NatHERS Whole of Home: A Breakthrough in Energy Efficiency
NatHERS, the National Home Energy Rating Scheme, has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative with the introduction of the NatHERS Whole of Home rating. This innovative system is set to revolutionise the way we measure a home’s energy consumption, encompassing not only the structure itself but also its appliances, solar installations, and battery systems. This marks a significant milestone as it is the biggest update to the NatHERS Scheme since it began 30 years ago. The Whole of Home rating will play a pivotal role in advancing energy efficiency standards for new homes nationwide.
One of the primary applications of the Whole of Home rating is to showcase compliance with the enhanced energy efficiency regulations outlined in the National Construction Code of 2022. These regulations, recently endorsed by Building Ministers, include a minimum standard of 7 stars and the introduction of an annual energy use budget. The NatHERS Whole of Home rating provides an easily comprehensible indicator of how a home aligns with or surpasses this new NCC annual energy use budget, accounting for factors like appliance efficiency, solar power, and battery storage.
Complementing the existing NatHERS star rating system (scaled from one to ten), the Whole of Home Performance Rating introduces a separate scale, ranging from 1 to 100. This comprehensive assessment extends beyond thermal performance, delving into the energy consumption of various household components:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Hot water systems
- Lighting
- Pool and spa pumps
- Cooking and plug-in appliances
- On-site energy generation and storage
The rating accounts for both the energy consumed by heating, cooling, and appliances, as well as the energy generated from solar panels. This comprehensive evaluation provides homeowners with a valuable snapshot of energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
While the Whole of Home rating typically ranges from 1 to 100, it’s worth noting that ratings exceeding 100 are achievable. This occurs when a home generates more energy than it consumes, exemplifying the potential of sustainable housing solutions.
Benefits of expanding NatHERS
The expansion of NatHERS holds numerous advantages for households across Australia. By curbing energy consumption, it promises to lower energy bills while simultaneously ensuring homes are more comfortable and resilient for future generations. Moreover, this expansion contributes to the stability of our energy grid, facilitating initiatives such as the integration of NatHERS into green loan products within the finance sector.
Additionally, these updates empower both the industry and homeowners to transcend minimal standards and embrace the concept of zero-energy, zero-carbon-ready homes. This aligns with the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings and its Addendum, shaping the future of energy-efficient housing in Australia.
In tandem with the development of Whole of Home ratings, NatHERS is extending its reach to include assessments and ratings for established homes. This comprehensive approach underscores NatHERS’ commitment to advancing energy efficiency, making it an indispensable resource in our journey toward a sustainable and energy-efficient future.
Improving your Whole of Home Rating
As an NatHERS Accredited Assessor it was important to complete the NatHERS Whole of Home technical module. The technical module is mandatory for professionals who want to gain the necessary Whole of Home skills and accreditation to provide Whole of Home compliance for Class 1 residential buildings, in accordance with each state and territories adoption for NCC 2022.
There are three different ways you can improve a Whole of Home Rating:
- install higher rated appliances,
- adding a battery to the PV system,
- using multiple non-ducted systems instead of a single ducted system.
Adding to the current NatHERS star rating assessment out of ten, the Whole of Home Performance Rating will be a separate rating out of 100, with a rating of 60 being the minimum Whole of Home requirement.
While the Whole of Home rating scale ranges from 1 to 100 (where 100 is a net zero energy value home), ratings above 100 are possible. One way that a home may rate over 100 is where a home generates more energy than it uses.
Improving whole of home energy efficiency in Australia not only benefits homeowners by reducing energy bills but also contributes to the country’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It’s essential to consider a holistic approach that addresses various aspects of energy consumption in the home.
If you would like some professional advice on how you can improve your Whole of Home Rating, give our team a call on 1300 457 700 or you can email us at info@ecocert.com.au.
