7-Star NatHERS homes in 2023

Mooloolaba Renovation - DraftRoom

DraftRoom is celebrating the decision that from May 2023 all new Australian homes will need to meet 7-Star NatHERS energy standards. This marks the first increase to standards in over a decade and will reduce cost of living and cut emissions.

Recent Building Ministers Meeting saw state, territory and Commonwealth governments agree to improve residential energy efficiency standards in the National Construction Code for the first time in over a decade. The changes will lift minimum NatHERS ratings from 6 to 7 Stars and set a new Whole of Home budget for heating and cooling equipment, hot water systems, lighting, swimming pool and spa pumps, and onsite renewable energy systems.

The uplift in energy standards is estimated to result in a cut of emissions by up to 78 million tonnes by 2050. It is also expected to lower the cost of grid upgrades by up to $12.6 billion by 2050, and reduce poverty and inequality by ensuring higher standards in social housing and private rentals. 

Households are the winners in this decision, by lifting energy efficiency not only reduces emissions and makes homes more comfortable, it saves households money at the same time. It will now take 25% less energy to heat and cool a new home.

Building 7-Star homes with solar and no gas can cut bills by over $1,000 a year. With energy prices rising, there has never been a more important time to tackle bills by smarter design in the way we build our homes, making them more efficient, and powering them with renewables.

With 16% of new housing already being built to 7-Star energy rating, according to a 2022 report from CSIRO, the push to fulfil the new minimum has already begun with some homes ranking even higher than 7-Star. This shows that new home builders are already welcoming changes to the NCC.

We would like to see the implementation period actioned as soon as possible so that new households aren’t missing out on comfortable, affordable, low emission homes.

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