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Welcome to Graham Energy

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Most homes just comply. We assess homes that perform.

A higher NatHERS star rating is not just a number on a certificate. It is a measurable commitment to year-round comfort, lower running costs, and a home that holds its value for decades to come.

Graham Energy specialises in energy ratings and thermal performance consulting that go well beyond the minimum. We work with homeowners, architects, and builders across Australia to model, optimise, and certify genuinely efficient homes, not just technically compliant.

The benefits of a superior energy rating are concrete:

  • Higher comfort: stable internal temperatures in every season without over-reliance on heating and cooling systems
  • Lower energy bills: reduced demand for mechanical conditioning translates directly to household savings
  • Stronger resale value: research by the Real Estate Institute of Australia shows energy-efficient homes achieve up to 10% higher sale prices
  • Access to green finance: Bank Australia’s Clean Energy Home Loan and Commonwealth Bank’s Green Home Offer both reward high-performing homes with preferential interest rates
  • Lower carbon impact: a well-modelled home reduces lifecycle emissions significantly compared to a minimum-compliance build

Australia’s NatHERS scheme rates homes on a scale of zero to ten stars. We consistently deliver ratings that exceed the 7-star minimum, because a home that merely complies is a missed opportunity.

A NatHERS 7-Star energy rating has been the mandatory minimum in Victoria since 1 May 2024. With this now firmly embedded as standard practice, is your design team confidently meeting, or exceeding, this benchmark?

Looking for a Sustainable Building Specialist?

Engaging Graham Energy early in your design process is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your project. Here are 10 reasons why we should be your first call, not your last.

  • Cost-effective performance from day one
    Early consultation means you’ll understand energy-efficient design principles before costly decisions are locked in. Graham Energy gives you the ideas and clarity needed to pursue your thermal performance goals from inception, saving you time, money, and frustration down the track.
  • International expertise, local insight
    With an international architectural background and over 18 years serving Australia’s energy efficiency industry, Matthew brings an informed, integrated, and sensitive approach to every project, preserving your design vision while delivering outstanding performance outcomes.
  • Qualified across all four NatHERS accredited software tools
    Most energy assessors are accredited in one or two rating software tools. Matthew Graham holds accreditation in all four NatHERS tools, a rare distinction that provides unmatched flexibility and ensures the most technically appropriate approach for your specific project.
  • A recognised industry thought leader
    Matthew is considered one of Australia’s most highly regarded Building Sustainability and Thermal Performance Assessors. His reputation as a thought leader means your project benefits from advice at the forefront of industry best practice.
  • Truly collaborative by design
    Graham Energy works closely with you and your design team throughout the process. A great energy rating isn’t just a document. It’s the result of genuine collaboration aimed at achieving a 7.0 Star+ outcome that works for everyone.
  • Personal service, every time
    There’s no automated upload portal here. When you reach out to Graham Energy, you’ll receive a friendly call and an ongoing consultation to understand your project and develop a tailored solution, real service from a real person.
  • All work stays in-house
    Every project is handled entirely in-house. Your work is never sent offshore, and when you contact Graham Energy with a question, you’ll always receive a prompt, personal response, not a ticket number.
  • Deep knowledge of building codes and regulations
    Graham Energy’s extensive knowledge of National, State, and Local Government building regulations ensures your project stays compliant and your budget stays on track, with no last-minute surprises or costly redesigns to meet code.
  • Accredited, accountable, and quality assured
    Being NatHERS-accredited, Graham Energy is subject to quality assurance reviews and mandatory continuing professional development. That means every report and recommendation is held to the highest standards of accuracy and accountability.
  • Energy efficiency as a design foundation, not an afterthought
    When sustainability is built into the design process from the start, everything flows more naturally, resulting in a seamless journey and a beautiful, comfortable home that’s cost-effective year-round. Treating your energy rating as a last-minute tick-box exercise, by contrast, often leads to poor results, design headaches, and bare minimum performance outcomes.

Whether simply wanting to attain the minimum 7-Star energy rating to get council building permit approval or you’re reaching for the pinnacle of a 10-Star home energy rating, Graham Energy is here to help you.

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE

With an international architectural background and more than 18 years dedicated to building sustainability and home energy efficiency, Graham Energy has developed a reputation as a trusted specialist in the field. Graham Energy Principal, Matthew Graham, is an active contributor to national conversations on energy efficiency, sitting on multiple technical and advisory groups that shape policy and regulatory practice.

Whether your target is a compliant 7-Star outcome, a high‑performance home or a leading-edge 10‑Star NatHERS rating, your project is managed with technical precision, practical insight and a strong collaborative approach.

INDUSTRY ACCLAIMED

Graham Energy delivers industry-leading NatHERS home energy rating services to homeowners, builders, architects and building designers across Australia. The practice is widely regarded as a subject matter expert in residential energy assessment and thermal performance modelling.

Memberships and affiliations with key professional bodies, including the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA), the Australian Building Sustainability Accreditation (ABSA), Design Matters National (DMN) and the House Energy Rating Association (HERA), reflect Graham Energy’s commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards and staying at the forefront of industry change.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Graham Energy provides a responsive, independent Technical Help Desk service for the wider energy rating community. Fellow assessors can access clear, practical guidance on the National Construction Code (NCC), NatHERS requirements and software modelling issues, as well as one‑on‑one mentoring for complex or unusual projects.

Over many years, Matthew Graham has contributed technical advice and support to organisations such as the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) and other leading industry bodies, helping to lift capability and confidence across the sector.

PERSONAL SERVICE

Graham Energy is built on genuine personal service rather than automated systems. Instead of uploading files to an impersonal portal and waiting, you speak directly with an experienced assessor who takes the time to understand the specifics of your project.

All assessment and modelling work is completed locally, not outsourced offshore, ensuring that local climate conditions, planning requirements and council permit expectations are fully understood from the outset, reducing the risk of costly delays and rework.

AWARD WINING

Graham Energy is an award‑winning practice in building sustainability, recognised for its role in delivering a 10‑Star NatHERS project in collaboration with Maxa Design – a rare and demanding achievement in residential design.

Matthew Graham was also honoured to receive the 2020 Ronald Pickford Award for Service Excellence, a prestigious industry recognition that reflects his enduring commitment to professionalism and contribution to the building sustainability sector.

EXPERIENCED TRAINER

Principal Matthew Graham is a NatHERS Administrator–endorsed trainer in additional NatHERS software tools and is widely respected as a specialist educator in the home energy efficiency and sustainability sector. He regularly provides training for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), helping new entrants develop strong technical competence and sound professional judgment.

Matthew has also shared his expertise with university architecture students, demonstrating how NatHERS tools can drive better design outcomes, and Graham Energy is proud to be recognised as an official Hero Support Partner by Hero Software. Students seeking the CPP41119 Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability are supported with clear, industry‑relevant guidance on suitable training pathways.

With better design and material methodology, the pinnacle of a NatHERS 10-Star energy rating is not only now attainable and more affordable, but there is an increasing number of homes across Australia that have attained this zenith.

Why do I need an 'energy rating'?

The Australian Federal Government introduced energy ratings to reduce household energy consumption and lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with generating electricity. In short, it’s part of a national push toward smarter, more sustainable homes.

An energy rating is a standardised calculation of a building’s thermal performance. Essentially, a measure of how much energy your home would use to maintain a comfortable temperature over a theoretical year. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a real-world model, but rather a thermal simulation used to determine regulatory compliance.

To meet this requirement, an accredited assessor must use approved software under the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS). We have extensive experience across all major NatHERS-approved tools — AccuRate Sustainability, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, and Hero, so we can match the right tool to your project. For clients working in ArchiCAD, we can also leverage its inbuilt energy efficiency calculations to provide guidance during preliminary and schematic design.

Beyond compliance, an energy-efficient home is simply a better home. More comfortable to live in, cheaper to run, and better for the environment.

