Publications

The Whole of Home Guidance Note contains advice to assist assessors undertaking a Whole of Home assessment. It should be read in conjunction with the NatHERS Technical Note.

The Guidance Note is initially issued as a separate document with the intention of incorporating it as a chapter into the NatHERS Assessor Handbook in the future. This strategy will allow the Guidance Note to be rapidly updated to address any issues that arise once assessors start to undertake Whole of Home assessments.

• View the current NatHERS Whole of Home Guidance Note

The Technical Note provides a standardised approach to rating a dwelling. It details the requirements that must be followed for a NatHERS assessment in regulation mode when demonstrating compliance with the NCC.

NatHERS Technical Note, 1 September 2022 - effective from 1 October 2022

This version is for use with software using Chenath engine V3.22 only.

Key changes include the addition of thermal bridging and appliances.

NatHERS Technical Note, 1 June 2019 - current 

This version is for use with software using Chenath engine V3.21 only.

NatHERS Technical Note, 1 May 2019 - superseded

This version is for use with software using Chenath engine V3.21 only.

NatHERS Technical Note V1.2, 1 October 2014 - superseded

This version is for use with software using Chenath engine V3.13 only. See also: 

• Zoning guide for the Technical Note 1.2 (2014) 
• Technical Note 1.2 Assessor Questions and Answers

NatHERS Technical Note V1.1, 2013, and Addendum 1.2013 - superseded

This Policy outlines how the Department manages the collection, storage and dissemination of NatHERS information. It is a privacy policy for the purposes of the Department’s activities as NatHERS Administrator. 

• NatHERS Information Collection, Storage and Dissemination Policy [PDF]

This document outlines the method that underpins the NatHERS Whole of Home modules and rating in the benchmark tool (AccuRate). It includes information for calculating the energy demand of a home’s energy uses such as heating and cooling appliances, hot water systems, lighting, pool and spa pumps, plug-in and cooking appliances. It also includes information for calculating on-site solar PV generation and storage, and the Whole of Home performance rating.

The Calculations Method is currently being edited. You can request a copy of the unedited version by contacting the NatHERS Administrator via admin@nathers.gov.au. A final version will be uploaded to this webpage in mid-October 2022.

The NatHERS logo, acronym and rating image are registered trade marks under the Australian Trade Mark Register. 

The NatHERS Trade Mark Guidelines outline who is eligible to use these trade marks, the approval process and conditions of use. 

• NatHERS Trade Mark Guidelines [PDF]
• NatHERS Trade Mark Guidelines [DOC]

This Protocol describes the processes that Assessor Accrediting Organisations (AAOs) must undertake once approved by the NatHERS Administrator. AAOs accredit NatHERS Assessors to conduct energy rating assessments for regulatory purposes.

The current Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations was released in October 2021.

Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations – October 2021 [PDF 952 KB] - current

Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations – March 2016 (July 2020 update)  [NEW PDF 718 KB] - superseded

Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations – March 2016 [PDF 429 KB] - superseded

Protocol for Assessor Accrediting Organisations – March 2014 [PDF 411 KB] - superseded

This document describes the process for adding any new building materials to the product and material information databases built into each of the NatHERS Accredited Software tools.

Process for including new building materials in NatHERS Software

Across Australia, all Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) ratings are presented on a certificate or a non-accredited report.

These show key details about the dwelling, and from 2022, will also provide new information for households on the greenhouse gas emissions of their home, the costs and energy used by all its major appliances, and the impact of solar and batteries.

The certificate will be in one of two formats:

1. A certificate that displays the NatHERS logo and can be printed in colour –produced by accredited assessors

2. A non-accredited report without the NatHERS logo and only available in black and white – produced by non-accredited assessors.

They have been designed so that owners, builders, certifiers and regulatory authorities can understand and easily check the home’s rating. The QR code, in particular, is important. When scanned, it takes the user to the original certificate that is stored on a secure website.

The data from these certificates go into the CSIRO Australian Housing Data portal (AHD). Furthermore, the fees from the certificates contribute to funding the NatHERS Scheme.

Information for builders, certifiers, regulators and home owners

Changes to the 2022 certificate & non-accredited report 

Guide to the 2019 certificate & non-accredited certificate

2022 NatHERS Certificate samples

2022 NatHERS Certificate sample

2019 NatHERS Certificate samples

2019 NatHERS Certificate sample 

Old (pre 2019) Universal Certificate information

Guides to the Old (pre 2019) universal certificates

Old (pre 2019) Universal NatHERS certificate samples

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) is an expert body that provides stakeholder and industry advice to the NatHERS Administrator on technical matters related to NatHERS.

The TAC is made up of industry representatives and technical experts in the areas of NatHERS software tools, NatHERS assessor training and practices, building physics, and glazing.

Documents

List of members of 2017-2019 Technical Advisory Committee [30KB PDF]

List of members of 2017-2019 Technical Advisory Committee [40KB Word]

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) Stakeholder Consultative Group (SCG) provides stakeholder and industry feedback to the NatHERS Administrator on the development, implementation and continuous improvement of NatHERS.

The Stakeholder Consultative Group Terms of Reference and Deed of Confidentiality outlines:

• the role of the committee
• accountability and governance arrangements
• membership
• application and appointment process
• Confidentiality, Privacy and Conflict of Interest Deed which must be signed by SCG members.

Documents

• 2020-2021 SCG Terms of Reference and Deed of Confidentiality [827KB PDF]
• 2020-2021 SCG Terms of Reference and Deed of Confidentiality [165KB Word]