Energy , “Star rating scale overview,” [Online]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/owners-and-builders/star-rating-scale-overview. [Ac-cessed 13 02 2018].

[4] Australian Government – Department of the Environment and Energy , “NatHERS Climate Zones and Weather Files,” [Online]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/nathers-accredited-software/nathers-climate-zones-and-weather-files. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[5] Australian Government – Department of the Environment and Energy , “The National Construc-tion Code and State and Territory Regulations,” 13 02 2018. [Online]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/governance/national-construction-code-and-state-and-territory-regulations.

[6] ACT Planning & Land Authority , “Energy rating of residential buildings in the ACT,” 07 2010. [Online]. Available: http://www.planning.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/891747/Energy_rat-ing_of_residential_buildings_2.pdf. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[7] Australian Building Sustainability Association , “Update on Energy Efficiency Provisions in the ACT,” [Online]. Available: https://www.absa.net.au/accreditation/act. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[8] Australian Building Sustainability Association , “NSW ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES,” 1 07 2017. [Online]. Available: https://www.absa.net.au/documents/item/359. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[9] Northern Territory Government of Australia, “Building and energy efficiency,” 28 11 2017. [On-line]. Available: https://nt.gov.au/property/building-and-development/building-and-energy-efficiency. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[10] Department of Housing and Public Works , “Building and Plumbing Newsflash 548 - Energy as-sessments for residential dwellings and use of software,” 8 12 2015. [Online]. Available: http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/BuildingAndPlumbingNewsflash548.pdf. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[11] Department of Housing and Public Works, “5-star energy efficiency rating for residential units,” 01 2014. [Online]. Available: http://www.hpw.qld.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/FiveStarEnergyEffi-ciencyRatingFactSheet.pdf. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[12] Government of South Australia , “Energy efficiency assessments,” 16 12 2016. [Online]. Avail-able: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/planning-and-property/land-and-property-development/build-ing-rules-regulations-and-information/sustainability-and-efficiency-regulations/professional-informa-tion-for-house-energy-rating-assessors. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

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[13] Governement of South Australia - Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, “Al-ternative methods for complying with the six star energy efficiency requirements,” 06 2012. [Online]. Available: http://www.saplanningportal.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/285382/Building-advi-sory-notice-04-12-Technical-Alternative-methods-for-complying-with-the-six-star-energy-efficien-cy-requirement.pdf. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[14] Government of South Australia, “Private certifiers,” 02 03 2018. [Online]. Available: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/planning-and-property/land-and-property-development/engaging-build-ing-industry-professionals/list-of-registered-private-certifiers. [Accessed 08 03 2018].

[15] Tasmania Government - Department of Justice, “Star ratings,” [Online]. Available: http://www.justice.tas.gov.au/building/building-and-plumbing/energy_efficiency/star_ratings. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[16] Victorian Building Authority, “6 Star Standard,” [Online]. Available: http://www.vba.vic.gov.au/consumers/six-star-standard. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[17] Council Aliance for a Sustainable Built Environment, “BESS Prospectus,” [Online]. Available: http://bess.net.au/. [Accessed 19 02 2018].

[18] Government of Western Australia - Department of Mines, Industry regulations and Safety, “More time to reach 6 Energy Efficiency Stars Alterations and additions to buildings,” 08 05 2014. [Online]. Available: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/announcements/more-time-reach-6-ener-gy-efficiency-stars-alterations-and-additions-buildings. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[19] Government of Western Australia , “WA NatHERS Alternative ClimateZone Spreadsheet,” [On-line]. Available: https://www.absa.net.au/documents/item/419. [Accessed 08 02 2018].

[20] Governement of Western Australia - Department of Finance Public Utilities Office, “Public Utilities Office – NatHERS Technical Requirements,” Perth, 2013.Department of the Environment and Energy, “About,” [Online]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/about. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[21] Australian Government – Department of the Environment and Energy , “Governance,” [On-line]. Available: http://www.nathers.gov.au/governance. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[22] Australian Building Codes Board , “State and Territory Building Administrations,” [Online]. Available: http://www.abcb.gov.au/ABCB/State-and-Territory-Building-Administrations. [Accessed 13 02 2018].

[23] Government of Western Australia - Department of Mines, Regulations and Safety, “Powering your new house for less – sustainable housing,” 28 05 2014. [Online]. Available: http://www.com-merce.wa.gov.au/publications/powering-your-new-house-less-sustainable-housing. [Accessed 15 02 2018].

[24] Australian states images available [Online] : http://www.abcb.gov.au/ABCB/State-and-Territo-ry-Building-Administrations [Accessed 15 02 2018]

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