Our windows and doors help create a brighter, healthier, energy-efficient living space.
Building Beyond 7-Star Energy Efficiency Standards
The demand for more energy efficient homes and lower-cost homes is on the rise, and minimum energy efficiency requirements also changed in 2022 to prioritise sustainability in construction and design. Up from the previous 6-star requirement, the National Construction Code (NCC) now requires all new houses and apartments to achieve a 7-star energy efficiency rating under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). But what are the standards, and how can you not just meet but exceed them?
Energy Efficiency Standards for New Homes in Australia
NatHERS assesses the thermal performance of residential buildings on a scale of 1-10. A star rating reflects a building’s thermal performance by measuring the energy required for heating and cooling to maintain a comfortable living environment. A NatHERS rating is the most common way for new buildings to meet the NCC energy requirements.
NatHERS also gives out a Whole of Home rating out of 100, which measures the expected energy use of the home while taking into account the home’s thermal performance and use of appliances, solar, and batteries. From 1 May 2024, in addition to achieving 7 stars, new homes need to reach a minimum Whole of Home rating of 60.
A 7-star rating marks a high standard of thermal efficiency that results in lower energy use, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and savings on electricity bills over the building’s lifecycle.
How New Homes Can Achieve a 7-Star Energy Rating
A lot of design factors must be considered when designing for 7 stars, including these key features:
- Planning the optimal orientation of the home early in the design to maximise solar gain and passive heating
- The placement of windows and doors
- The use of shading and landscaping to maximise natural light and ventilation while minimising heat gain or loss
- High levels of insulation in the ceiling, walls, and floors
- Draught-proofing and weather sealing
- Efficient heating and cooling systems
- Energy-efficient lighting
- Installing solar panels, solar hot water systems or heat pump systems
- A well planned internal layout that helps minimise the energy used to keep living areas at a comfortable temperature
- Careful material selections including uPVC for windows and doors.
- High-performance double glazed windows and doors with thoughtful orientation and placement
Thermotek Can Help You Go Beyond 7-Stars
Thermotek can help builders and architects reach and exceed 7-star home energy efficiency.
Thermotek’s systems have excellent thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and need for heating and cooling. Our double glazed and triple glazed windows with low-E coatings and uPVC frames maximise natural light and ventilation, while minimising heat transfer.
We provide customised solutions to sustainable build projects across Australia. Get in touch with our team to see how we can help.
