As an Architect, Building Designer, Builder or Homeowner you have an important decision to make when engaging an ‘Energy Rater’ or Thermal Performance Assessor. The adage ‘you get what you pay for’ still holds true for this industry, so make sure you conduct some research and compare apples with apples.

A conscientious Thermal Performance Assessor can potentially save their fee in energy-saving measures and sound design advice. Involving a Thermal Performance Assessor too late in the project can result in limited improvements (typically extra insulation and increased glazing specifications that simply add cost). Whereas, engaging a qualified expert earlier in the design process can help inform the project and achieve a more cost-effective, energy-efficient result.

Graham Energy has a proven track record in delivering high energy rating outcomes around Victoria, with a high proportion near our base in the inner south-eastern suburbs including Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn, Kew and Malvern extending out to Blackburn, Forest Hill and Nunawading and beyond.

Regardless of your decision (or timing), we highly recommend engaging an accredited Assessor, as they are subject to Quality Assurance (QA) review, remain up-to-date with Continual Professional Development (CPD) and are required to maintain a suitable level of Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. As a bonus, Registered Building Surveyors (RBS) typically favour accredited NatHERS certificates because the Assessors prerequisite skills have already been verified as part of the accreditation process.

You can easily search for an accredited Thermal Performance Assessor for your next energy rating on the Australian Building Sustainability Association (ABSA) or Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) websites, or feel free to contact us (we’re accredited with both for peace of mind).