A staged release of ratings for existing homes
We will soon be commencing a staged release to expand NatHERS to cover existing homes. This is to ensure a well-managed roll out of existing homes assessments. It supports a sustainable workforce scale-up, while building capacity and improving processes.
The staged approach includes:
Stage 1
In mid-2025, a first-generation tool and assessment method will be released, alongside governance documents, policies and procedures. There will also be accreditation of a limited pool of trained assessors.
Scale-up
A period of scale-up and learning-by-doing will follow. This provides time to further refine processes, tools and communications. During this period:
- accreditation and training will progressively be made available to target groups. These include current energy assessors, such as NatHERS for new homes assessors, Scorecard assessors and ACT Energy Efficiency Rating assessors.
- a pilot of the Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework in NSW will be conducted. The pilot, and other initiatives that use NatHERS for existing homes, will inform further refinement ahead of Stage 2.
Stage 2
In mid-2026, following the integration of feedback and learnings from stage 1, an update to NatHERS for existing homes is expected to be launched. It will consist of a second-generation tool, assessment method and processes. This will provide more assessments to Australians and will open accreditation to all interested assessors.
To stay informed
Updates will be sent out via this newsletter and made to the NatHERS website.
Keep an eye on our Assessor Toolkit for more details on becoming trained and accredited as a NatHERS assessor for existing homes.
Residential Efficiency Scorecard
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard program consists of the Scorecard assessment tool, assessor training and assessor accreditation. It is being delivered by the Victorian Government on behalf of all Australian governments.
The scorecard was a successful first step in providing energy ratings for existing homes.
The NatHERS expansion is the next stage in rating existing homes and will help align ratings for existing homes with new home ratings. NatHERS is being shaped by Scorecard experiences. It is also being improved based on feedback from households, stakeholders and governments.
There will be an extended transition from Scorecard to NatHERS for existing homes, with advance notice before any changes. More information about this transition will become available following the stage 1 release of NatHERS for existing homes.
During this time Scorecard assessments will still be available to rate a home’s energy use and comfort and provide tailored recommendations for improvements. The Scorecard tool may be re-developed and accredited under NatHERS in the future.
To stay informed
Visit the Residential Efficiency Scorecard for more information about the upcoming transition.
Information for Scorecard assessors
The Scorecard will continue alongside NatHERS for existing homes during the scale-up period. This provides time for assessors to train, become NatHERS accredited and make any required changes to their businesses. Scorecard assessors and users will have advance notice of any changes.
There will be ongoing support during the transition. This includes a streamlined pathway for Scorecard assessors to become accredited NatHERS for existing homes assessors.
To stay informed
Visit the Scorecard website for more information about the upcoming transition.
Keep an eye out for this newsletter and on our Assessor Toolkit for more detailed information.
Disclosure Pilots
The NSW and Australian governments will conduct a disclosure pilot (also referred to as the NSW trial) in late 2025.
The pilot will test the nationally agreed disclosure systems outlined in the Home Energy Ratings Disclosure Framework.
This includes:
- developing and testing training content and resources for real estate agents
- testing and refining content and resources for consumers
- evaluating the experiences of individuals involved in sales and lease processes.
Findings from the pilot will inform the NSW Government about when to transition to mandatory disclosure of ratings. They will also inform other states and territories about opportunities for home energy ratings disclosure.
The pilot is being conducted in close collaboration with the real estate sector.
Details about the pilot will be shared closer to its start date.