Services
Whether you’re planning an addition, applying for a Green Loan or building a new home; call or email Energy Matters Tasmania to find out more.
NatHERS and Thermal Performance Assessments
The National Home Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is an Australian rating system that measures the energy efficiency of a home based on design factors like insulation, window orientation, shading, ventilation, and overall thermal performance. The aim of NatHERS is to provide a star rating for a home, typically ranging from 0 to 10 stars, with higher ratings indicating better energy efficiency.
The National Construction Code (NCC) sets the minimum standard for a house to satisfy its energy efficiency provisions. Currently in Tasmania, all new residential buildings must comply with the NCC 2019 minimum 6-star rating.
Energy Matters Tasmania can provide NatHERS compliant certification to demonstrate your plans meet or exceed the energy efficiency provisions in the NCC.
Performance Based Solutions
Performance-Based Solutions (PBS) are an excellent way to meet the energy efficiency requirements of the NCC for Tasmanian homes due to their flexibility and adaptability to local conditions. Tasmania’s unique climate presents specific challenges such as colder winters and varying temperatures across regions, which can make it difficult to apply one-size-fits-all solutions.
PBS allows for a tailored approach, where builders and designers can demonstrate compliance with energy efficiency standards through simulations, calculations, and modeling specific to the site’s characteristics, rather than relying on prescriptive measures alone. This enables the use of innovative materials and building techniques that are better suited to Tasmania’s distinct environmental conditions, leading to enhanced comfort and reduced energy consumption.
Whole of Home Assessments
While not yet a requirement for Tasmanian homes, Whole of Home (WoH) assessments are an excellent approach for satisfying the NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions in some Australian states because they offer a comprehensive and integrated method to ensure a building meets or exceeds the energy efficiency requirements. This assessment considers the overall performance of the entire home, accounting for various factors like insulation, air tightness, natural lighting, ventilation, solar power, heating, and cooling systems.
By taking a holistic view, WoH assessments allow for more nuanced solutions that are tailored to a building’s specific location and design. This enables designers and builders to identify the most effective strategies for improving energy efficiency, reducing reliance on mechanical heating or cooling, and optimizing the home’s energy performance.