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 or it will be 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 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.
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.
Energy Efficiency Report for Queensland
New dwellings, renovations, alterations extensions in 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 considers thermal performance and does not look at energy usage from appliances.
In Queensland the two types of energy reports most used are:
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
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.
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 is commonly used to determine the minimum requirements. Under the scheme your home will be modelled to determine the required energy usage for each room of the home.
The software will generate a star rating based on the design, and insulation used to the building shell. The building shell will include the floors, roof, walls, windows and doors.
The star rating calculated in the software will determine what glazing and insulation is required to the building shell.
Do I need an accredited Energy Efficiency Consultant?
Insured – We have professional indemnity insurance.
Accurate & Reliable – Our jobs get audited regularly to maintain a high quality standard.
Endorsed Energy Reports– Only an accredited assessor can complete an energy assessment using NatHERS Software.
Accredited – Our Founder and Director of Green Choice Consulting is Design Matters National accredited with membership number DMN/21/2045.
