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When building a new home you must comply with the energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code Volume Two. These requirements aim to reduce the environmental impacts of buildings by reducing the amount of energy consumed.
There are several options for complying with the energy efficiency requirements with the most common option being an assessment under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS).
From 1 May 2024, homes will be required to achieve 7-star efficiency and a whole-of-home rating not less than 60 under the NatHERS option.
A higher star and whole-of-home rating means the building is more energy efficient.
To learn more, watch the NatHERS explanation video.
It is recommended to use a NatHERS accredited assessor to prepare an energy rating report to submit as part of a building permit application.
If you are planning to extend or substantially renovate your home (e.g. more than 50 per cent) you may need to comply with the current energy efficiency requirements. This is a complicated area as it depends on a variety of factors. It is best to consult with a registered building surveyor to ascertain the extent of compliance required.
A NatHERS assessor can provide you with advice on how to achieve compliance for your extension or renovation project.
You can find more information about existing homes at: