NatHERS in building regulations

Building regulations in all States and Territories set minimum standards for energy efficiency in new houses. There are similar regulations for apartments (except in the Northern Territory). A house energy rating is one way, but not the only way, to satisfy parts of these regulations.
More information about state and territory regulations.

Building Code of Australia

The regulations for most jurisdictions are found in the Building Code of Australia (BCA), published by the Australian Building Codes Board. Parts of the regulations deal with the building shell - the roof, walls, windows and floor. Other parts of the regulation cover fittings built into the home - hot water systems and ducts and pipes for cooling and heating systems.

• Building Code of Australia
  www.abcb.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=DocumentView&DocumentID=86

BCA compliance

Except in the Northern Territory, achieving a certain star rating meets most of the requirements for the building shell. The star rating target varies between jurisdictions and is usually lower for apartments than for houses. An alternative to star rating is to construct the dwelling using methods described in the Deemed-to-Satisfy Provisions of the BCA.

Two Australian Building Codes Board protocols describe the essential elements of house rating software used under building regulations.

• Protocol for House Energy Rating Software Version 2005.1
• Protocol for House Energy Rating Software for Residential Buildings Version 2006.1 (Draft)
• Copies of the protocols are available at: www.abcb.gov.au

BASIX

In New South Wales, the online BASIX system replaces most of the BCA energy efficiency requirements and adds other aspects of sustainable development. BASIX accepts certain NatHERS software results as one way of meeting its separate targets for the heating and cooling performance of the building shell.

• NSW Department of Planning - BASIX
  www.basix.nsw.gov.au/information/index.jsp