Building Rating Schemes

National House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) and AccuRATE

The NatHERS scheme is based on the allocation of star ratings to houses according to how well they are designed to minimise the need for energy use to maintain comfort (such as whitegoods are currently Star Rated and labelled). 

Difficulties were experienced in applying the NatHERS computer model in tropical Australia and an updated version of the NatHERS model, AccuRate, is currently being tested to address the issue of natural ventilation in the tropics.

The House Energy Rating Industry Reference Group (HER IRG) was formed by invitation from the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning in late 2005.

A discussion paper has been prepared which includes preliminary recommendations that members of the HER IRG wish to discuss with their industry groups. In addition, this technical report provides rating results for a one room test cell with respect to four main factors which affect how much energy a house will need to maintain comfort in Darwin and Alice Springs.