6‑Star NatHERS Rating: Why New Australian Homes Can’t Afford to Miss It?
Did you know that heating and cooling account for up to 40% of energy use in the average Australian home? It’s a striking number especially when you consider how much of that energy is lost due to poor building design. This is where the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) becomes critical. For new homes across most Australian states, achieving a 6-star NatHERS energy rating isn’t just encouraged, it’s required. It’s a benchmark that reflects better thermal performance, lower energy costs, and improved liveability. A high-performing home does not just reduce your energy bills but it also earns you a NatHERS certificate. It is considered a document that works by validating your home’s energy efficiency before construction even starts. This certificate can support smoother approvals, greater resale value, and access to sustainability incentives. But what does a 6-star rating actually involve? And how can new builds meet this standard without blowing the budget? This article explores why hitting the 6-star mark is so important and how to design and build smarter from the ground up. So, now let’s begin with our discussion:
What Is a 6-Star NatHERS Rating? In Australia, a 6-star NatHERS rating is more than a regulatory checkbox. It represents a critical benchmark of a building’s energy performance. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) uses a star-based scale from 0 to 10 to assess thermal efficiency. A 6-star rating indicates that the home stays comfortable throughout the year. It requires less energy for heating and cooling. This is now the minimum standard for most new residential constructions in the country. The NatHERS assessment looks at several design features. These include insulation, ventilation, glazing, shading, and orientation. The result is a certified rating that reflects how efficiently your home uses energy. It offers a measurable advantage even before construction begins.
Why Is a 6-Star NatHERS Rating So Important? Let us be honest: cutting corners in building design might save upfront costs, but the long-term consequences can be severe. A 6-star NatHERS rating is not about ticking a box. It is about future-proofing your home, your bills, and your comfort.
Here is what is at stake: ● Energy Bills: Homes with lower star ratings consume more power to maintain indoor comfort. A jump from 5 to 6 stars can reduce energy usage by up to 24%. ● Resale Value: Buyers are increasingly asking for energy ratings. A solid NatHERS certificate adds credibility and selling power. ● Regulatory Compliance: In most Australian states and territories, failing to meet the minimum NatHERS certification can halt approvals. Eco Certificates, a local expert in building energy assessments, often sees builders and homeowners fall into the trap of viewing the 6-star rating as a hurdle. In reality, it is a design tool that offers a chance to improve a build’s performance without dramatically increasing costs.
How Does a NatHERS Assessment Work? A NatHERS assessment starts with your home’s design plans. It is a virtual simulation not a physical inspection. Using specialised software, accredited assessors evaluate: ● ● ● ● ● ●
Building materials Window placement and size Insulation levels Site orientation Floor plans Climate zone
From there, a star rating is issued, alongside a NatHERS certificate. The goal? Help you understand how your design performs in terms of passive heating and cooling.
A Quick Look: What Influences Your NatHERS Rating? Element
Positive Impact if Optimized
Negative Impact if Ignored
Roof and wall insulation
Reduces heat transfer
Heat loss in winter or gain in summer
Window glazing
Keeps heat out/in as needed
Leads to temperature fluctuations
House orientation
Allows natural sunlight and airflow
Increases reliance on HVAC
Sealing and draughts
Maintains stable temperatures
Energy waste through leaks
Thermal mass
Stabilizes internal temperatures
Creates heat spikes or losses
Do You Always Need More Expensive Materials to Hit 6 Stars? No, you do not. In fact, you may not need to spend more, just spend smarter. Strategic adjustments to orientation, shading, and glazing can lift your rating with minimal impact on your budget. For example, a north-facing living room with properly shaded windows in Melbourne can perform better than the same room placed facing west. It is about working with the climate, not against it.
What Happens if Your New Build Falls Below 6 Stars? This is not a corner you can cut. Falling short of the minimum rating can: ● Delay building approval or permit applications
● Result in redesign fees and added construction time ● Push you to invest in more expensive post-design upgrades And do not forget, building below standard could put you behind in the eyes of future buyers or renters.
Benefits Beyond the Star Rating Achieving a 6-star NatHERS rating means more than comfort and compliance. It leads to: ● Long-term cost savings: Lower energy use equals lower utility bills ● Smaller environmental footprint: Less energy consumed means fewer emissions ● Enhanced occupant wellbeing: Consistent indoor temperatures mean fewer health risks, especially for elderly or vulnerable residents ● Greater resale appeal: Energy-efficient homes are no longer niche, they are expected
What You Can Do Early to Meet 6-Star NatHERS Rating? Here is how you can plan ahead without headaches: ● Engage an assessor early: Do this at the design stage, not after you submit plans ● Use simulation feedback: If your design falls short, assessors provide suggestions to boost your rating ● Focus on orientation: North-facing living areas generally perform better ● Avoid over-glazing: More windows may seem better, but it often leads to heat loss/gain ● Invest in the envelope: The building envelope (roof, walls, floors) has the biggest thermal impact
Misconceptions About NatHERS Ratings Let us debunk a few common myths: ● “You need solar panels to hit 6 stars” Not true. NatHERS does not consider appliances or solar power, only the building fabric. ● “Double glazing guarantees a pass” It helps, but your orientation, insulation, and sealing matter just as much. ● “I will fix it later with air conditioning” The rating reflects passive efficiency, not how many systems you add to cool or heat your home.
Real-World Example: 6 Stars on a Budget In Brisbane, a new 3-bedroom home was designed using common construction methods. The structure included standard brick veneer walls and a metal roof. No premium materials were introduced. The initial NatHERS assessment returned a 5.1-star rating. The project team consulted with a certified energy assessor to explore design improvements without increasing construction costs.
Targeted adjustments included: ● Repositioning windows to maximise natural ventilation and reduce heat gain ● Upgrading ceiling insulation to improve thermal resistance ● Adding eaves to block excessive summer sun while allowing winter warmth These small design changes made a measurable impact. The revised plan achieved a 6.3-star NatHERS rating. The construction materials stayed the same. This outcome proves that energy efficiency in new buildings is not always about spending more. It is about using the right strategies, guided by informed assessment.
The Bottom Line You build once, but you live in that space every day. A 6-star NatHERS rating is not about chasing perfection. It focuses on smart, functional design that suits both the climate and the people who live in it. Getting a NatHERS assessor involved early makes a difference. It helps you avoid design errors. It also reveals energy improvements that won’t stretch your budget. Trusted building consultants like Eco Certificates offer this support. They guide homeowners through the certification process. They also recommend realistic upgrades, but never expensive add-ons that you don’t need. Ready to align your home design with real-world performance? Get in touch with Eco Certificates today and start planning a home that saves energy, lowers costs, and feels great to live in.
Contact Us
Eco Certificates Website: https://www.ecocertificates.com.au Email ID:
[email protected] Address: Suite G.03, 23 Ryde Road, Pymble NSW, Australia- 2073 Phone Number: +61 1300162436
