Thermal Performance
Energy Rating allows for the measurement of the thermal performance (also called thermal comfort) of various buildings. The nature in-House Energy Rating is carried out is described by the NatHERS (national house energy rating) scheme.
Each state and territory controls its own construction but all have committed themselves to energy efficiency improvements.
The performance criteria differ but they all improve the bar. Australia’s Building Code (BCA) specifies a minimum 6 star rating for homes!
What Is 6 Star rating?
Computer modelling is used to determine the construction of a house or building. A design’s thermal comfort is scored on a scale of zero to ten stars. The more stars the less energy use for cooling and heating to stay comfortable.
In most States and Regions, the target is set as a number of stars — usually 5 or 6 stars.
Construction of roofs , walls, windows and floors.
The orientation of the windows and the shading of the path of the sun and the local breezes.
How well they are suited to the local climate.
The architecture of your house.
In NSW, the target is BASIX – the Building Sustainability Index. The BASIX Certificate shall be submitted as part of the Development Application (DA). Click here https://www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/basix to learn more about BASIX here.
The BASIX tool’s water and energy elements ensure the production meets the required water use and greenhouse gas emissions goals. Such BASIX sections refer to single homes, adjacent townhouses and large multi-unit developments.
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) Certificate is required as part of the contract of sale in the ACT.
The preferred solution is to use advanced computer-based thermal efficiency modelling to evaluate the heating and cooling efficiency of the building.
This approach requires that you have complete control over the development of your home. Plus Thermal Efficiency Simulation is likely to save you costs and create a design with superior thermal comfort.
The FirstRate5 modeling software is used by ecomaxhomes for projects around Australia.
The concept sketches are loaded into FirstRate5 and then the simulation algorithm measures the heating and cooling loads for each month of the year. We then make suggestions for change – bearing in mind the objectives of your design.
The whole procedure from quote to certificate is quickly completed via e-mail and on-line.
