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Showing posts with the label Nathers

The NatHERS Existing Homes Scheme: A New Tool for Energy Ratings

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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...

Why Build a 7-Star NatHERS Home? The Benefits of Energy-Efficient Living

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In Australia, there is a growing emphasis on ensuring the construction of a sustainable home owing to emerging trends such as new building regulations like NatHERS. For instance, a home that achieves a 7-star NatHERS rating is considered quite energy-efficient, with ten being the highest earned.  In this post, we shall elaborate on what a 7-star rating is, when it matters and why you need it for your new house. What is NatHERS and How Does it Work?   Australia has joined the green revolution. They are aiming to make houses eco-friendly, whereby the heating and cooling costs you incur are minimized. How do they evaluate the quality of a house? They have a standard rating system for houses, which is known as NatHERS, just as you have one for appliances. More stars mean less energy consumption. What aspect makes a house energy-efficient? NatHERS assessment considers several factors such as the geographic orientation of the house, its elevation, its roofs and walls, windows, and...

How has the NABERS Rating Contributed to a Greener Build Environment in Australia?

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NABERs, or National Australian Built Environment Rating System, is an agency that believes in scaling the levels of sustainability in building development.   This agency works towards ensuring that sustainable buildings shouldn't just be considered for a better planet but also to make the spaces healthier or happier.   NABERS Rating: Understanding the Concept At NABERs, the professionals provide reliable and comparable measurements of sustainability that you will be able to trust across diverse building sectors, such as shopping centres, data centres, apartments, and others. The NABERS rating system has always been helpful for builders to drive immense returns and growth in their journey of developing properties.  The idea behind NABERS is to drive corporate procurement by reviewing the sustainability and operational performance achievements.  With NABERS, a building will be rated based on accurate measurement, understandability, and communication associat...

How to Find a NatHERS Assessor for Your Next Residential Project?

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NatHERS assessors or Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme assessors are professional energy evaluators.  They can ensure that your new or renovated home meets the minimum energy efficiency requirements for thermal comfort determined by your state or territory.  It uses a 10-star rating system for assessing the building's thermal performance across Australia.   Are you struggling to find a professional NatHERS assessor for your next residential construction project? Read further to uncover the best tips for hiring a well-qualified NatHERS assessor.  Finding a Professional NatHERS assessor for Residential Construction Project   Check qualifications Whenever looking for a NatHERS assessor, choose the one based on the relevant building industry degree qualifications. The energy compliance assessor can be from an engineering, building design, or architecture background.   Moreover, look for their certifications when reviewing the NatHERS assessor's r...

Section J or JV3: Making the Right Choice for Building Compliance and Environmental Impact

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When it comes to constructing energy-efficient buildings, compliance with building codes and regulations is of utmost importance.  In Australia, two widely recognised compliance methods in commercial development are Section J and JV3. Understanding the differences between these methods and knowing when to use each one can significantly impact the design and construction process.   In this blog post, we'll delve into the details of Section J and JV3 assessment, highlighting their features, benefits, and appropriate use cases. What is Section J? Section J is a performance-based compliance method outlined in Part J of the National Construction Code (NCC) in Australia.  It sets out the minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings.  Section J covers various aspects, including thermal performance, glazing, lighting, and HVAC systems, to ensure buildings operate efficiently and reduce their environmental impact. What are the Key Features of Section ...