Energy Efficiency Reports Melbourne
Energy Efficiency Reports are required for all new homes, renovations, and extensions across Victoria.
Energy Efficiency Reports & Assessments Melbourne
Green Choice Consulting provides professional energy efficiency assessments, NatHERS certificates, and Sustainable Design Assessments (SDA) for residential and commercial projects across Melbourne and wider Victoria.
Whether you are building a new home, planning an extension, developing townhouses, or preparing a council planning application, our accredited energy efficiency consultants help you achieve fast, practical, and cost-effective compliance.
We work with homeowners, builders, architects, developers, and building designers across Melbourne to prepare energy reports required for building permits and planning approvals, while also identifying smarter design solutions that can reduce long-term construction and operating costs.
Our team specialises in NatHERS assessments, Victorian alterations and additions compliance, Sustainable Design Assessments (SDA), and council-specific sustainability requirements including BESS reporting. By engaging us early in the design process, you can avoid unnecessary redesigns, reduce approval delays, and improve project outcomes from the beginning.
Get Your Energy Report
Contact our accredited assessors today and learn how we can help prepare your energy efficiency rating report.
What is an Energy Efficiency Report?
An Energy Efficiency Report is an assessment used to determine whether a new home, renovation, extension, or alteration meets the minimum energy efficiency requirements under the National Construction Code (NCC) and Victorian building regulations.
For residential projects, this is most commonly completed through a Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assessment, where your home is modelled using accredited energy rating software to predict thermal performance and overall occupancy comfort.
The report identifies minimum insulation requirements, glazing performance, shading considerations, and the NatHERS star rating required for compliance.
In Victoria, new homes are generally required to achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating. This report must be submitted as part of the building permit process for new homes, additions, renovations, and alterations.
Alongside Energy Efficiency Reports, many Melbourne councils also require a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) for planning permits. An SDA looks beyond thermal performance and assesses broader sustainability outcomes such as energy use, water efficiency, indoor comfort, and waste management.
Smaller residential developments and certain commercial projects often require an SDA, while larger developments may require a Sustainability Management Plan (SMP).
Energy Efficiency Reports We Provide:
Green Choice Consulting provides a full range of energy efficiency assessment and compliance services for residential developments, renovations, multi-residential projects, and selected commercial developments across Melbourne.
Our reports are prepared to meet Victorian building regulations, National Construction Code (NCC) requirements, and local council sustainability policies.
NatHERS Energy Efficiency Reports
We prepare NatHERS energy rating reports for new homes, alterations, additions, and extensions to demonstrate compliance with minimum energy efficiency requirements under the NCC.
This includes thermal performance modelling, glazing and insulation recommendations, and compliance pathways for achieving the required 7-star energy rating in Victoria.
Sustainable Design Assessments (SDA)
Many Melbourne councils require an SDA as part of the planning permit process for townhouses, dual occupancies, apartment developments, and certain commercial projects.
We prepare council-ready SDA reports aligned with BESS requirements and local ESD policies to support faster planning approvals.
Alterations & Additions Compliance
Renovations and extensions often require specialised assessment under Victorian Building Regulations and VBA Practice Notes.
We assist with partial compliance pathways under Regulation 233 and provide practical advice for existing homes where full compliance may not be achievable.
Section J & Commercial Energy Compliance
For selected commercial developments, we provide Section J reports, J1V3 assessments, and energy compliance advice to support building permit approvals and design optimisation.
Whole of Home Assessments
NatHERS Whole of Home assessments consider appliances, heating and cooling, hot water systems, lighting, solar systems, and batteries to provide a broader picture of energy performance and operational efficiency.
Who We Help
Our energy efficiency consultants work with a wide range of clients across Melbourne and Victoria, providing practical advice and compliance documentation for projects of all sizes.
Homeowners
Building a new home, extending an existing property, or planning a major renovation often requires an energy efficiency report for building approval. We help homeowners understand requirements early and avoid costly redesigns later.
Builders
Builders rely on accurate and efficient reporting to keep projects moving. We provide fast turnaround times, clear recommendations, and practical compliance solutions that help minimise construction costs and delays.
Architects & Building Designers
Early-stage energy advice helps improve design performance before documentation is finalised. We work closely with designers to identify opportunities for better orientation, glazing performance, insulation selection, and overall compliance outcomes.
Developers
Townhouse projects, dual occupancies, apartment developments, and mixed-use projects often require both NatHERS and SDA documentation. We help developers manage both planning and building permit requirements efficiently.
Commercial Property Owners
Selected commercial projects may require Section J reports, JV3 assessments, or sustainability documentation for council approval. Our team provides practical compliance advice aligned with project goals and timelines.
Our Energy Assessment Process
We keep the assessment process simple, efficient, and focused on achieving compliance as early as possible.
Step 1 — Send Your Plans
Provide your architectural drawings, site plans, elevations, and any available project details. Early engagement allows us to identify compliance risks before they become costly design issues.
Step 2 — Compliance Review & Assessment
We assess your project using the most suitable compliance pathway, whether that involves NatHERS, SDA, Section J, JV3, or partial compliance provisions for renovations and additions.
Step 3 — Design Recommendations
If adjustments are needed, we provide practical recommendations for glazing, insulation, shading, orientation, and other design elements to help improve compliance and reduce unnecessary construction costs.
Step 4 — Final Report Delivery
Once compliance is achieved, we prepare your final council-ready documentation for building permits, planning approvals, or council submission requirements.
Get Your Energy Assessment
Contact us today and learn how we can help ensure you meet the ESD requirements for your local council.
Renovations, Extensions & Partial Compliance
Alterations and additions can present unique energy compliance challenges, particularly when working with existing homes that were not originally designed to meet current energy efficiency standards.
In Victoria, Regulation 233 of the Building Regulations allows the Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) to approve partial compliance in certain circumstances where full compliance may not be practical or reasonable.
This commonly applies to extensions, renovations, and upgrades where only part of the dwelling is being altered.
If you are altering less than 50% of the existing building, partial compliance may be possible depending on the project scope and the requirements of the building surveyor.
Our team works in accordance with VBA Practice Notes EE-03 and EE-04 to prepare suitable energy reports for alterations and additions, helping builders and homeowners achieve compliance without unnecessary redesign or excessive construction costs.
Early advice is particularly valuable for renovation projects, where design decisions can significantly affect both approval outcomes and project budgets.
Understanding Your NatHERS Energy Rating
The most common way to measure the energy efficiency of a new home is through NatHERS software. A NatHERS accredited assessor uses your building plans to model the home and generate an energy rating on a scale from 0 to 10 stars.
Minimum Requirements for Energy Efficiency Compliance
In Australia, the current minimum standard for new homes in Victoria is generally a 7-star energy rating.
- A 10-star home is designed to require almost no artificial heating or cooling throughout the year
- A 0-star home provides very little insulation from outside temperatures
- A 7-star home indicates strong thermal comfort and improved energy efficiency
How is the energy rating determined?
The rating is calculated using a simulation engine developed by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and is influenced by factors such as:
- The local climate
- Layout and orientation of the home
- Roof, walls, floors and ceiling construction
- Insulation performance
- Glazing type, size and positioning
- Overhead shading
- Shading from nearby buildings and structures
The NatHERS star rating focuses on the building fabric itself and does not include appliances or renewable energy systems such as solar panels or batteries.
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 zone. Most of Victoria is covered by Climate Zones 6 and 7 which face mild or cool temperatures where it may be beneficial to maximise insulation to keep homes warmer during winter.
Other parts of inland Victoria are covered by Climate Zone 4 which faces hot and dry summers, and cool winters, where shade, ventilation and insulation are important considerations when building a home.
In some cases, alternative compliance pathways under NCC 2019 or NCC 2022 may be used instead of NatHERS, including Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions or elemental compliance pathways where they are more suitable for the project design.
Our assessors can help determine whether NatHERS, DTS, or another compliance pathway will provide the most practical and cost-effective outcome for your project.
NatHERS Whole Of Home Energy Performance Rating
NatHERS has been expanded to provide a ‘Whole of Home’ energy performance rating, which predicts the annual energy consumption of the home.
This rating takes into account major appliances, solar panels, and batteries in addition to the building shell, providing a comprehensive assessment of energy efficiency. The assessment includes:
- Lighting
- Heating and cooling
- Hot water
- Swimming pool and spa pumps
- Cooking and plug-in appliances
The Whole of Home rating can help homeowners understand their home’s overall energy performance and identify opportunities for energy efficiency improvement.
Learn more about the NatHERS Whole of Home assessment here.
Sustainable Design Assessments (SDA) & Melbourne Council Requirements
Many Melbourne councils require additional sustainability documentation as part of the planning permit process, particularly for townhouse developments, dual occupancies, apartment projects, and selected commercial developments.
While NatHERS reports are generally required for building permit approval, councils may also request a Sustainable Design Assessment (SDA) or Sustainability Management Plan (SMP) during the planning stage.
Councils commonly requiring these reports include the City of Melbourne, Boroondara, Monash, Whitehorse, Stonnington, Port Phillip, Banyule, and Merri-bek, along with many other metropolitan municipalities.
An SDA is typically guided by the Built Environment Sustainability Scorecard (BESS), which evaluates the building design against categories such as:
- Energy use
- Water efficiency
- Stormwater management
- Indoor environment quality
- Transport options
- Waste
- Materials
- Urban ecology
By addressing each of these areas early in the design phase, the assessment not only helps achieve compliance with local council requirements but also supports better long-term performance, reduced running costs, and healthier living or working environments.
