The star rating of a house is determined using the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). A house is either built to the requirements of the National Construction Code or a computer simulation is used to determine how much energy will be required to heat or cool the house based on a number of characteristics of the home including;

• The design and aspect (what direction do the living areas face)
• The amount of insulation
• The types of windows

The house is them given a star rating out of ten. In Victoria the minimum rating is 6 Star. For more information see; http://www.nathers.gov.au/

All NatHERS Accredited Assessors must hold a Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment qualification (CPP41212). Course details can be found by searching for the Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment or ‘CPP41212’ on the MySkills website.

To practice as a NatHERS Accredited Assessor, you must maintain your accreditation with one of two Assessor Accrediting Organisations (AAOs), the Building Designers Association of Victoria or the Australian Building Sustainability Association.

www.yourhome.gov.au Australia’s most comprehensive guide to environmentally sustainable homes. Your Home continues a long-standing effort by the Australian Government, in partnership with the building and design industry, to give comprehensive, expert and independent advice to everyone interested in building homes for a sustainable future.