NatHERS assessments for new homes and major renovations
Building a new home or planning a major renovation? We assess the plans before construction and show how the design performs. Because the work is plan-based, Australian Energy Assessments can help with projects anywhere in Australia.
Official guidance reviewed 1 September 2026National Construction Code requirements and jurisdictional adoption can change. Confirm the current project pathway with the relevant certifier, council or approval authority.
Desktop assessment across AustraliaNew-home NatHERS assessments are completed from coordinated plans and specifications, so projects can be assessed remotely across Australia. The state or territory and approval authority still determine the applicable pathway and evidence.
What you are getting
The rating, the energy systems and the certificate
Building shell
Thermal performance Star Rating
The thermal model uses the proposed plans, orientation, construction, insulation, glazing, shading and ventilation assumptions to estimate heating and cooling demand.
A model of the proposed design
The result depends on complete, coordinated design evidence. It is not an inspection of the finished building and it is not a prediction of a household's energy bill.
Evidence commonly needed
Site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections
Orientation and climate location
Construction, insulation and sealing details
Window, glazing and shading schedules
Certificate result
A Star Rating from 0 to 10 for the modelled thermal performance, together with the certificate details and assumptions for the assessed design.
For the applicable new-home pathway, Whole of Home modelling considers major fixed appliances and on-site energy systems alongside the building's thermal performance.
New-home certificate terminology
Whole of Home is part of the new-home rating pathway. It is not the name of the current assessment delivered for a home that is already built.
Evidence commonly needed
Heating and cooling systems
Hot water and fixed appliance selections
Proposed solar generation
Proposed battery details where relevant
Certificate result
A Whole of Home rating from 0 to 100+ that sits alongside the thermal Star Rating on the relevant new-home certificate.
The model, certificate, specifications and approval drawings need to describe the same design so the assessment can support the confirmed building approval pathway.
Authority remains decisive
The certifier, council or other approval authority determines the National Construction Code pathway and whether the submitted evidence satisfies it.
Controls to maintain
Current revision of every drawing
Consistent material and glazing schedules
Recorded modelling assumptions
Review of later product or design changes
Project use
A new-home certificate can demonstrate the relevant National Construction Code energy performance when the correct pathway and coordinated evidence are used.
Identify the project location, building class, design stage and the evidence requested by the certifier, council or approval authority.
02
Coordinate documents
Provide the current architectural drawings, construction specifications, glazing schedule and relevant fixed system details.
03
Model the design
The assessor records the design in approved software and identifies missing information or assumptions that need resolution.
04
Test design changes
Compare practical design responses before treating any indicative option as an approved construction commitment.
05
Issue and maintain
Use the relevant certificate with matching plans, then review changes that may affect the assessed performance or approval evidence.
Official source
Understanding a new-home certificate
The official Home Energy Rating guidance explains the thermal Star Rating, Whole of Home rating, certificate status and information shown on a new-home certificate.
The Australian Government service explains the role of NatHERS assessments and new-home energy rating evidence for households and residential projects.
Can a NatHERS new-home certificate demonstrate NCC compliance?
Yes, when the certificate is produced for the correct project and pathway, uses coordinated evidence and meets the requirements adopted for that jurisdiction. The certifier, council or relevant approval authority decides what must be submitted and accepted.
Question
Does Whole of Home replace the thermal Star Rating?
No. The new-home certificate can include both a thermal Star Rating from 0 to 10 and a Whole of Home rating from 0 to 100+. They describe related but different parts of the assessed design.
Question
Does every major renovation need the same NatHERS certificate?
No single answer applies to every project. The location, building work, approval pathway and requirements adopted by the jurisdiction determine whether a new-home NatHERS certificate or another method is required.
Question
Is the rating a forecast of the future energy bill?
No. It is a standardised model of the proposed design under defined assumptions. Actual energy use and bills also depend on weather, occupancy, behaviour, tariffs, equipment settings and construction quality.
Question
How is a NatHERS assessment quoted?
The quote depends on the project type, design stage, number of dwellings, quality of the plans and specifications, certificate requirements and any option testing or later revisions. Australian Energy Assessments confirms the scope and price before modelling starts.
Ready to check the plans?
Tell us where the project is up to
Start with the project location, design stage and any plans you already have. We will explain what is needed next and what the assessment will provide.
