Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) assessments are the most common way to meet the minimum energy efficiency requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC).

Energy assessors use the NatHERS rating tools to predict the amount of heating and cooling your apartment or house will need to stay comfortable all year round. The findings are converted to a star rating between 0 and 10 stars.

• 0-star rating means the building shell does practically nothing to reduce the discomfort of hot or cold weather.
• 6-star rating is the minimum standard in most states and territories. It indicates good, but not outstanding, thermal performance.
• 10-star rated home may not need any artificial cooling or heating to keep you comfortable.

The main purpose of the Generating 6 Star Energy Report is to reduce the energy consumption of buildings. By optimizing the design of the building, considerable energy savings can be achieved, which is beneficial both in terms of operating costs for the user and for reducing the environmental burden. It is also important to reduce the consumption of non-renewable energy (coal, nuclear energy, natural gas). This is particularly important in terms of energy security throughout Australia, which is heavily dependent on fuel supplies from politically unstable regions.

When developing the Energy Rating Reports of buildings, we follow the philosophy that a properly drawn up certificate is not only a “necessary bureaucratic evil” but arises in communication with the owner or builder of the building and optimizes the building in terms of reducing operating costs, energy savings, maintaining the maximum quality of the indoor environment.

When you want a 6-star report?

All new homes, home renovations, alterations and additions need to comply with the Energy Efficiency provisions in the National Construction Code (NCC) which includes the option of complying with the 6 Star Standard.

The 6 Star Standard applies to the thermal performance of a home, renovation or addition. New homes are required to include the installation of either a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing.

Minor building works, not requiring a building permit, will not be affected by the regulations. However, all new homes and building projects involving home extensions and major renovations will need to comply with Energy Efficiency provisions of the (NCC).

6 Star homes are projected to use 24 precent less energy through heating and cooling compared to 5 Star homes. This will see Victorians with 6 Star homes potentially saving a further $200 off their energy bills each year. This is only an average saving, with residents who use the energy features in their home wisely saving even more.

Consider design options that go beyond minimum regulatory requirements: it will pay in the long run and improve the value of your home.

What measures from 6-star report?

A 6 Star energy efficiency rating applies to your home’s building envelope – its site location, orientation of building, roof, walls, floor and windows. The 6 Star requirements also include efficiency standards for lighting but not plug-in appliances.

What do the Stars means?

Starts representing the comfortability of living environments and it varies from 0 to 10. Zero stars mean building shell does not have a proper outflow of heat during summers or not remain warm during the winter season. The maximum measurement for the building is 10 stars which indicates there is no need for artificial cooling or heating. However, 6 stars is a very good indicator to reduce electricity bills and thermal performance of buildings.

What information do I need to provide?

There are a couple of files required in PDF formats which including building Site Plan, Floor Plan, and Elevation Section of Windows or Ousters. For a commercial buildings, it’s necessary to have a building cooling and heating system along with electrical and mechanical service details.

What if my house does not rate 6 stars?

There is no such problem is your building does not meet the 6 stars standards. We, Melbourne Rate Energy suggest you have small changes to be done in ventilation system in order to achieve desire results in minimum cost.

How do I design to get 6 stars or more?

Include insulation such as glass fibre batts within roofs, floors and walls of the dwelling. This is often the most cost-effective way to increase the efficiency of the dwelling. Please ensure to allow enough room for the proposed insulation within relevant spaces, as flattened insulation is not as effective. For more information or advice on how to increase the energy efficiency of your residential design, please feel free to contact us.

What is FirstRate 5?

FirstRate 5 is a second-generation software program which is used to both assess and rate residential buildings. It cannot be used for small extensions which are less than 50% of existing floor area. Alternatively, if there is an extension which is greater than 50% of existing floor area, then the whole residential building will be rated by FirstRate 5. Dispensations can be given to some existing areas subject to Registered Building Surveyor’s approval.

How long will it take to generate report?

Our fastest turnaround time with quality is our major objective. Therefore, we create house building report in 1-2 days. However, commercial buildings with multiple locations project will take 3-4 working days.

When to consult us?

Meeting 6 Star compliance is not difficult: it’s about good design, particularly at the planning stages. So, talk to your building practitioner and to us early to take advantage of the benefits, such as increased comfort, saving money on energy bills and making your home more resilient to climate change.

Carefully selecting your site so your home’s orientation takes advantage of solar energy can add up to 1 Star to the rating.

What we want from you to perform a 6-star energy report?

We will need floor plans, elevations and section to include:

Is it expensive to achieve a better performing home?

A home that has not considered good passive design could have the potential to add significant costs to the build by requiring expensive double-glazing windows and doors, and insulation. By considering the orientation of the site, and designing the layout appropriately, with careful consideration to window location, size and shading, a 6-star home are achievable with minimal additional costs.