Whole Home Assessments 

Whole of Home (WOH)

The introduction of the NatHERS Whole of Home rating marks the most significant update to the scheme in its 30-year history. This new rating system will comprehensively measure the energy consumption of entire homes, encompassing appliances, lighting, solar power, and battery storage. Its implementation will play a crucial role in driving energy efficiency improvements for new homes across Australia, supporting the nation’s transition towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050. 

The Whole of Home rating will serve as a benchmark for demonstrating compliance with the increased energy efficiency standards set in the new National Construction Code 2022. Key changes include establishing a minimum 7-star standard and introducing an annual energy use budget. 

In addition to the existing NatHERS star rating, which rates thermal performance on a scale of one to ten, the Whole of Home Performance Rating will provide a separate assessment on a scale of 0 to 100. This assessment will expand upon thermal performance evaluations by assessing the energy consumption of various appliances: 

• Heating and cooling systems 

• Hot water systems 

• Lighting 

• Pool and spa pumps 

• Cooking appliances 

• Plug-in devices 

• Renewable Energy  

Furthermore, the rating will consider energy generated from on-site sources like solar panels and stored in batteries. This holistic approach will offer a comprehensive overview of a home’s energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions.