Why Are Energy Assessments Required
All new homes must demonstrate compliance with the NCC 2022 Energy Efficiency provisions. These requirements ensure your new home is designed and built to perform efficiently; reducing running costs, improving thermal comfort, and supporting sustainability.
7-Star Energy Rating (Thermal Performance)
Every new home (house, duplex, or townhouse) must achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating. This computer-based thermal assessment models the home’s orientation, insulation, glazing, shading, and ventilation to ensure it maintains comfortable indoor conditions with minimal energy demand. Early design decisions, such as window placement, eave depth, and construction materials strongly influence your star rating outcome.
Whole-of-Home Assessment
In addition to the 7-star thermal performance requirement, the NCC 2022 also introduces a Whole-of-Home energy assessment. This evaluates the total energy use of the home including:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Hot water supply
- Lighting and appliances
- Renewable energy generation (e.g. solar PV systems)
This ensures a balanced, realistic understanding of how efficiently your home will perform.
Optional Energy Credits For New Queensland Homes
The QDC MP 4.1 Sustainable Buildings - provides a pathway for optional energy credits that can contribute toward meeting or improving energy performance outcomes. These credits recognise sustainable inclusions such as:
- Installing rooftop solar PV or battery systems
- Incorporating ceiling fans in habitable rooms
- Using high-efficiency air conditioning or hot water systems
- Inclusions of suitable outdoor living spaces
When used strategically, these credits can assist in achieving Whole-of-Home targets or offsetting specific design limitations.
Guidance from Realex Design
At Realex Design, we can manage the energy assessment process for your new home - optimising design outcomes to achieve the required 7-Star and Whole-of-Home compliance. We’ll also review where QDC MP 4.1 credits can enhance your result or reduce upgrade costs. Our aim is to deliver efficient, compliant, and well-performing homes from the start.