Australia moves to Seven Star houses

Key changes:

• Adopting a minimum standard of 7 stars
• The introduction of an annual energy use budget
• A new livability standard (access)
• NCC 2022 will be available from October 1, 2022 for those who want to use the new provisions
• NCC 2022 will start May 1, 2023 with a transition period to October 1, 2023 for the Modern

Homes provisions for energy efficiency, condensation mitigation and livable (accessible) housing
Energy

The minimum energy efficiency requirements for new houses and apartments are increasing from the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) equivalent of 6 to 7 stars. 

A new Whole of Home annual energy use budget applicable to the home’s heating and cooling equipment, hot water systems, lighting, swimming pool and spa pumps, and onsite renewable energy systems will also be introduced. This will make homes more comfortable, help households with cost-of-living pressures, and support Australia’s transition to net zero.

Building Ministers took advice from the Australian Building Codes Board to make the decision based on their extensive regulatory impact analysis and consultation over the last year.

Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister said the new home minimum energy efficiency requirements will mean new homes are more affordable to heat and cool and will also be more comfortable. 

“These measures have clear benefits for households. Energy efficient houses are more comfortable to live in – cheaper to heat in winter and cool in summer,” McAllister said. 

Ministers recognised that individual jurisdictions may make modifications to implementation to address local circumstances such as condensation, renewable energy capacity and local climatic conditions.

Access

NCC 2022 will also deliver a new livability standard to increase the stock of homes with accessibility features and support Australians with mobility limitations to transition through life stages in their own homes.

Ministers gave serious consideration to the benefits that energy efficiency and livable (accessible) housing provisions will bring to Australian households, and to ensuring industry is adequately prepared to deliver these changes.

Frater Consulting Services leads the charge

As a leader in the energy and access consultation industries, Frater Consulting Services is here to help our clients transition to the more stringent regulations.

We have already helped a number of clients prepare for transition to the Seven Star requirements. 
Please don’t hesitate to contact Frater Consulting Services to find out how you can better prepare your company transition to the new Seven Star and Access requirements.