NATIONWIDE HOUSE ENERGY RATING SCHEME (NATHERS)

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is a national framework that regulates how Australian Homes are rated for their thermal performance. 

We begin the process by entering a model of your project into our NatHERS approved software. The software generates a star rating based on overall thermal performance. This star rating is then displayed on the completed NatHERS Certificate (sometimes known as an ABSA Certificate) which can be used to promote the thermal efficiency of your development during marketing or resale.

The information gathered from NatHERS assessment is a key component required for generating a BASIX Certificate. Together, the two certificates fulfil sustainability requirements and form a complete picture of your development's energy efficiency.

A NatHERS Certificate is not required for alterations & additions or new pools.

BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY INDEX (BASIX)

A Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) Certificate is created online using the BASIX assessment tool. The tool evaluates elements of a proposed design against a set of sustainability targets.

A BASIX assessed home provides a valuable contribution to the sustainable future of our communities. BASIX not only reduces water and energy consumption in homes across NSW, but also ensures long term financial savings for the homeowner. 

A BASIX Certificate is a compulsory component of your Development Application and is required for:

• Alterations and additions over $50,000
• New pools with a volume greater than 40,000 litres
• New dwellings, duplexes, townhouses and residential flat buildings

NATHERS & BASIX DESIGN PRINCIPALS

During the design process, there are several things worth considering to ensure your project makes it through the assessment process as smoothly as possible. These can be simple features like eaves, shading and insulation which are all making a welcome comeback.

By making the right choices at the start, your project has the best chance to achieve good energy efficiency outcomes without the need for design amendments further down the track. A poorly orientated window, for example, may later require a tacked on shading device that adds to construction costs and impacts the aesthetic quality of your building. Common design features worth considering include:

• Rainwater tanks plumbed to toilets, gardens and/or laundries
• Efficient 3A - 5A shower heads, toilets and tap fittings
• Use of indigenous garden species
• Grey water plumbing systems
• Solar heat pump or high efficiency gas hot water systems
• Efficient pool heating and pumps
• Good solar orientation
• Cross ventilation
• Insulation
• Eaves and other kinds of external shading
• Performance glazing for large glazed areas and/or poorly orientated areas
• Ceiling fans, evaporative coolers or high efficiency air conditioning
• Energy efficient lighting
• Alternative energy systems such as photovoltaics

FAQ's

1. How much will my BASIX Certificate cost?

The price will depend on the size and nature of your project. Prices start from $175.

Contact us any time with your requirements for an obligation free quote. Send us an existing quote and we will beat it by 10%.

2. When do I need to get my BASIX Certificate?

You should get your BASIX Certificate after your plans have been drawn and before submitting your Development Application (DA) to Council. The Council will need the Certificate in order to process your DA. 

3. Do I have to pay extra if I want to make changes to the BASIX Certificate?

Yes. In order to amend a certificate, a new one must be generated. If necessary, a new NatHERS (or ABSA) Certificate may also need to be created. The Principal Certifying Officer at your Council will need to be notified. Should this certificate need amending, we can provide a price upfront on request.