Energy Efficiency Report
What is an Energy Efficiency Report and what does an Energy Efficiency Report Cost?
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What is an Energy Efficiency Report?
An Energy Efficiency Report is an assessment of the energy efficiency of a new home. The report will ensure that your new home meets a set threshold for thermal comfort.
The report will show minimum insulation and glazing requirements as well as a star rating (NatHERS 6 Stars). Our team can complete a star rating by modelling the design of your home in energy software. The rating will calculate how much energy you will use to keep your house comfortable.
The report will show that your compliant with the energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC). This document and must be submitted to the authorities to get a building permit.
New homes, alterations, extensions and renovations must meet the energy efficiency requirements.
What does an Energy Efficiency Report Cost?
The starting price for an Energy Efficiency Report on a class 1 dwelling is $180 + GST.
The price varies depending on the size, complexity and requirements of the project. We will compare the compliance pathways to produce a report that leads to the cheapest outcome.
We find most projects fall within the price range below:
Single Storey Dwellings: $180-$450 + GST
Double Storey Dwellings: $300-$600 + GST
Why you need an Energy Rating Assessment?
The energy efficiency requirements were introduced into the Building Code of Australia in 2003. All residential and commercial buildings, alterations and additions must meet the energy requirements in the National Construction Code for building approval.
The goal of the provisions is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting sustainable homes. An efficient home will use less heating in winter and less air conditioning in summer. Lower energy usage will reduce power bills for homeowners and promote a more sustainable future.
Our assessors understand that building a home is a major investment. Our priority is to provide cost-effective building advice to help secure your building permit. We can compare the compliance options to ensure your home meets the energy efficiency requirements.
Need an Energy Efficiency Report in Perth?
New homes, renovations and extensions in Perth will require an Energy Efficiency Report. All reports need to show compliance with the National Construction Code and government requirements.
The energy efficiency requirements can be met through the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions or a performance solution.
Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) Options:
- Energy Rating such as a NatHERS Assessment
- Using the elemental provisions in accordance with clause 3.12.0(a)(ii) of the NCC
Performance Solution
A performance solution shows compliance by making a comparison with the DTS provisions. Green Choice Consulting has an in-house performance solution which leads to cost-effective outcomes for developers.
WA Alterations and Additions Protocol for Energy Efficiency
The WA government has developed the WA Alterations and Additions Protocol. The protocol provides guidance for showing compliance on existing homes. The protocol is a performance solution which can be used to show that additions, extensions and renovations are compliant.
Learn more about Energy Efficiency Reports in Perth.
Energy Efficiency Report for Queensland
New dwellings, renovations, alterations extensions in Brisbane and throughout Queensland require an Energy Efficiency Report.
Residential buildings must show compliance with the government requirements. The energy assessment will predict how much energy is required to keep a home comfortable. The assessment will look at the thermal comfort of the home and determine what insulation and glazing is needed.
In Queensland the two types of energy reports most used are:
NatHERS Software Energy Rating
- An energy rating using a NatHERS accredited software tool such as FirstRate5, BERS Pro, AccuRate or HERO
- The software will generate a star rating on a scale from 0 to 10 stars – a 10 star home uses no energy for heating or cooling
- The software will also generate a separate Whole-of-Home score which measures energy usage from appliances, and considers solar panels
Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions
- Following the provision in the National Construction Code which detail insulation requirements
- This is a prescriptive approach with no performance offsets allowed
Energy Rating Credits in Queensland
In Queensland optional credits can be used as part of an energy efficiency report. The credits will reduce the insulation and glazing requirements.
The credits can be used as part of an assessment when you have:
- a photovoltaic (PV) solar energy system
- An outdoor living area with ceiling insulation
- An outdoor living area with a ceiling fan
The energy requirements are regulated by the Queensland Development Code.
Need an Energy Report in Victoria?
An Energy Report is required for new homes, renovations and alterations in Victoria. We complete all our reports to show compliance with the National Construction Code.
In Victoria, new homes are required to achieve a 6.0 star energy rating. From May 1st 2023, all new homes will require a 7.0-star rating. A 7.0 star rating can be more difficult to achieve and our team can provide solutions to meet the compliance requirements.
Do you need an energy efficiency report for a renovation or alteration? Our team specialises in using the Building Practice Note EE-o4 which was issued by the Victorian Building Authority. This details the process that we follow to produce energy reports for an alteration to an existing building.
Will my home have an efficient energy rating?
The most common way to measure the energy efficiency of a new home is using NatHERS software. An assessor will use the building plans to model the home in the energy rating software. The software will then generate a rating on a scale from 0 to 10 stars. In Australia, the current standard (2022) is a 6 star energy rating.
- A 10 star home is a passive home that uses no energy for heating or cooling year round
- A 0 star home will provide no insulation from outdoor temperatures and will be uncomfortable
- A 6 star home indicates a good level of comfort and energy usage
How is the energy rating determined?
The calculations operate on a simulation engine developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
The rating of your home is dependent on the following factors:
- The local climate
- Layout and orientation of the home
- Roof, walls, floors and ceiling construction methods and insulation
- Overhead shading
- Shading from nearby buildings and structures
- Glazing type, positioning and size
The rating does not take into consideration appliances or renewable energy sources such as solar panels or batteries.
Minimum Requirements for Energy Efficiency Compliance
The nationwide house energy rating (NatHERS) is primarily used to determine the minimum energy requirements. Under the scheme your home will be modelled to predict the annual energy usage required to maintain thermal comfort. The results are shown as a star rating on a scale from 1-10. Depending on the credits you use, you will need to achieve 6.0 or 7.0 stars for compliance.
The NatHERS rating is based on the design and construction materials used in the building fabric. This includes:
- Insulation in floors, walls and ceilings
- Performance of glazing
- Sizes of windows and doors
- The layout of the home
- Shading from eaves or nearby shading such as fences and buildings.
It is important that the climate and design of the home will determine what type of insulation and glass is needed to meet the energy compliance requirements. To help reduce construction costs, consideration should be given to the climate.
In some cases, the NCC2019 or NCC2022 elemental provisions can be used as an alternative to NatHERS. Our team of assessors are trained on all available pathways and can help you identify which pathway will give you the best possible outcome.
Do I need an accredited Energy Efficiency Consultant?
It’s important to choose an accredited and certified assessor to carry out your energy efficiency assessments. Our team of assessors have extensive industry experience with a commitment to ongoing training and education.
Green Choice Consulting specialises in residential and commercial building developments. Our assessors provide expert advice on energy efficiency compliance with cost-effective solutions for owners, architects, builders and designers.
By consulting with us in the early design stages, we can help you save on build costs by identifying design weaknesses, and providing cost-effective solutions. We provide energy efficiency assessments throughout Australia, including Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and beyond.
Why choose Green Choice Consulting?
- Accredited – We hold accreditation with Design Matters National and are subject to ongoing professional development.
- Accurate & Reliable – We are subjected to random Quality Audits to ensure a high standard of service.
- Endorsed Energy Reports – Only an accredited NatHERS assessor can complete an energy assessment using NatHERS software.
- Proven Cost Savings – We can identify design constraints and provide solutions which will lower your building costs.
