NATHERS STAR RATINGS
A NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) assessment measures how well your building’s design keeps its occupants comfortable without relying on excessive heating or cooling. It rates the thermal performance of the building envelope — walls, roof, floor, windows, orientation and shading — on a scale from 0 to 10 stars.
Since the National Construction Code moved to a 7-star minimum, a NatHERS assessment is no longer just a box to tick at permit stage — it’s a design decision that shapes your build cost, your program and the comfort of the finished home.
Efficient Habitat models your project accurately and finds the most cost-effective route to your target rating, for single dwellings and large developments alike, anywhere in Australia.
What a NatHERS assessment measures
Using accredited thermal-modelling software, our registered energy rater assesses:
- Insulation levels in the roof, walls and floor
- Glazing type, size and orientation
- Building orientation and solar access
- Shading — eaves and external devices
- Thermal mass
- Ventilation and air movement
- Your specific climate zone
Note that NatHERS rates the building fabric only. Appliances, hot water, solar and batteries are covered by the separate Whole of Home rating, which we can also prepare.
When you need one
- New homes (Class 1) — to meet the 7-star NCC minimum
- Renovations, alterations and additions (requirements vary by state)
- Multi-residential developments — apartments and townhouses
- In NSW, thermal performance usually forms part of your BASIX certificate
You’ll generally need your rating before lodging for a building permit or construction certificate.
Get the rating right early — it's a design tool, not a formality
The move from 6 to 7 stars asks more of a design than many expect. Adding insulation and better windows was often enough to reach 6 stars; 7 stars depends heavily on orientation and solar access. A home with poor solar access can be almost impossible to rate at 7 stars no matter how much insulation or glazing you add. (Read more: Navigating the transition to 7-star.)
That’s why we like to be involved early. Bringing an energy rater in during design — rather than at permit stage — lets us use the rating tools to optimise the project instead of forcing expensive fixes later. We help you place and specify glazing strategically, avoid over-using costly window types, and align the layout with passive solar principles. Done well, the path to 7 stars gets shorter and cheaper.
Beyond the minimum
Thermal mass, high-performance glazing and careful detailing can lift a home to 8 or 9 stars. If you want to push past compliance, we can model the options so you can decide exactly where it’s worth investing — all the way to Passive House.
Why Efficient Habitat
- Accredited and accountable — every assessment is certified by our registered energy rater, Michael Drage.
- Efficiency-focused — we find the most cost-effective route to compliance, often saving more on the build than our fee.
- Built for complex and large-scale work — heritage, unusual designs, and multi-dwelling developments on developer timeframes. See our case studies.
- Australia-wide — assessed remotely, wherever your project is.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum NatHERS star rating for a new home in Australia?
Under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), new homes must achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS thermal rating, up from the previous 6 stars. State transition dates vary, so we confirm the current requirement for your project’s location.
What documents do you need to start an assessment?
Typically architectural floor plans with dimensions, elevations showing windows, a site plan showing orientation, and a specification of materials (insulation, glazing, wall and roof construction). We’ll confirm exactly what’s needed for your project.
Does a NatHERS rating cover my appliances and solar panels?
No. NatHERS rates the thermal performance of the building fabric. Appliances, hot water, solar and batteries are assessed separately under the Whole of Home rating, which we can also prepare.
My design isn't reaching 7 stars — can you help?
Yes. This is one of our specialties. We model options for orientation, glazing, shading and insulation and find the most cost-effective way to reach your target without over-engineering the build.
How long does a NatHERS assessment take?
Usually a few business days from receipt of complete plans and specifications. Larger or more complex projects take longer, and we can prioritise urgent DA or permit deadlines.
Do you provide NatHERS assessments in my state?
Yes. We work Australia-wide, remotely, with a working knowledge of every state’s requirements and climate zones.
GET YOUR NATHERS RATING
SORTED — PROPERLY.
Send us your plans and we’ll come back with a tailored quote, or book a free energy efficiency audit to see how easily your project can reach 7 stars.
