Australia’s state and territory building ministers have agreed to improve the energy efficiency of new homes.
New homes will now have to achieve a seven-star Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating, up from the previous six stars.
New homes will also have an annual energy use budget for their major appliances such as:
- Air conditioning
- Hot water
- Lighting
- Pool and spa pumps
- On-site renewable energy systems
Property Council of Australia chief executive Ken Morrison said these changes would not only lower Australia’s emissions but would also benefit homeowners.
“Lifting the energy rating from six to seven stars has the potential to slash the average household energy bill by up to $576 a year, so for homeowners and renters alike, a seven-star home means big savings, as well as higher levels of comfort,” he said.
How NatHERS ratings are calculated
NatHERS ratings are based on scientific research by the CSIRO (the federal science research agency), as well as how an individual home suits the local climate. That, in turn, reflects the:
- Layout of the home and orientation
- Roof, walls, windows and floor construction methods and materials
- Shading to the sun’s path and how well a home takes advantage of local breezes
Hot water systems, lights and household appliances aren’t taken into account in NatHERS ratings, because they’re usually replaced several times in the building’s lifetime.
Making your home more energy-efficient requires an upfront investment but can produce significant savings over the long-term. Reach out if you need help financing the construction.
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