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Welcome to Graham Energy

Thank you for visiting.

We specialise in thermal performance assessments (energy ratings) for all types of residential developments in Victoria and nationally (including BASIX in NSW). We can assess, certify and dispense expert advice on all residential energy efficiency related matters while providing a friendly, professional and flexible consultancy service. More importantly, we ensure you have all the necessary information to make well-informed decisions.

Looking for a sustainable building specialist?

If you’re looking for a practice specialising in building sustainability, then please contact us to discuss your next project. Yes, we are highly qualified but what really matters is focusing on energy rating outcomes, not theory. If you are looking for a Section J report, Home Sustainability Assessment or building thermography we can always refer you to a like-minded specialist. We are focused on delivering an optimal thermal performance assessment solution (or 6 Star energy rating report), where collaboration is the key to success.

Design advice

Unsurprisingly, the best energy efficiency savings can be made during the early design stages. Projects are typically developed in isolation with an ‘energy rating’ requested just days before the Building Permit application is due to be submitted. Late in the process, options are limited. Sure, we can ‘pull a rabbit out of a hat’ like everyone else, but why squander prospects along the way? We work collaboratively with the project team from the start to maximise opportunities and outcomes.

Energy rating

We take a slightly different approach to many when conducting a Thermal Performance Assessment or ‘energy rating’. Determining an optimal solution takes time. Many assessors spend the greatest amount of time on the data entry process, then quickly increase specifications to reach minimum regulatory compliance. Once achieved, they often don’t question or consider the alternatives. We take time to understand each project and then quantify the beneficial options. Save money short term on the build or save money in the long term with increased energy efficiency – it’s a win-win.

Highly qualified

With an architectural background working for high calibre international architectural practices, we elected to focus on building sustainability over twelve years ago. With our design sensitivity, it is important for us to maintain the essence of each design. To ensure we offer our clients choice, experience and flexibility, we hold a Certificate IV in NatHERS Assessment in all NatHERS software tools, a Certificate IV in Home Sustainability, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment plus, we sit on numerous Technical Advisory Committees including the ABSA TAC, Design Matters National TAC and NatHERS TAC.

Training/Mentoring

We are fortunate that our knowledge and experience has led us to be considered a preeminent subject matter expert in NatHERS assessment. We are also able to share our expertise and understanding of building sustainability with others by working closely with major industry stakeholders including the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA), Design Matters National formerly the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV), Chisholm Institute, Monash University and Transformed. We are also proud to have co-authored the AccuRate and FirstRate5 User Manuals.

Why not give us a try on your next project?

You've got nothing to lose (other than saving a few megajoules).

Contact us

Why do I need an 'energy rating'?

The Australian Federal Government introduced energy rating in an attempt to reduce the amount of energy households consume and lower greenhouse gas emissions produced from generating electricity.

An energy rating is simply a standard calculation of a building’s energy performance. Essentially a measure of how much energy your house will use to maintain a standard level of thermal comfort over a theoretical year. It’s important to understand that an ‘energy rating’ is not a real model but a thermal simulation which can be used to determine regulatory compliance.

For this purpose, an accredited assessor must use a standard calculation method utilising Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) approved software. We understand that projects vary and you need the right tool for the job, which is why we have extensive experience in AccuRate Sustainability, BERS Professional and FirstRate5. For clients who have adopted ArchiCAD, we can also utilise inbuilt energy efficiency calculation for preliminary and schematic design advice.

An energy-efficient house can be more comfortable and affordable whilst also being environmentally responsible and help improve our economy.

Watch a video explaining NatHERS on the NatHERS Administrator website.

Whether you’re building a new residential dwelling, residential alteration and addition or apartment development, all are required to comply with the National Construction Code (NCC).

All new residential dwellings in Victoria should be designed to a minimum 6-Star standard using House Energy Rating Scheme (HERS) software, include artificial lighting calculations and the installation of either a rainwater tank or solar hot water service.

Residential alteration and additions in Victoria may use the elemental Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provision or use House Energy Rating Scheme (HERS) software to assess the existing house separately and then the overall design to determine the required star rating based on a linear relationship between the star rating and building volume.

All new residential multi-dwelling developments in Victoria must reach a total average 6 Star standard with a minimum 5 Star standard for each dwelling using House Energy Rating Software (HERS).

It’s important to remember that documentation must be provided to Council or your relevant Building Surveyor (RBS) to ensure compliance, so feel free to contact us if you have any queries or to obtain a fee proposal.

Did you know solar photovoltaic (PV) is not taken into account as part of an energy rating? Principally because a NatHERS thermal performance assessment considers the building fabric, not whether energy is generated onsite.

Yes, we're NatHERS accredited!

We’re a member of the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) with accreditation number 60724 and Design Matters National formerly the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) with accreditation number DMN/15/1680.

A high level of experience represents our dedication, competency and accreditation in all four NatHERS software, AccuRate Sustainability, BERS Pro, FirstRate5 and HERO. If suitable, projects can be further complemented by Graphisoft ArchiCAD (EcoDesigner) for additional schematic design analysis (the best energy-saving measures can be made early in the design process).

