THERMAL ASSESMENTS

Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a star rating system out of 10 that is used todetermine how energy efficient your proposed building will be. NatHERS is administered by the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. It sets the rules around energy assessments.

Under NatHERS, only Accredited Assessors can undertake a Thermal Performance Assessment. These Accredited Assessors must be registered with an Assessor Accrediting Organisation such as ABSA (Association of Building Sustainability Assessors) or BDAV (Building Designers Association of Victoria). These Accredited Assessor can be qualified in any of the 2nd Generation Software such as Accurate, Bers Pro or FirstRate 5..

Most states in Australia require a minimum of 6 stars to be obtained in the thermal assessment.Northern Territory requires 5 stars be obtained and NSW requires meeting BASIX. Under BASIX, homes in NSW must meet set minimum cooling and heating loads, thus meeting the Thermal Comfort Requirements of BASIX. Please note, that the thermal comfort of a building assesses the heating and cooling loads on a building based on its fabric (the building’s thermal performance). It does not assess the heating and cooling energy used, this is assessed in the Energy Index.

If a home does not meet the minimum thermal energy requirements, then Green Sustainable Homes will provide the Client with Improved solutions and cost effective methods to enhance the thermal efficiency of their home.