A Builder’s Guide to NatHERS Assessment
These days, energy conscious home buyers are smarter and therefore actively looking for property that focuses on sustainability. Plus, the Australian Government is also focusing on achieving a carbon neutral build environment by 2050.
So how do you meet up to this high mark? This is where NatHERs assessment comes in. Now NatHERS has become an integral part of the BASIX thermal comfort section.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can design and build homes using NatHERS that not only comply with legislation but also exceed customer expectations.
Let’s get started!
What is actually NatHERS Assessment?
Let us first break down what NatHERS means. It stands for Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme, which is an initiative by the Government of Australia.
It is aimed at improving and assessing the efficiency of energy use for thermal comfort within your house.
The idea here is simple; it’s a star rating system that assesses how efficiently your home uses passive heating or cooling techniques to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. It has a start rating system like NABERS energy but the rating scale is different.
The scale runs from zero to ten stars, with ten representing exceptional energy performance.
Why Should You Care About Energy Efficiency?
As a builder/developer, you always need to keep an eye on innovative ways to outpace competitors and add value to your clients’ investments. Choosing energy efficiency is not just trendy. It is also a strategic decision that can greatly benefit your business. Here are a few benefits of NatHERS.
Market Demand
Homebuyers, as well as investors, have made energy efficiency their priority. This means they look for houses that would save them huge portions of their money on utility bills and offer good comfort.
With this growth in demand, offering designs that are energy efficient would capture more customers. And NatHERS makes that possible.
Regulatory Compliance
It is important for your business to adhere strictly to energy efficiency and thermal comfort standards since they have been increased in stringency.
In addition, these set guidelines will help prevent any future litigations related to compliance. When you complete BASIX and NatHERS you get a BASIX certificate and NatHERS report that clearly demonstrate your compliance parameters.
Competitive Edge
Differentiating yourself from others in a crowded marketplace is very important. Constructing homes using innovative energy-efficient strategies enables you to stand out from other players in the market.
Obtaining a NatHERS certificate Sydney portrays you as a market innovator while at the same time shows your commitment to giving superior quality properties. This unique selling point could be a great attraction for environmentally conscious customers.
Cost Savings in Construction
The initial cost of investing into sustainable building materials and technology might be high but they can yield significant savings over time.
For instance, reduced power consumption means reduced operational costs, which may become a persuasive selling point for the clients you target.
Additionally, some energy-efficient solutions required for NatHERS assessment, like improved insulation and better building envelopes, can also lead to lower maintenance costs.
Environmental Responsibility
By creating energy-efficient houses, you participate in the general reduction of carbon footprints resulting from construction. Playing a proactive role in fighting climate change is all about limiting energy waste.
Additionally, NatHERS assessment moves in line with global sustainability goals. Therefore, it improves your company’s reputation as being accountable and environmentally aware.
Enhanced Property Value
Typically, the resale prices of energy-efficient houses are higher. It enhances your reputation as a builder who values the interests of their clients especially when your customers realise that their investment will most likely appreciate.
What are the Key Elements of the NatHERS Assessment?
Here’s a brief overview of the key NatHERS component:
Building Envelope
This includes the walls, roof, windows, and floors. The materials used and ways in which these components are built contribute a lot towards insulation and energy efficiency. Building envelopes is also an important part of NABERS energy rating.
Orientation
The direction your house faces also affects how much natural light and heat it receives. Hence, the need for proper orientation can eliminate or reduce dependency on artificial heating and cooling.
Thermal Mass
This refers to how building materials store heat by absorbing it. High thermal mass is effective in maintaining indoor temperatures.
Ventilation
Proper ventilation keeps indoor air quality and temperature under control without using mechanical heating or cooling.
Getting Your NatHERS Assessment
You are now totally compelled by its advantages and ready to have your home assessed. How does this go?
Find an Accredited Assessor
You should look for someone who has been accredited by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) since they have all the necessary skills and resources to conduct a comprehensive NatHERS assessment.
Provide Plans and Specifications
You will be required by your assessor to submit detailed plans along with specifications of your home, including the number of rooms, where they are located on the site, the layout of walls, etc., material types in use and insulation details.
Assessment Process
The accredited assessor will utilise precise software systems from which he/she inputs every detail there to obtain a NatHERS star rating.
Energy consultants might even give you certain tips on how you can improve upon what you currently have. This will help you achieve a higher star rating.
Wrapping Up
If you’re constructing a new house or renovating an old one, make sure the concept of energy efficiency is included in your scheme since it will eventually pay off. Each step towards having an energy efficient home is a step closer to a sustainable future where we live comfortably knowing our environment is safe to forever.
