NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) assessments are typically used to meet the National Construction Code's minimum energy efficiency requirements.
NatHERS energy assessment tools are used by energy assessors to calculate the amount of heating and cooling required for a house or apartment to remain comfortable throughout the year. The result is denoted by a star rating from 0-10 stars.
C20 - What You Should Know When You Design Your New Home
$59.00 AUD
Last updated 22 Oct 2026 · Revision 2 · Free updates for life
Checklist Type: Minor
Form Factor: Fillable, print-ready PDF (A4, 34 pages)
When to use: Design stage: before the plans and specification are finalised and before you sign
A 134-check guide to work through with your designer while the plans are drawn. Settle the block, the sun, the layout, the energy rating, the services and the contract early, so a change costs a redraw, not a variation.
What the stars mean
Homes with a higher star rating tend to be more thermally comfortable, cost-effective and energy efficient than those with a lower star rating.
- A 0-star rating indicates that the building shell has limited effect on mitigating discomfort due to hot or cold weather.
- Under NCC 2022, most new homes now need a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating (in Queensland this applied from 1 May 2024). That indicates good thermal performance.
- A 10-star rated home may be able to maintain comfortable temperatures without the need for artificial cooling or heating (reduced energy bill costs).
A star band is a range of stars from 0 to 10 based on the amount of energy estimated to be used for homes in different environments.
How ratings are determined
The NatHERS rating tools are based on scientific research conducted by the CSIRO.
The rating depends on your climate zone and on: the home's orientation; the roof, wall, floor and window construction; insulation; and shading and cross-ventilation.
What's not rated
NatHERS star ratings don't include hot water systems, lighting or household appliances, because they're likely to be replaced several times over the life of the house. However, NCC 2022 also introduced a separate Whole of Home rating that covers hot water, lighting, heating and cooling appliances and solar PV. New homes generally need a Whole of Home score of at least 60 out of 100.
Energy rating assessments
Assessors enter data regarding a home's plans and construction into NatHERS Accredited Software, which then produces a star rating.
Early engagement with an assessor is recommended during the design phase. They will provide advice on features such as building orientation and construction, which may be difficult to alter when approaching the approvals stage. Design considerations are essential for reaching a high star rating.
Use a NatHERS Accredited Assessor. Accredited assessors follow a code of practice, are independently audited, and their certificates are accepted for building approval. Specifically:
- Assessors must abide by a Code of Practice that demands professional standards and consumer protection.
- Quality assurance reviews are conducted independently.
- Professionals receive ongoing training to maintain industry best practices.
Check out https://yourhome.gov.au/house-designs for some FREE (yes, free) energy-efficient house designs.
I have never seen any of these designs built to date and I think they are stunning. The government has spent a heap of money on these and the designs include almost everything you need to build them.
Here is an example of one of the plans available to download - the Telopea House (Brisbane version)
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