What are Energy Efficiency Reports and when are they Required?
What is an Energy Efficiency Report?
An Energy Efficiency Report is an assessment of the energy efficiency of a new home. The report will ensure that your new home meets a set threshold for thermal comfort.
The report will show minimum insulation and glazing requirements or it will be a star rating (NatHERS 6 Stars). Our team can complete a star rating by modelling the design of your home in energy software. The rating will calculate how much energy you will use to keep your house comfortable.
The report will show that your compliant with the energy efficiency requirements in the National Construction Code (NCC). This document and must be submitted to the authorities to get a building permit.
New homes, alterations, extensions and renovations must meet the energy efficiency requirements.
What Does An Energy Efficiency Report Cost?
The starting price for an Energy Efficiency Report on a class 1 residential dwelling is $180 + GST. The price varies depending on the size, complexity and requirements of the project.
We find most projects fall within the price range below (based on 2023/24 cost estimates):
Single Storey Dwellings: $180-$450 + GST
Double Storey Dwellings: $300-$600 + GST
Why You Need An Energy Rating Assessment?
The energy efficiency requirements were introduced into the Building Code of Australia in 2003. All residential and commercial buildings, alterations and additions must meet the energy requirements in the National Construction Code for building approval.
The goal of the provisions is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting sustainable homes. An efficient home will use less heating in winter and less air conditioning in summer. Lower energy usage will reduce power bills for homeowners and promote a more sustainable future.
Our assessors understand that building a home is a major investment. Our priority is to provide cost-effective building advice to help secure your building permit. We can compare the compliance options to ensure your home meets the energy efficiency requirements.
Do You Need An Energy Efficiency Report?
New class 1a and 1b residential buildings
Most renovations (alterations and additions) - check with an assessor or your local council/shire.
All new homes and most renovations/extensions in Perth and Western Australia will require an Energy Efficiency Report. All reports need to show compliance with the National Construction Code and government requirements.
The energy efficiency requirements can be met through the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions or a performance solution.
Deemed-to-Satisfy Options:
Energy Rating such as a NatHERS Assessment
Using the elemental provisions in accordance with clause 3.12.0(a)(ii) of the NCC
Performance Solution
A performance solution shows compliance by making a comparison with the DTS provisions. Superstruct Building Surveyors has an in-house performance solution which leads to cost-effective outcomes.
WA Alterations and Additions Protocol for Energy Efficiency
The WA government has developed the WA Alterations and Additions Protocol. The protocol provides guidance for showing compliance on existing homes. The protocol is a performance solution which can be used to show that additions, extensions and renovations are compliant.
Will My Home Have An Efficient Energy Rating?
The most common way to measure the energy efficiency of a new home is using NatHERS software.
An energy assessor will use the building plans to model the home in the energy rating software. The software will then generate a rating on a scale from 0 to 10 stars.
In Australia, the current standard (2022) is a 6 star energy rating.
A 10 star home is a passive home that uses no energy for heating or cooling year round
A 0 star home will provide no insulation from outdoor temperatures and will be uncomfortable
A 6 star home indicates a good level of comfort and energy usage
Superstruct Building Surveyors | www.superstructwa.com.au
