What is the NatHERS Energy Rating Scheme
The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) provides rating information about the thermal and energy performance for new or heavily renovated residential dwellings.
A star rating ranges from 0 to 10 stars, with 10 being the most energy-efficient, and is based on various factors, such as the:
- Home’s layout and insulation properties
- Roof, walls, windows and floor, and construction methods and materials
- Shading from the sun's path and how well it takes advantage of local breezes
The energy performance of appliances is included in the NatHERS Whole of Home rating. Rated out of 100, where 100 is a net zero energy value home, the Whole of Home performance rating assesses the energy use of the following appliances:
- Heating and cooling
- Hot water systems
- Lighting
- Pool/spa pumps
- Cooking and plug-in appliances
- On-site energy generation and storage such as solar panels and solar batteries
As such, NatHERS assessments provide a thermal star rating out of 10 alongside the whole of home performance rating out of 100.
NatHERS star ratings can be used by homeowners, lenders and building professionals for various purposes, including:
- Meeting mandatory energy efficiency requirements for new home builds and major renovations under the National Construction Code
- Advising homeowners and building professionals about the energy efficiency of their home designs
- Making decisions on energy efficient appliances suited to families and the local climate
- Informing potential homeowners about the thermal performance of the home they’re thinking of purchasing
What is the Residential Efficiency Scorecard?
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard, endorsed by NatHERS, is a government-accredited assessment that rates the energy efficiency of existing residential dwellings.
The home is given a star rating between 0 and 10 stars (the higher the stars, the more energy efficient your home), and an accredited assessor provides tailored recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of current appliances and features of the home.
Your Scorecard Certificate will provide detailed information about your home’s:
- Energy efficiency star rating out of 10
- Energy efficiency ratings for fixed appliances like heating, cooling, and your hot water service
- Energy consumption of fixed appliances over one year
- Greenhouse gas emissions from fixed appliances in one year
- Star rating with or without solar power
- Comfort rating showing how your home copes with hot and cold weather.
Difference between NatHERS and Residential Efficiency Scorecard
While both NatHERS and the Residential Efficiency Scorecard contribute to the overall goal of improving energy efficiency in residential properties, they cater to different stages of a home's life cycle.
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment is a tool used to assess and rate the energy efficiency of existing homes, whereas NatHERS is primarily associated with new residential constructions or, in some cases, major renovations, assessing the energy efficiency of new homes during the design and building stages.
Additionally, NatHERS and the Residential Efficiency Scorecard have different focuses in terms of the assessment criteria and recommendations.
Expanding NatHERS assessments to include existing homes
From mid-2025, NatHERS will be expanding to offer ratings for existing homes. As such, it is expected that the Residential Efficiency Scorecard program might be accredited and phased into NatHERS. While endorsed by NatHERS, the Residential Efficiency Scorecard is not currently accredited under NatHERS and cannot provide a NatHERS assessment.
Endorsement serves as an early indication that the tool, training, and accreditation process align with the expected requirements of NatHERS assessments for existing homes in the future. Some amendments are expected as the requirements for existing homes are agreed upon and finalised.
How do I get an assessment?
For NatHERS, the initial step is to contact a NatHERS-Accredited Assessor who will use purpose-built software to evaluate the potential of the home’s energy efficiency. The assessor reviews your house plans, assessing the home’s ability to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round while also determining the required heating and cooling over an average year.
Once the assessment is complete, the assessor will issue a NatHERS Universal Certificate displaying both the star rating and the Whole of Home rating. This certificate can be used to meet state and territory energy efficiency regulations.
For the Residential Efficiency Scorecard, select a government-accredited assessor from the official Scorecard website. Ensure you select an assessor who is authorised to conduct Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessments in your state or territory. Assessors are not employed by the government and set their own fees.
The assessment is conducted in-person and involves an evaluation of various components within an existing home, such as insulation, heating and cooling systems, lighting, and appliances.
Once your assessment is finished, your assessor will provide your Scorecard certificate and offer tailored advice to help you achieve your goals and ensure any money you spend on upgrading your home’s energy efficiency will lead to a more cost-effective and comfortable home.
Got a good rating? Apply for a Green Plus Home Loan with a discounted interest rate
At Gateway, we reward members who are committed to making their homes energy efficient.
If you’ve completed an assessment (either on your building plans or existing home) and received a score of at least a 7 Star NatHERS or a 7 Star Residential Efficiency Scorecard, you could be eligible for a Green Plus Home Loan with Gateway Bank.
Our Green Plus Home Loan offers a discounted interest rate for the life of the loan, rewarding customers who have made the commitment to live in a home that is gentler on the environment.
Apply online or contact our team to find out more – because banking shouldn’t cost the earth.