All new residential construction, alterations and additions, and apartment developments must comply with the National Construction Code (NCC). In Victoria, the specific requirements are:

  • New dwellings must achieve a minimum 7-Star rating using NatHERS software, including artificial lighting calculations

  • Alterations and additions may use the elemental Deemed-to-Satisfy (DTS) provisions, or NatHERS software to assess the existing and proposed design together — with the required star rating determined by a linear relationship to building area

  • Multi-dwelling developments must achieve an average 7-Star rating, with a minimum 6-Star for each individual dwelling

Compliance documentation must be submitted to your Council or Relevant Building Surveyor (RBS). If you’re unsure what applies to your project, get in touch — we’re happy to walk you through it or provide a fee proposal.

Did you know solar photovoltaic (PV) is now taken into account as part of an energy rating under NCC 2022 and Whole of Home? We're not just focused on thermal performance of the building fabric, but also whether energy is generated onsite.

Yes, we're NatHERS accredited!

Graham Energy is proudly accredited with HERA (House Energy Raters Association), the nationally recognised body for professional NatHERS assessors. This accreditation reflects our commitment to delivering assessments that meet the highest standards of technical rigour and professional accountability.

Matthew Graham holds long-standing membership with the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) and Australian Building Sustainability Accreditation (ABSA), an organisation at the forefront of sustainable design and energy efficiency in Australia. He is also a member of Design Matters National. Together, these affiliations reflect a practice that is deeply embedded in the professional community and genuinely invested in advancing industry standards.

Our accreditation spans all four NatHERS-approved software tools: AccuRate Sustainability, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, and HERO, giving us the flexibility to match the right tool to your project’s specific needs. Where additional schematic analysis adds value, we can also draw on Graphisoft ArchiCAD’s EcoDesigner to explore design options early, when energy-saving decisions have the greatest impact.

Why accreditation matters

Not all energy assessors are created equal. When evaluating your options, it’s worth understanding what accreditation actually guarantees and what you risk without it.

  • Up-to-date knowledge: Accredited assessors must stay current with evolving regulations and best practice through ongoing professional development. Non-accredited providers have no such obligation.

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance: Accreditation requires current PI insurance coverage. Without it, you may have little or no recourse if something goes wrong with your assessment.

  • Verified competency: CPD requirements ensure accredited assessors maintain the skills needed to deliver accurate, compliant assessments, not just passable ones.

  • A legitimate NatHERS certificate: Only accredited assessors can issue certificates bearing the official NatHERS logo. Certificates from non-accredited providers carry warnings that the assessment may lack the necessary technical rigour, a red flag for certifiers, councils, and future buyers alike.

Choosing an accredited assessor isn’t just about ticking a box. It’s about protecting your project, your investment, and your peace of mind. Caveat emptor — let the buyer beware.

Putting our energy into saving yours

Fellow assessor looking for help?

In response to growing demand from both accredited and non-accredited Thermal Performance Assessors (Energy Raters) seeking independent technical support, Graham Energy offers a direct help desk solution.

Graham Energy provides timely advice and mentoring on a flexible, ad-hoc basis — covering technical and modelling support for all NatHERS accredited software tools, including AccuRate, BERS Pro, FirstRate5, and Hero.

With broad industry involvement and long-standing professional accreditation, Graham Energy is well-positioned to deliver continuing professional development (CPD) and training through various Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), including Transformed and previously, Monash University, Chisholm Institute and Education in Building.

Whether you’re after friendly modelling advice or wrestling to demonstrate minimum regulatory compliance on a challenging project, Graham Energy is here to offer professional, highly acclaimed guidance to fellow Assessors.

“…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
  • @grahamenergy
    56 years ago

What do we want?

We're often asked “How do we get started… What documentation do you need?' and our reply is “we need sufficient information to describe the overall building fabric”. To make things a little easier you can refer to the checklists below that outline the information required. Don't worry if the information is missing, the checklist is just a guide only and we’ll work with you to gather any missing information. We look forward to working with you and helping your energy-efficient, thermally comfortable home a reality.

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.

Matthew Graham

Principal
Matthew Graham is Principal of Graham Energy and an award-winning Sustainable Building Specialist with deep expertise in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Sche...

Moko

Mascot (2009–2025)
Moko was a beloved Samoyed who graced our lives for 16 remarkable years. With her thermally efficient double coat built for the harshest of climates and her tra...

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

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