An energy assessment predicts how much energy would be required to cool and heat a dwelling to maintain its comfort over a year, based on the thermal performance of its building shell.  The new NCC 2022 assessment now also takes into account the Whole of Home (WoH) energy performance and includes energy use from its fixtures and appliances (e.g air conditioners and fridges).

The New NCC2022 that comes into effect 1st May 2024 will require houses to meet Two Energy Reformance Requirements. H6P1 covers the thermal performance of the house’s fabric (Thermal Shell), whilst H6P2 covers the energy usage of a houses domestic services such as space heating and cooling, pools and spas, water heating, PV Solar Systems

All NatHERS energy star rating assessment tools are underpinned by, or benchmarked against, the Chenath engine. The Chenath engine has been developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and is based on decades of scientific research on the way residential dwellings operate in Australian conditions. It uses climate data and average user behaviour, among other factors, to predict annual energy requirements for residential dwellings

Yes, an energy efficiency rating is generally required for renovations (if you are not undertaking basic maintenance) and extensions. You will need to discuss your project with your Building Certifier to determine the extent of assessment and compliance pathway to be undertaken for your renovation or extension.

Yes. Only a trained professional can confirm the rating and provide the legal documentation required to satisfy local authorities.

Legislation on accreditation for undertaking an energy rating report differs in each State and Territory in Australia, with some not requiring official accreditation. However, it is always best to work with accredited and experienced providers who are familiar with the current legislations in your area.

An energy rating report produced by an accredited assessor holds greater credence and is guaranteed to be accepted by relevant building authorities and building certifiers.

For QBEARS to conduct an energy efficiency assessment, we require complete architectural drawings, including:

For Thermal Shell Assessment

• Completed Proforma (Cross checked against the plans)
• Site Plan & Floor Plans
• Elevations
• Sectional Details
• Electrical Plans
• Windows and Door Schedules

For Whole of Home Assessment

• Details of Heating and Cooling Applicance
• Details of Pools and Spa Appliances
• Deatils of Hot Water Appliances
• Details of PV Solar Systems

Each type of assessment will vary, depending on the location. Adhering to local council requirements. QBEARS endeavours to complete a residential assessment within 1 week from the date of payment for the project. If essential information is missing in your application (either on your Proforma or Plans) we will send you a Request for Information (RFI) seeking further details and/or clarification on essential information required for your assessment.  This will extend the time it takes for us to complete your assessment.

An energy rating is required as part of each Australian States & Teritories building permit application process.

We recommend that you discuss with your building designer at the pre-planning and pre-working drawing stage to ensure goo energy design principles are implemented prior to the finalisation of your design plans. This pre-work can reduce the need for alterations to the design plans at a later stage.

Ideally, the final assessment for the energy efficiency rating wiull then need to be carried out when plans are finalised.

Once the assessment is completed, you will receive either a DTS (Deemed to Satisfy) report or NatHERS Report:

The assessor is responsible for ensuring that the energy rating details align with your plans and building specifications. Once satisfied, they are required to stamp and sign the building permit application plans for compliance.

It is then up to the builder to ensure that the conditions of the building permit are complied with.

You can find the QDC 4.1 Sustainable Buildings at the following State Government website link: – https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/laws-codes-standards/queensland-development-code

This video takes you step by step through the process of merging multiple PDF  plans/files:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmY1Z95Hthk&t=49s

FirstRate5 & Hero are nationally accredited program under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.  These assessments calculate the design’s thermal performance, generating a star rating between 0 to 10 stars and will also assess the Whole of Home (WoH) Energy Performance of the household appliances

Section J (or part J) covers the National Construction Code of Australia energy efficiency requirements under Volume one of NCC2022 for alterations and new commercial buildings, 
classes 2 – 9.