If you are considering using a non-accredited assessor, then please consider the following;

  • Are they fully informed? An accredited Assessor is supported as part of an industry network.
  • What happens if something goes wrong? An accredited Assessor is required to have Professional Indemnity insurance. A non-accredited assessor may not have any cover.
  • Are you getting a true assessment? An accredited Assessor must complete a minimum number of CPD activities every year to remain accredited. A non-accredited assessor may not engage in any continuing professional development.
  • Will you get a NatHERS certificate? Only an accredited Assessor can issue a NatHERS certificate containing the NatHERS logo. A non-accredited certificate contains warnings highlighting whether the assessment has been undertaken with the necessary skills.

Expending our energy today, to save you energy tomorrow.

“…There was no question that I needed to seek professional mentorship from an expert in the field, particularly with specialist FirstRate5 knowledge. I engaged Matthew Graham of Graham Energy. In the beginning, there was so much ground to cover. My assessment knowledge was challenged and I soon realised there was so much more to learn! Through Matthew’s patience and persistence, I have learned so much and overcome some challenges that I struggled with even when undertaking my Cert IV. I’m pleased to say that the mentorship has been a well worthwhile path and investment as I passed my second audit at 87%!! A feat I would not have managed without additional guidance from Matthew. Thanks for your patience and assistance in getting me over the line! I look forward to continuing to work with Matthew in on the further improvements my assessments and skills in the future.”
Laura
Thermal Performance Assessor, Melbourne

“As a new assessor with no previous building industry experience, I have found Graham Energy’s subscription and mentoring services invaluable. Their fast response times have enabled me to continuously meet my client’s (volume builder) expected turnaround times. Matthew’s communications and explanations are clear and informative. I can’t recommend highly enough Graham Energy’s services to new assessors looking for guidance after completing their Certificate IV or to more experienced assessors who want to ensure their assessments pass an audit.”

Carolyn
Thermal Performance Assessor, Melbourne
“Matthew is a seasoned industry expert who provides an invaluable technical service for assessors. From helping with queries to reviewing assessments and providing solutions for tricky ratings, he takes the time to ensure issues are properly resolved. It’s great to know he’s there and I can thoroughly recommend.”
Jennifer
Thermal Performance Assessor, Sydney
“As an accredited energy rater I attended a BDAV FirstRate5 assessors workshop conducted by Matthew Graham in May 2015. I found the workshop highly informative with Matthew demonstrating an extensive knowledge of both the FirstRate5 software and associated Technical Notes. The presentation was practical, easy to follow and covered a broad range of technical detail with regard to correct collection, interpretation and input of data. Feedback on a previously submitted study house was constructive, informative and accurate. The content was presented in a relaxed, inclusive and professional manner and I would have no hesitation in attending future training courses conducted by Matthew.”
Colin
Thermal Performance Assessor, Melbourne
“Matthew’s expert mentoring has been invaluable to my business for the past 12 months.  I work alone so don’t have colleagues to help with technical questions, either modelling with FR5 or otherwise.  His responses have been swift, clear and extensive, and he often goes above and beyond to help address the issues.  It’s comforting to know that I have access to his huge range of knowledge when needed.”
Deb
Thermal Performance Assessor, Melbourne

Fellow assessor looking for help?

In response to a growing number of accredited and non-accredited Thermal Performance Assessors (or Energy Raters) looking for independent technical support, Graham Energy offers a direct help desk solution.

We provide timely advice and mentoring on a flexible ad-hoc basis covering technical and modelling support for all NatHERS accredited software. We are fully accredited in AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5 and HERO whilst maintaining dual accreditation with the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) and Design Matters National formerly the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV).

We work closely with the Assessor Accrediting Organisation (AAOs) to deliver continuing professional development (CPD) and train through various Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) including Monash University, Transformed and previously, Chisholm Institute.

It doesn’t matter if you are just after some friendly modelling advice or wrestling to demonstrate minimum regulatory compliance for a challenging project, we’re here to offer professional guidance to fellow Assessors.

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Latest News and Information

Keep up-to-date with our latest news and information - more than just a tweet!

  • Design Matters National 2020 Ronald Pickford Award

    By Matthew Graham | 0 comment

    Matthew Graham is honoured to receive the Design Matters National 2020 Ronald Pickford Award for Service Excellence. The Ronald Pickford Award isRead more

  • NatHERS Assessor Network private Facebook group

    By Matthew Graham | 0 comment

    If you are a fellow NatHERS Thermal Performance Assessor, then this private Facebook group is an essential one-stop shop, exclusively for NatHERSRead more

  • A day in the life of a Thermal Performance Assessor

    By Matthew Graham | 0 comment

    What does a day in the life of a thermal performance assessor and trainer look like? Transformed catch up with Thermal PerformanceRead more

