About NatHERS
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) provides energy ratings for new dwellings. This is helping create energy efficient, resilient and comfortable homes for the future that cost less to run.
NatHERS has been upgraded to provide world-leading measurement tools the building sector can use to support the move to net zero emissions by 2050.
The Scheme can now rate the energy performance for the whole home including the major appliances, solar panels and batteries, in addition to the star rating for the building shell.
NatHERS provides a streamlined pathway to meet or beat the new National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 energy efficiency requirements.
Currently around 90 per cent of new home designs are assessed using the Scheme.
Helping ease the cost of living
As well as making homes more comfortable, updates to the NCC minimum energy efficiency requirements will also help new homeowners save an average of $183 on their power bills every year.
The NatHERS expansion is also supporting the reliability of the energy grid, and a range of initiatives, such as the finance sector using the Scheme to underpin green loan products.
The updates will support industry and home owners to design beyond minimum standards to achieve zero energy (and carbon) ready homes, as outlined in the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings, and its Addendum.
The minimum requirement for new houses and apartments will increase from 6 to 7 stars (out of 10). A new annual energy use budget will also apply, to account for a home’s major fixed appliances and any energy generated (e.g. solar panels).
Read our fact sheet on building for 7 stars.
NatHERS is administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on behalf of the states and territories.
Watch this video to learn more about how a NatHERS home energy rating can help you.