Energy Rating Basics

What is an energy rating?

All new dwellings are required to comply with the energy efficiency standards of NCC 2022. An energy rating completed with certified software by a registered energy-rater is required to show this compliance.

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS?

The current standards as set out in NCC 2022 are an energy rating score of 7 stars and a compliance with a ‘whle-of-home’ energy useage calculation.

What is the reference building method?

An alternative method of showing compliance with enery efficiency clauses of NCC 2022 os the ‘reference building’ method. '

Unfortunately, using this method of compliance will almost certainly result in a less efficient home that will not achieve the minimum 7 star efficiency rating so it should be used only as a last resort if compliance is too difficult otherwise.

Addition and Renovation projects

In Western Australia, addition or renovation projects that require an energy rating do not need to achieve 7 stars but will still need an energy rating compliance certificate issued by an energy-rater. The new part of the home will need to achieve some minimum standards and as a general principle I would always recommend some upgrades to the existing portion of the home if budget permits.