  • Australian Residential Energy Rating Conference 2020

    By Matthew Graham | 0 comment

    The second Australian Residential Energy Rating conference will be held in Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney 12 and 13 May 2020. ARERRead more

  • Bushfires, Red Cross, Zoos Victoria and $100 donation

    By Matthew Graham | 0 comment

    To assist parts of Australia experiencing unprecedented bushfire activity, Graham Energy will donate $50 to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery andRead more

  • Happy New Year

    By Matthew Graham | 0 comment

    We would like to take this opportunity to wish all our clients, students and associations a very Happy New Year! We appreciateRead more

Why spending $99 on your 'energy rating' may not match your investment

If you are navigating a sea of ‘energy rating’ websites offering 24-hour turnaround for as low as $99 (or even a few hundred dollars to be frank), the question should be, does this service best represent your investment?
Please contact us to discuss your expectations - nothing ventured, nothing gained, and you're also supporting local business (not sending your work secretly offshore).

What do we want?

We're often asked 'What do you want to get started?' and our reply is we need sufficient information to describe the overall building fabric. To make things a little easier, we've included a checklist outlining the information required. Don't worry if information is missing, the checklist is just a guide.

Drawing requirements

Site plan

Showing all boundaries, adjoining properties and fences including heights

North point

Floor plan at each level

Elevations of all external walls

Section(s) with ground levels, floor and ceiling levels, bulkheads and roof levels

Window schedule if available (otherwise indicate on drawings)

All drawings must be to scale and clearly dimensioned

Drawing information

Floor

Floor construction (AAC/concrete slab on ground/suspended slab/timber)
Floor coverings (carpet/tiles/vinyl/none)
Floor insulation if applicable (reflective foil/bulk insulation)

Wall

External wall construction (brick veneer/cavity brick/FC/single brick/weatherboard)
Internal wall construction (brick/metal framed/timber framed)
Wall insulation proposed (reflective foil/bulk insulation)

WIndow

Window construction (aluminium/PVC/timber) and manufacturer if known
Window type (awning/casement/double hung/louvre/sliding)
Window glazing (double/single/reflective/tinted)
Show any proposed internal window coverings
Show any windows protected with external blinds, awnings, shutters or battens
Nominate whether doors/windows are weather-stripped and draught-proof

Roof

Roof construction (concrete/flat framed/metal/tiled)
Roof insulation if applicable
Ceiling insulation (bulk insulation)

Skylight and roof window

Show all skylights/roof lights and nominate if fixed/vented and/or shaded
Specify skylight/roof lights glazing type (single/double)

Ventilation

Show any chimneys and nominate whether sealed or unsealed
Show the location of any exhaust fans and nominate whether sealed or unsealed
Show all vented incandescent/fluorescent down lights
Show any ceiling fans and specify the proposed diameter
Reflected ceiling plan showing all artificial lighting – we can assist if not available

Satisfied Clients, Partners and Associations

We'd like to acknowledge and thank select clients, partners and associations for their ongoing support.

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

We have over 12 years experience in the energy efficiency industry as a Sustainable Building Specialist and our extensive knowledge combined with team player approach means we’ve certainly earned our stripes as an industry leader. Please contact us to discuss your requirements, whether a minimum 6 Star or ultimate 10 Star goal.

INDUSTRY ACCLAIMED

We provide industry-acclaimed FirstRate5 and HERO workshops plus continuing professional development (CPD) webinars endorsed and hosted exclusively through Design Matters National, formerly the Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV).

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

We provide prompt concise independent technical and modelling support for fellow Assessors through our own dedicated help desk. We have also provided technical support to the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA), Sustainability Victoria and advise to Design Matters National.

PERSONAL SERVICE

We pride ourselves on providing genuine personal and professional service. There is no automated website to upload your projects then wait, just a friendly call to learn more about your project to determine a tailored solution. More importantly, all work is conducted locally and never sent offshore, so when you contact us with a query, we can always provide a prompt reply.

AWARD WINING

We are an awarding winning practice in building sustainability and the proud recipient of the BDAV 10 Star Sustainable Design Challenge together with Maxa Design – no easy feat to achieve a 10 Star energy rating. Matthew Graham was also honoured to receive the 2020 Ronald Pickford Award for Service Excellence by Design Matters National (formerly the BDAV).

ACCREDITED TRAINER

We provide training to Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) including Transformed and previously Chisholm Institute, to educate and nurture new entrants into the industry plus architecture students at Monash University. If interested in a CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability qualification, you may wish to consider Transformed.

Matthew Graham

Principal
Matthew Graham is Principal of Graham Energy and considered a subject matter expert in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. Matthew is a long-term accredi...

Moko

Mascot
Thermally efficient dual coated Samoyed with a smile....

Contact

Please contact us if you have any queries (and don’t forget to leave your contact number just in case we need to introduce ourselves properly).

Address
582 Burwood Road, Hawthorn VIC 3122 Australia
Telephone
+61 3 9819 5829

    Copyright 2018 Graham Energy
    • About us
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