RESIDENTIAL / NATHERS ASSESSMENTS The NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme), also called 'six-star', is the most common pathway for compliance for new homes. This method of compliance can be used on all single residences, apartments, and other dwellings. It involves modelling your design in accredited software, which simulates the home through a full year, and calculates the expected heating and cooling loading to retain thermal comfort throughout the year. There is an allowable maximum for each climate zone, but the software is also a good tool to test changes to increase efficiency higher if your goal is no artificial heating and cooling! RESIDENTIAL / VERIFICATION USING A REFERENCE BUILDING The verification pathway is a BCA alternative solution, and involves a more complex method of compliance. This pathway is not offered by the majority of energy assessors due to the complexity of the process. This method of compliance is particularly useful where the design is pushing boundaries or where thermal mass has not been used - particularly in cold climates. This method can only be used on class one (single dwellings) and cannot be applied to apartments. RESIDENTIAL / ELEMENTAL (DEEMED-TO-COMPLY) The elemental compliance pathway is a check-box type method of compliance. Minimum levels of insulation must be met, and the windows compliant in a calculator, but there is no room for trade-offs. Typically, this method is used for alterations and additions only COMMERCIAL / SECTION J (DEEMED-TO-SATISFY) Commercial buildings are assessed against minimum levels of insulation, and the glazing is assessed in a calculator. The glazing is assessed by facade area, which can work for, or against, the project. CALL US FOR A QUOTE