Tips on achieving a 7-star dwelling

In most states, the 7-star NatHERS energy rating requirement for townhouses, apartments and dwellings, has been in force for over a year, but we are still seeing many developments struggling to achieve the rating.

In general, taking energy efficiency into account as early as possible saves time and money, avoiding the headache of signing off on a design only to find out down the line at the energy rating stage that it doesn’t comply. This article will outline some simple areas to pay attention to that will give you the best bang-for-your-buck and make that 7-star rating a much less daunting prospect.

ORIENTATION

Consider orientation in relation to the local climate you are designing for, adding shade to protect against the summer sun is whilst allowing plenty of northern solar access to living areas. The orientation of a house plan is the single most effective aspect to alter in your design when it comes to energy efficiency, so ensure that you are getting the most out of your site within its limitations.

GLAZING

Look for omptimal glazing options that work with your design and budget. As energy efficiency has become a more central consideration in specifying windows for homes in recent years, the cost of double and triple glazing has reduced significantly. This opens up thousands of options for you to choose from and specify on documentation. When you nominate your preferred window units on plans, your energy rater will be able to use the exact values instead of NatHERS defaults that often result in an energy rating performing worse. The placement and sizing of glazing is also an area where designing for the climate and considering solar access will provide huge benefits to thermal performance. For further reading into glazing design that leads to a comfortable and efficient home, the Your Home website is an excellent resource: https://www.yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing.

ZONING

Zoning out corridors and stairs, as well as less frequently used spaces by adding internal doors to the design can allow for heating and cooling systems to serve individual rooms more efficiently than in a design where air can move freely between floors and zones.

INSULATION

Upping insulation to walls, floors and ceilings will improve energy rating results depending on climate. Looking at insulating internal walls to non-habitable rooms like laundries and bathrooms will also pay dividends in reducing heat loss from the home

CEILING FANS

Specifying ceiling fans in as many rooms as possible significantly lessens reliance on air conditioning and therefore greatly reduces the amount of energy required to cool the dwelling.

get a rating early

Get your NatHERS assessor involved early. The Australian Government's fact sheet, Top tips for Building for 7 stars states: "The most important first step is to get your NatHERS assessor involved early in the design process. NatHERS accredited assessors are extensively trained to improve ratings and providing options to get to 7 stars and beyond."

The earlier this is done, the cheaper and easier to make adjustments which can have a big impact on the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of your end product, and the more likely you are to avoid very costly glazing and insulation specifications.

EcoResults has a team of highly trained, extremely helpful raters with years of experience, who will be more than happy to help you. We help our clients with preliminary energy rating using on early concept or schematic design drawings or even sketches, to give real feedback on how your project is performing and clear recommendations for improvement.

What our clients are saying

"EcoResults is exceptional at working collaboratively with designers/architects to achieve the best outcome for the client." - SLAB Architecture