NatHERS News - 26 May 2023

FirstRate5 accredited for thermal assessments

FirstRate5 is now conditionally accredited and can be used for regulatory purposes for thermal (building shell) assessments. FirstRate5 is working on functionality to generate certificates, rating reports and stamps in the new format. It can’t currently be used to demonstrate compliance with Whole of Home requirements. Contact the FirstRate5 team for more information.



The other commercial tools, HERO and BERS Pro, both have beta versions for testing the effects of the new climate files and updated starbands for thermal assessments. Results from testing with these tools will be indicative of actual ratings but can’t be used for regulatory purposes. We are expecting to conditionally accredit both tools for thermal assessments soon.

NatHERS benchmark tool

AccuRate Home is fully accredited and can be used to produce both thermal and Whole of Home ratings and certificates for new dwellings, compliant with NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements.



More information

See the latest fact sheet for more information about software accreditation, including AccuRate Home, thermal bridging, and updated heating and cooling load limits.

 

Note: The NatHERS Administrator has no control over software release dates once software is accredited.

 

Shaping the future of NatHERS

Don’t forget to apply to join the NatHERS Stakeholder Consultative Group (SCG) and the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). We’re looking for professionals from the building, construction, real estate and finance sectors.  

 

As a member you will play a pivotal role in improving and developing NatHERS, as well as helping to establish the framework for energy ratings for existing homes. 

 

Send us an ‘Expression of Interest’ by COB Wednesday 31 May 2023 nominating two representatives (the second as a proxy) and including:

  • a one-page statement highlighting the applicants’ skills, and why they wish to be a member
  • short CVs with key details of previous experience for both applicants
  • a declaration of interests in line with the relevant Conflict of Interest Deed (SCG and TAC).

For more information see our website or contact us at: admin@nathers.gov.au

Final training sessions booking up

Don’t miss out on the final Whole of Home training sessions running from May through to August. Visit the website to register for either an overview or technical session. 

If you have already completed the overview session or have prior knowledge of the Whole of Home changes, sign up today for the technical session to become certified. 

Final sessions will be held in August. Recordings of both sessions will then be available on our website and YouTube channel. Links to the videos will also be provided in future newsletters.

Resources for NCC 2022 

Check out the many resources available to help with the transition to the new energy efficiency requirements in NCC 2022: