NatHERS Energy Assessments: Ensuring Energy Efficiency Compliance in Tasmania

Building EvaluateAt Building eValuate, we offer comprehensive house energy ratings and thermal performance assessments to certify your building plans for National Construction Code (NCC) energy efficiency compliance. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating, our assessments ensure your property meets Tasmania’s energy standards.

6-Star Energy Ratings in Tasmania

All new residential buildings, along with alterations and additions to existing homes, must comply with the NCC 6-star energy efficiency requirements in Tasmania. Our NatHERS energy assessments evaluate the expected energy efficiency of a house design under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). NatHERS awards stars from 1 to 10, with higher stars indicating a more energy-efficient home that uses less energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

While 6 stars is the current minimum, many states have already adopted a 7-star rating in 2023, with Tasmania expected to follow soon. Aiming for a higher energy rating is not only environmentally responsible but also financially beneficial, as it helps reduce energy bills and increases home comfort.

Who doesn’t want a more comfortable home that costs less to run?

Why Choose Building eValuate?

Building eValuate has over 18 years of experience as NatHERS Accredited House Energy Raters and Thermal Performance Assessors. We specialise in providing energy efficiency advice for:

  • New homes
  • Alterations and additions
  • High-performance Passive House projects

Our first-hand experience in the Tasmanian building industry as accredited builders and inspectors gives us a unique perspective on how homes have been designed and built in the past. We apply this knowledge to help improve homes for the future, particularly in cold climate zones.

Passion for Energy Efficiency

At Building eValuate, energy efficiency is more than just our profession—it’s our passion. Our office is located in a 9.6-star residence built by our principal energy assessor, who applied energy-efficient design principles to create a net zero energy, solar-passive home. This home enjoys year-round temperatures of 21 degrees, powered entirely by the sun.

Past Projects

We’ve completed energy assessments and worked with designers, builders, and homeowners on some of the most energy-efficient homes in Hobart, Tasmania:

Ridgeway House – 9+ Stars
Ridgeway CLT House – 9+ Stars
Huon Valley House – 9+ Stars
Asante – 9+ Stars
South Hobart House – 9+ Stars

Our NatHERS Accredited Software

To provide house energy ratings, we use specialised NatHERS accredited software that analyses all features of the house, including construction materials, design, orientation, and local climate. This data helps produce an accurate NatHERS energy star rating. Our energy raters are proficient in multiple accredited software tools, including:

  • AccuRate Sustainability – Developed by CSIRO for detailed and complex projects
  • HERO
  • FirstRate5
  

When Should an Energy Assessment Be Performed?

It’s ideal to involve an energy assessor early in the design process, as this allows for preliminary advice on how to optimise energy efficiency through good thermal design. Unfortunately, energy ratings are often left until the last step before submitting development applications, which can make it costly and difficult to make changes if the home does not meet the minimum 6-star energy rating.

Features of a 6-Star Energy Rated Home in Tasmania

To meet the minimum 6-star energy rating, Tasmanian homes should incorporate the following features:

  • North-facing living areas with windows to capture winter sun, and carefully designed eaves and shading to block summer sun.
  • Well-insulated building shell, with a minimum of R2.5 walls, R2.5 floors, and R5.0 ceilings to retain warmth in winter.
  • Double glazed windows or windows with specialised coatings to prevent heat loss
  • Thermal mass from insulated, exposed concrete floors to store solar heat and balance day/night temperatures.
  • Darker exterior colours to increase solar absorption in cooler climates. A dark roof can improve your home’s energy star rating in Tasmania.

Information Needed for a NatHERS Energy Assessment

To perform a NatHERS energy assessment, we require the following information:

  • Site plan showing the orientation of buildings and any overshadowing structures.
  • Plans, elevations, and sections detailing window sizes, eaves widths, and building fabric.
  • Wall, floor, and ceiling insulation details.
  • Window details, including the manufacturer and window type.
  • Floor coverings.
  • Exterior colour scheme.
  • Details of any recessed downlights and exhaust fans.

What We Provide

After completing the energy assessment, we provide all necessary House Energy Rating documents as electronic files for submission to the building authority:

  • NatHERS Certificate 2019 NatHERS certificate pdf
  • Certified plans with the NatHERS stamp and energy star rating
  • Form 55, as required by the Building Surveyor.

If the preliminary energy assessment does not meet the 6-star rating, we work closely with designers and homeowners to offer feasible and cost-effective solutions for achieving compliance.

For homeowners aiming for high-performance buildings, we offer detailed analysis on design configurations, insulation levels, and building materials to help guide informed decisions.

We can also assess heating and cooling requirements in different zones of the house, helping optimise key areas such as living spaces while addressing lower-performing zones.

How Much Does an Energy Rating Cost?

The cost of an energy assessment is based on the size, style, and complexity of the project. Please email us with details of your project or fill out our contact form for a prompt, personalised quote.