Energy assessments for all homes

All homeowners will soon be able to assess their home’s energy efficiency, following the Australian Government’s announcement that it is expanding the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) to include assessments for existing homes.

Previously, the scheme has only offered ratings for new homes and major renovations.

The new ratings will help householders better understand their home’s energy performance, identify cost-effective upgrades to improve the comfort of their home, and reduce their energy bills.

Banks and financial institutions will also use the ratings to help verify green loans, giving them more confidence to loan money for home upgrades.

The ratings play a key role in Australia’s path towards a low-carbon future, supporting broader energy transition goals.

Trials will run in late 2024 with the finance sector, property valuers and energy assessors, with ratings for existing homes expected to be available from mid-2025.

Prior to the new NatHERS ratings coming online, homeowners can access the Residential Efficiency Scorecard to request an existing homes assessment.

For more information, and to access the Scorecard, visit the NatHers website (dcceew.gov.au).