The specifiers’ simple guide to 7 Star Energy Rating reports
Written by
31 July 2024
•
5 min read
George Pontikis, Director of Empire Thermal Group, walks through the change requirements from a Six-Star to a Seven-Star Energy Rating and the questions on every specifier's mind: 'What do I need to do to meet the 7-Star Energy Rating?’ and ‘How much will it add to the build?’
Since 2009, Empire Thermal Group has provided building reports, including energy reports, for residential and commercial projects across Australia, whether it be a Sustainable Design BESS Report to lodge town planning applications or a house extension approval report that is challenging to get over the line.
More recently, the focus has been assisting specifiers and homeowners with the new energy efficiency requirements.
7 Star Energy Rating overview
When does 7 Star Energy Rating start?
Australia's House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a star rating system that rates the energy efficiency of a home, based on design. “In Queensland and Victoria, all designs and projects need to adhere to a Seven Star Energy Rating as of May of this year, with New South Wales being the first to adopt the changes in October last year,” says Mr Pontikis.
“The CSIRO, federal and state-level governments’ Net Zero target for 2050 to promote sustainable design. Essentially, the goal is to increase the property's performance to reduce energy consumption, thereby reducing the property's overall carbon footprint and environmental impact,” explains Mr Pontikis.
What is the difference between a 6 Star and 7 Star Energy Rating?
“The most significant difference is the heavy requirement for double glazing, bulk installation increases, and potentially, the redesigning of the windows may need to be considered (openings, height, etc),” says Mr Pontikis.
“Double glazing is an important factor as it creates a layer of trapped air and acts as an insulator to retain the heat inside or outside depending on the season.”
According to a Passive Design report from the government website Your Home, the common single-glazed windows in Australian housing are a thermal weak spot. The report states: ‘The glass and frames in windows, external doors and skylights has a significant effect on thermal performance. Up to 40 per cent of a home’s heating energy can be lost, and up to 87 per cent of its heat gained through windows.’
Improving the thermal performance of the glazing in a project will increase the comfort within the building and reduce energy consumption – ultimately lowering costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
Initially, they estimated a $2,000 increase to the build, but now, it is more likely an $8,000 to $15,000 increase [to meet 7-star ratings], depending on the house or project.
The 7 Start Energy Rating effect on specifiers
How much will the 7 Star Energy Rating increase building costs?
As thermal performance assessors, Empire Thermal Group should be consulted early because it could save thousands on the project by adopting the team’s recommended design principles.
“We have done our own cost analysis comparing adherence from a Six to Seven-Star Rating,” says Mr Pontikis. “Initially, they estimated a $2,000 increase to the build, but now, it is more likely an $8,000 to $15,000 increase, depending on the house or project.”
“This is why we work with clients early on, as we can assist with reducing this cost,” says Mr Pontikis. “We want to support the design vision, so our recommendations will always keep the architect, developer or homeowner’s design in mind.”
Mr Pontikis continues, “We can provide smarter solutions that may be quite simple, like an articulation of the building that could be flattened out, which can assist with meeting these new requirements.”
How to meet the 7 Star Energy Rating
“In Victoria, we get quite a few questions about planning, with specifiers asking, what do I need to do to get my permit?” Mr Pontikis remarks.
Our Sustainable Design Assessments (SDAs) will assess the minimum requirements that need to be met and find the best solution – can solar panels offset rainwater tanks? Do the rainwater tanks need to go underground due to a limited site? And how much will that cost?” says Mr Pontikis.
The team at Empire Thermal Group has extensive building experience and understands design and costs. “We’ll provide suggestions from the provision of ceiling fans, increasing the window openings for airflow to orientation and the extent of window tinting and shading – which can be beneficial or detrimental depending on the design,” Mr Pontikis adds.
If the building doesn’t initially achieve a Seven Star Energy Rating, we can offer numerous cost-effective options to bring it up to the required level.
7 Star Energy Rating Reports
Pontikis remarks Empire Thermal Group’s 7 Star Energy Reports service is straightforward, efficient and competitively priced. “Upon providing us with your building plans, one of our energy rating consultants will conduct a thermal performance assessment on the new house, apartment, commercial development or renovations using the latest software,” explains Mr Pontikis. “If the building doesn’t initially achieve a Seven Star Energy Rating, we can offer numerous cost-effective options to bring it up to the required level.”
For assistance with your sustainability reporting, contact Empire Thermal Group on ArchiPro today.