NatHERS Thermal Performance Assessments

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We have been performing NatHERS assessments since 1999 and have extensive experience in helping home builders and architects achieve the necessary rating to satisfy the local council’s targets. House energy rating through the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) uses computer simulations to assess the potential thermal comfort of Australian homes on a scale of zero to 10 stars. The more stars, the less likely the occupants need cooling or heating to stay comfortable.
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What is a Thermal Performance Assessment?

A Thermal Performance Assessment (also commonly known as a House Energy Rating, or a NatHERS/Accurate Rating) is an assessment of how comfortable the temperature in your house will be throughout the year.

It primarily assesses the thermal performance of the building envelope elements (walls, floors, roof, windows, insulation) to determine the home’s ability to remain comfortable with as little artificial heating or cooling as possible.

All states in Australia require new houses to meet minimum thermal performance standards. Some states have requirements for existing homeowners to declare the home’s thermal performance at point of sale.

A Thermal Performance Assessment conducted by NatHERS & BASIX® Solutions can be used to show compliance with:
• the Building Code of Australia (Verification method), and
• the BASIX® Thermal Comfort (Simulation method), and


How is a Thermal Performance Assessment done?

NatHERS & BASIX® Solutions conduct Thermal Performance Assessments by inputting your house design into an approved computer software package. The rating is based on building fabric components (e.g. walls, floors, roof, windows, insulation), climatic data (from weather data files), and occupancy settings.

We are ABSA Accredited. ABSA Accreditation is a nationally recognised standard for Assessor training and Quality Assurance that meets the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and the NSW Building Sustainability Index (BASIX®). In some states, it is mandatory to use an Accredited Assessor to carry out Building Thermal Performance Assessments.

We will provide you with a NatHERS Certificate (which is required by Councils to be lodged with your Development or Building Application) and will stamp your plans accordingly. In the event that your design does not meet the required minimum standard, we may suggest some alternatives to improve the performance of your house design.

The approved software used to generate a rating varies by state – the main tools used in Australia Accurate and BERS and are validated using a national standard. The simulation engine upon which all tools are based was developed by the CSIRO in consultation with state and federal governments.