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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
Showing all boundaries, adjoining properties and fences including heights
Floor construction (AAC/concrete slab on ground/suspended slab/timber)
Floor coverings (carpet/tiles/vinyl/none)
Floor insulation if applicable (reflective foil/bulk insulation)
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 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 construction (concrete/flat framed/metal/tiled)
Roof insulation if applicable
Ceiling insulation (bulk insulation)
Show all skylights/roof lights and nominate if fixed/vented and/or shaded
Specify skylight/roof lights glazing type (single/double)
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
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
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).
