The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is an Australian Government initiative that has been guiding the design of energy-efficient homes since 1993. Administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, it provides a standardised star rating — from 1 to 10 — that measures how much energy a home needs for heating and cooling.
The higher the star rating, the less energy your home needs to stay comfortable — and the lower your energy bills. A 10-star home requires almost no artificial heating or cooling at all. Currently, all new homes in Australia must achieve a minimum of 7 stars under the National Construction Code
NatHERS is now being expanded to cover existing homes, giving Australian families the ability to understand their current home’s energy performance, identify cost-effective upgrades, and access green finance options.
A NatHERS-accredited assessor reviews your home's plans or conducts an on-site inspection of your existing home.
The assessor collects information on your home's construction materials, insulation, window glazing, orientation, and local climate zone.
Data is entered into accredited NatHERS software (powered by CSIRO science) which models the home's annual heating and cooling energy needs.
You receive a star rating out of 10, plus an energy performance score out of 100 covering appliances, hot water, solar generation, and more.
Your assessor provides guidance on cost-effective improvements — such as better insulation, window shading, or orientation changes — to boost your rating.
A NatHERS certificate is issued, which can be used to demonstrate compliance with the National Construction Code, access green loans, or inform a property sale.
New homes meeting the 7-star minimum save an average of $183 per year on energy bills. Higher-rated homes save even more — a 10-star home can eliminate heating and cooling costs almost entirely.
A well-rated home stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer without relying heavily on air conditioning or heating. Better insulation, glazing, and orientation all contribute to a more comfortable living environment.
Energy-efficient homes use less electricity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting Australia's transition to net zero by 2050. Every star improvement makes a real difference to your household's carbon footprint.
NatHERS is the most widely used method for demonstrating compliance with the National Construction Code energy efficiency requirements — used in approximately 90% of new home assessments across Australia.
Many Australian banks now offer green home loans at preferential rates for homes with strong NatHERS ratings. A certified rating can help you access better finance options when building, buying, or upgrading.
Energy-efficient, well-sealed homes paired with proper ventilation systems — like Heat Recovery Ventilation — deliver cleaner, fresher air throughout the home, reducing allergens, mould, and moisture-related issues.
A better star rating means your home is more airtight and better insulated — it retains conditioned air and requires less energy to heat or cool.
A well-sealed home prevents natural air infiltration. Without mechanical ventilation, stale air, moisture, and pollutants can build up indoors.
A Heat Recovery Ventilation system provides a continuous supply of fresh, filtered air while recovering up to 95% of the heat — maintaining comfort without wasting energy.
Talk to the Vector HRV Team. Whether you’re building a new home, upgrading an existing property, our team is ready to help with practical, buildable performance insights.
