When is an Energy Report Required For Renovations?
When renovating or extending your home, an energy efficiency assessment (often called an energy report) may be required as part of the Building Approval process. The NCC requires that any work creating or altering habitable rooms - spaces such as bedrooms, living areas, studies, or kitchens - must meet minimum energy efficiency standards. This ensures new spaces are comfortable, thermally efficient, and help to reduce long-term energy costs.
If You’re Creating New Habitable Rooms
If your renovation adds or extends a habitable room, such as enclosing an outdoor patio to form a bedroom or enlarging a living area, an energy report is required. The report assesses the thermal performance of the new building elements, such as insulation, glazing, wall and roof construction, and orientation - to confirm compliance with the NCC’s minimum energy rating.
If You’re Only Working on Non-Habitable Areas
Where works are limited to non-habitable areas - for example, garages, laundries, or storage spaces - an energy report is not generally required, provided:
- No new habitable spaces are created, and
- The existing thermal envelope (such as walls, roof, or windows) remains unchanged.
Your building certifier or designer will review whether your project triggers an energy efficiency assessment before your Building Approval is lodged.
Optional Energy Credits
Queensland's QDC MP 4.1 – Sustainable Buildings provides optional credits that can be used to offset or improve energy performance outcomes for both new and altered dwellings. These credits may be achieved through measures such as:
- Installing rooftop solar PV systems
- Using high-efficiency air conditioning or hot water systems
- Implementing ceiling fans to habitable rooms
- Provision of a suitable outdoor living space
In some renovation projects, these optional credits can assist in meeting compliance more flexibly, particularly where existing building constraints limit insulation or glazing upgrades.
Guidance from Realex Design
At Realex Design, we’ll guide you through whether your renovation or extension will require an energy report, and can coordinate this process on your behalf. Our goal is to make the process straightforward while ensuring your project remains compliant, comfortable, and efficient.