7 Star Rating: What Does It Mean and How to Achieve It?
If you're venturing into the Construction and building development field, you must have heard about phrases like "energy star ratings" or "7-star buildings."
Evaluated by a Nationwide Energy Rating Scheme Popularly known in simple terms as networks is a standard rating system that allows you to understand the energy efficiency and performance of a new or existing residential structure.
The star rating is inversely proportional to the energy consumption of a building. Therefore, a higher-star rating building will naturally have better energy-efficient systems to heat and cool the interiors to achieve thermal comfort than a lower-star-rated construction.
Previously, the minimum requirement for NatHERS assessment energy rating of new residential dwellings was 6 stars. However, under the updated guidelines and standards dictated by the Australian Building Code Board minimum of a seven-star rating Is necessary to obtain a building permit.
This small increase in energy star rating has given birth to several questions. One popular question is: how much difference does a single star increment make?
Let's find out!
While the NatHERS certificate is applicable for residential structures in Australia, commercial development needs to follow and submit the BCA section J report.
Why does the Australian government need to focus on more energy-efficient residential structures?
6 Star minimum M rating was introduced and incorporated into the Building Code of Australia decades ago. For a very long time, the government was under continuous pressure to increase the minimum star rating for improving sustainability.
According to the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. In a typical Australian residence, energy consumption can be segmented in the following pattern:
Heating and cooling requirements account for 40% of energy consumption.
25% goes towards heating water
Major appliances account for 30% of energy utilisation.
Artificial lighting fixtures consume the remaining 8-15% of the energy.
Here is an interesting fact: In Australia, household carbon emission is the fifth-largest source of greenhouse gas production.
The statics makes it clear that, as a nation, Australia needs to incorporate and adopt new ways to construct more energy-efficient and eco-friendly housing. This has led to the decision to increase energy rating through the NatHERS assessment.
Apart from ecological benefits, energy-efficient buildings and residential structures offer financial savings for occupants since energy bills are relatively low. Therefore, homeowners can easily pay off their mortgages. Sustainable buildings are also renowned for improving health standards as they focus on clean energy production.
Similarly, the BCA section J report focuses on improving the indoor environment quality of commercial buildings and reducing carbon footprint.
What are the factors considered for the NatHERS assessment?
When inspecting and assessing the thermal energy efficiency of a new residential structure, a NatHERS assessment considers several factors, including the construction materials that make up the house, external environmental factors such as climate and orientation and much more.
During the NatHERS assessment, you need to provide the following details related to your residential projects.
Geographical location and particular climatic zone.
Building orientation
Construction materials, building envelope and insulation.
Windows, glazing and ventilation
Energy and resource requirements
How much of a difference can a single star increment make?
According to several building sustainability experts, increasing the rating by a single star (from 6 to 7) across Australia would reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling by 24%.
Sounds brilliant? There's more!
Apart from energy requirement reduction for artificial heating and cooling, residential structures with a 7-star NatHERS rating can enjoy the added bonus of increased capital value in the market. According to research conducted by the University of Melbourne, homes with seven-star NatHERS ratings were worth a whopping 9.4% more on average.
To enjoy maximum benefits with greater energy efficiency either through NatHERS assessment or the BCA section J report, it is recommended that you consult a professional expert.
How do you achieve 7-Star NatHERS Ratings?
The Australian government released a fact sheet that highlighted a few tips to attain a 7-star NatHERS rating for new residential structures.
The seven tips to achieve 7 Star NatHERS rating include the following:
Involve a NatHERS assessor in the early design phases to avoid expensive complexities.
Pay special attention to building orientation and existing climatic conditions.
Improve glazing.
Introduce and increase zoning for better estimation of heating and cooling requirements.
Insulate more.
Check the interior and exterior colours.
Optimise artificial lighting fixtures.
Final Word
Building energy-efficient residential structures have now become a necessity for a sustainable future. Collaborate with a sustainability building consultant to design a futuristic, high-performing residential project.
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