If you are a developer, architect, builder, or property owner seeking a planning permit, you may need an SDA report prepared to accompany your application.
Submitting a clear, council-ready SDA helps streamline the approval process and reduces the likelihood of delays or requests for additional information.
At Green Choice Consulting, our assessors prepare SDA reports tailored to your specific project and council requirements, ensuring compliance while identifying practical design improvements that add long-term value.
What does an Energy Efficiency Report Cost?
The starting price for an Energy Efficiency Report for a Class 1 dwelling is from $180 + GST.
Final pricing depends on the size, complexity, and compliance requirements of the project. Our goal is not simply to produce a report, but to identify the most practical and cost-effective pathway to approval.
Most residential projects typically fall within the following ranges:
- Single storey homes: $180 – $450 + GST
- Double storey homes: $300 – $600 + GST
SDA Costs
The cost of a Sustainable Design Assessment typically ranges between $750 and $3,000 depending on the project size.
What Affects the Cost?
Several factors can influence pricing, including:
- New home vs renovation or extension
- Single or double storey design
- Floor area and project complexity
- Glazing design and window performance requirements
- Council SDA or BESS requirements
- Multi-residential or townhouse developments
- Commercial compliance requirements such as Section J
For renovations and additions, projects involving partial compliance assessments may require additional review depending on the existing dwelling and scope of works.
We compare available compliance pathways to help achieve the most efficient and cost-effective outcome for your project. For an accurate fixed quote, simply send through your plans and project details.
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 and 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.
Why Choose Green Choice Consulting
Choosing the right energy efficiency consultant can make a significant difference to both compliance outcomes and construction costs.
At Green Choice Consulting, we focus on delivering accurate reports, practical advice, and solutions that support faster approvals without unnecessary design changes.
Accredited NatHERS Assessors
Our team holds accreditation with Design Matters National and maintains ongoing professional development to ensure every assessment meets current regulatory standards and industry best practice.
Melbourne & Victorian Compliance Expertise
We understand the specific requirements for Victorian building permits, local council planning approvals, SDA reports, BESS submissions, and VBA compliance pathways for alterations and additions.
Practical, Cost-Effective Solutions
We do more than prepare reports. We identify design issues early and provide practical recommendations that help improve compliance while reducing construction costs wherever possible.
Fast Turnaround Times
Delays in energy reporting can slow down approvals and impact project timelines. Our team works efficiently to deliver reports promptly and communicate clearly throughout the process.
Residential & Commercial Experience
From single dwellings and home extensions through to townhouse developments and selected commercial projects, we provide tailored advice across a wide range of project types.
Clear Communication
We work directly with homeowners, builders, architects, and developers to ensure the assessment process is straightforward, efficient, and aligned with project deadlines.
Need an Energy Efficiency Report for Your Melbourne Project?
Whether you are building a new home, planning an extension, developing townhouses, or embarking on a commercial project, early energy efficiency advice can save significant time, cost, and unnecessary redesign.
At Green Choice Consulting, our accredited assessors provide practical, council-ready energy reports that help streamline building permits, planning approvals, and compliance with Victorian regulations, delivering clear advice and cost-effective solutions.
By engaging us early, we can help identify compliance issues before they become expensive construction problems, giving you greater confidence throughout the design and approval process.
Send us your plans today for a fixed quote and expert advice on the most efficient pathway to compliance.
Speak With an Assessor Today
Call us on 1300 864 944 or email [email protected] to discuss your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I engage an energy efficiency consultant?
The earlier, the better. Engaging an energy efficiency consultant during the design phase helps identify compliance issues before plans are finalised, reducing the risk of costly redesigns, approval delays, and unnecessary construction expenses.
Can you improve my NatHERS rating before permit submission?
Yes. If your design does not initially achieve the required 7-star rating, we can recommend practical improvements such as glazing upgrades, insulation changes, shading adjustments, or orientation improvements to help achieve compliance.
Do Melbourne councils require SDA or BESS reports?
Many councils do, particularly for townhouse developments, dual occupancies, apartment projects, and selected commercial developments. Requirements vary between councils, which is why early advice is important.
Can you help with townhouse developments?
Yes. Townhouse developments often require both NatHERS reports and Sustainable Design Assessments (SDA). We prepare both planning and building permit documentation to support smoother approvals.
Can you assist with commercial developments?
Yes. We provide Section J reports, JV3 assessments, and sustainability compliance advice for selected commercial projects, helping owners, designers, and builders meet NCC requirements efficiently.
Do I need an energy report for renovations or extensions?
In most cases, yes. Alterations and additions usually require an energy efficiency assessment as part of the building permit process. Depending on the project scope, partial compliance may also be available under Victorian Building Regulations.