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The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme's new Whole of Home rating is one way you can comply with the NCC 2022 annual energy use budget. 

State requirements as follows:

New South Wales - 1 October 2023 - Enhanced BASIX requirements

Victoria - 1 May 2024 - 7 Star Energy ratings & WoH 

Queensland - 1 May 2024 - 7 Star Energy ratings & WoH (optional 1 star credit extended) 

South Australia - 1 October 2024 - 7 Star Energy rating & WoH

Western Australia - 1 May 2025 - changes to take effect

Tasmania - NCC 2022  - not adopted (may be considered 2025)

Northern Territory - Limited requirements

For more information go to:

https://www.abcb.gov.au/ncc-2022-state-and-territory-adoption-dates

Rating the whole home

The addition of an energy use budget to the National Construction Code {NCC}, alongside the move to a minimum of 7-Star Thermal {building shell} rating, has been the result of years of consultation and detailed impact analysis.

... the end goals remain straight forward - saving energy, reducing bills and helping Australians reach net zero emissions by 2050.

To support the NCC changes, the National House Energy Rating Scheme {NatHERS} certificates now include a Whole of Home rating out of 100, which can be used to show how a building meets the new NCC energy use budget.  New detached residential dwellings will need to reach 60/100 to comply with regulations, apartments must pass with 50/100 points.

The rating has been purpose built with CSIRO to estimate the cost of the energy used by Australian homes.  It considers fixed appliances such as hot water, heating and cooling, pool and spa pumps and lighting, as well as solar energy generated and stored onsite. 

Leonie Wilson {NatHERS Director} advises "The rating will help lower bills for newly built homes as people can choose the most energy efficient appliances."

How to ensure your energy rating will pass compliance?

NatHERS assessors have undertaken training to prepare for the introduction of the NCC 2022 and the Whole of Home {WoH} rating.  

The recommendation for builders, designers and architects is to get a NatHERS assessment early in the design process, before the design and appliances are locked in, This will enable the project to run smoothly, and low cost adjustments to be made to the design early to improve the thermal performance of the home and the requirements for the WoH rating. 

This may include taking advantage of sunlight, window placement, use of fans and the right shading on the project. 

Climate zones are a key consideration in the energy rating. Your energy rater will assist with selecting or advising what appliances are best suited to your climate zone as one size does not always fit all. 

For more information contact us. 

Most states and territories are choosing to extend the transition period for NCC 2022 adoption, which was due to commence on 1 October 2023.

The New South Wales enhanced BASIX will require a 7-star minimum from 1 October 2023. All other jurisdictions are extending their introduction of 7-stars and the new Whole of Home annual energy use budget.  

The first to adopt the complete suite of new energy efficiency requirements will be the Australian Capital Territory on 15 January 2024. This will be closely followed by Queensland and Victoria on 1 May 2024. Other jurisdictions will allow the use of the NCC 2022 compliant software during their transition periods. 

Please feel free to contact me to find out more.

NCC 2022 set to lift Home energy efficiency

We have recently received news that the Building Ministers have agreed to lift the energy standards of new homes through out the National Construction Code (NCC).

As of NCC 2022, new homes and apartments will need to achieve the equivalent of "7 Stars" NatHERS Thermal Performance. This means the energy requirements for new houses and apartments will increase from 6 stars to 7 stars (out of 10) and include some of the following.

A new annual energy use budget has been introduced for the first time. The budget will apply to the home's major appliances such as - 

*heating and cooling equipment

*hot water systems

*lighting

*swimming pool pumps

*onsite renewable energy systems

*solar panels

This is a significant step towards achieving zero energy and zero carbon buildings

New energy efficiency requirements will be released 1 September 2022.

NCC 2022 will be published in full on 1 October 2022 online.

The States and Territories of Australia will bring the NCC 2022 into effect from 1 May 2023.

Stay tuned for more updates.