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Whole of Home Assessment
What Is a Whole of Home Assessment?
A Whole of Home Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a residential dwelling’s projected energy use. It considers:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Hot water systems
- Cooking appliances
- Lighting and plug-in devices
- Pool/spa pumps
- Solar PV systems and battery storage
This assessment is a key part of the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS), designed to ensure new homes not only meet the minimum 7.0-star thermal performance rating but also comply with an annual energy use budget as per the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements
When Is It Required?
The Whole of Home Assessment applies only to new dwellings (Class 1 & 2 buildings such as houses, townhouses, and duplexes). It is not required for renovations or alterations. Implementation timelines differ across jurisdictions:
- ACT: Required from 1 January 2024
- NSW: Not applicable – follows BASIX instead
- NT & Tasmania: NCC 2022 energy efficiency not adopted
- Queensland & Victoria: Effective 1 May 2024
- South Australia: Effective 1 October 2024
- Western Australia: Effective 1 May 2025
About NatHERS Whole of Home Rating
The NatHERS Whole of Home rating measures the total energy consumption of a dwelling, accounting for the performance of appliances and renewable systems (like solar panels and batteries). It complements the thermal shell rating and provides a score out of 100
Our Whole of Home Assessment Service
At Loka Consulting Engineers, we specialise in delivering accurate, fast, and fully compliant Whole of Home Assessments aligned with NCC and NatHERS. We support your project from planning through to construction, ensuring smooth approvals and sustainable design outcomes.
Our Process Includes:
- Review of architectural plans
- Energy modelling using accredited software (e.g., HERO)
- Collaborating with architects and builders to optimise outcomes
- Issuing Whole of Home compliance certificates.
Why Choose Us?
- Proven expertise in residential energy modelling
- Fast turnaround with a focus on quality and accuracy
- Professional advice on renewable energy integration and energy savings
- Support throughout DA and CC stages
Benefits of Our Service
- Full compliance with NCC and NatHERS
- Enhanced energy performance of your project
- Backed by a team of sustainability professionals
- Cost-effective solutions tailored to your development
FAQ Section
When is a Whole of Home Assessment required?
A Whole of Home Assessment forms part of the NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions for applicable new residential dwellings in jurisdictions that have adopted these requirements. The requirements and implementation dates vary between states and territories.
What does a Whole of Home Assessment include?
A Whole of Home Assessment considers the dwelling’s energy-consuming systems and appliances, as well as renewable energy systems such as solar PV and batteries. The assessment is used to determine the home’s annual energy use and Whole of Home rating.
What is the difference between a NatHERS thermal rating and a Whole of Home Assessment?
A NatHERS thermal rating assesses the thermal performance of the dwelling, including factors such as insulation, glazing, orientation, heating and cooling needs. A Whole of Home Assessment considers the energy performance of the dwelling’s appliances, systems and renewable energy features in addition to its thermal performance.
Is a Whole of Home Assessment required for homes in NSW?
NSW has its own residential energy efficiency requirements under BASIX, so the applicability of the NCC Whole of Home provisions differs from jurisdictions that use the NCC residential energy efficiency pathway. Project-specific requirements should be confirmed based on the location, building type and applicable approval pathway.
At Loka Consulting Engineers,our accredited BASIX consultants specialise in navigating these requirements, offering solutions and expert advice to streamline compliance and enhance the energy efficiency of your projects. From initial consultation to certification, we are committed to supporting your development goals with professionalism and expertise.
How we help our clients:
At Loka Consulting Engineers, we’ve had the privilege of collaborating with a diverse range of multi-national businesses, from builders to international aid agencies, including:
Contractors | Architects | Developers | Government
Our commitment remains unwavering, we craft solutions that transcend mere functionality across Australia, ensuring sustainable infrastructure and pioneering environmental innovations.
Capabilities Statement
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