Simply put an energy rating measures the energy efficiency of the building fabric (floor, walls, roof and all of their components) of a building.
An energy rating assesses various environmental and building criteria and allocates a point score of 0 to 10 stars, with 10 being the ultimate energy rating a building can receive for sustainability and energy efficiency.
The point score itself shows the percentage difference in energy use relative to a house located in the same climate zone.
Every State and Territory in Australia has different legislation on accreditation for undertaking an energy rating report.
Whilst not all require an Energy Rater to be accredited in order to issue a certificate, it is ideal to work with someone with accreditation and experience as they will be versed in current regulations. Energy Rating Reports produced by an accredited assessor also guarantees it will be accepted by Building Surveyors and relevant building authorities in your jurisdiction.
Every energy rating certificate produced at Floyd Energy® is by a nationally accredited Thermal Performance Assessor (Energy Rater).
Nationally, energy efficiency requirements are defined by the National Construction Code (NCC) (formerly known as the Building Code of Australia). These requirements for home energy ratings are further detailed in various state additions and differ from state to state, with Victoria having the most stringent requirements.
In a standard energy rating, we assess the building construction materials, orientation of the building and the climate in which it will be located.
For all building types in Australia, regardless of the energy rating type and software used, the minimum energy rating requirement is 6 (out of 10) Stars. This is likely to change to a minimum 7 Star rating in 2021. It is also important to note the higher the rating you achieve, the more long-term savings you will receive.
It’s worth viewing a quality report that helps design and build a sustainable home as adding savings into the bank account for your future.
Ideally you should contact us at pre-planning and pre-working drawing stage. This allows us to work together and advise you of the best passive design principles to implement before your finished design plans need alteration to meet the rating requirements.
After we’ve assessed your home design and/or plan, you will receive a report detailing materials and design adjustments to achieve your star rating goal (or permit requirement) that will deliver long-term thermal comfort and energy savings, as well as sustainably look after the planet.
Read more about what you’ll receive in a quality energy rating report
There is quite a bit of detailed information that goes into an energy rating assessment. Generally we ask you for a full set of plans – including site, floor, elevations, sections and electrical plans. Depending on the type of energy rating required, we may also request further information, but we will let you know at time of application.
You can get started by heading to our Energy Rating Report Request.
It is the Thermal Performance Assessor’s responsibility to ensure that the energy rating details align with your plans and building specification, and to stamp and sign the building permit application plans for compliance.
It is the builders’ responsibility to ensure that the conditions of the building permit have been complied with. To assist the builder, we issue a compliance form for the builder to sign and give to the building surveyor that states all the energy rating conditions have been met.
The Building Surveyor may also require additional inspections to ensure compliance.
Australian States, Territories, and local governments have different energy rating requirements, although the basic software used to assess thermal performance of a building is the same.
On top of meeting the Performance Provisions with a NatHERS energy rating or using Deemed-To-Satisfy; if you’re building a new home in Victoria, you will need to meet the Victorian Building Authority’s (VBA) Sustainability Measures that includes a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank. We will inform you of the basic requirements to satisfy these measurements, but your surveyor has the final say if you require any variations.
If you’re building a new home in NSW you will need to satisfy BASIX requirements.
Apart from ceiling fans, home appliances (including solar panels used for power generation) are not currently considered in the NatHERS Star rating assessment process.’
An energy rating is required as part of each Australian states’ building permit application process. It is preferable that the energy rating be commissioned prior to the final documentation being completed. This then allows for the energy rating details to be incorporated into the final version of the plans or building specification.
