The NatHERS Existing Homes Scheme: A New Tool for Energy Ratings
Australia’s housing landscape is undergoing a transformative shift with the expansion of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS ) to include existing homes. This landmark initiative, set for full rollout by mid-2025, aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce household costs, and support Australia’s transition to net-zero emissions. For homeowners, renters, and industry professionals, this marks a pivotal step toward sustainable living. Let’s explore what this expansion entails, its implications for NatHERS assessors, and how it interacts with existing frameworks like BASIX. Why NatHERS for Existing Homes Matters? Most Australian homes were built before modern energy standards, with over 10.8 million dwellings averaging below three stars in energy performance. The new NatHERS Existing Homes Scheme addresses this gap by introducing standardised energy assessments that evaluate a home’s thermal performance, fixed appliances (e.g., heating/cooling systems), a...