There are two main ways to perform an energy assessment for new / existing residential houses: Home Energy Rating Software (E.g. FirstRate, BERS PRO, AccuRate) or Deemed to Satisfy Assessment (DTS). Here at AEEBC we are fully trained, certified and highly proficient in the use of all residential energy efficiency assessment methods. Please see below for a detailed description of each assessment method we commonly use.
Home Energy Rating Software Assessments
Deemed to Satisfy Assessments
Home Energy Rating Software
Home Energy Rating Software uses a holistic approach to assess overall building thermal performance, analysing all the elements of the building to determine how much heat energy is needed to be removed /added to the house to maintain a constant and comfortable internal temperature. These software programs employ highly sophisticated engines to calculate energy loads based on house design, orientation and location. The biggest benefit of using this type of assessment is that HERS software provides the opportunity to achieve compliance by compensating for an under-performing building element (e.g. most commonly large glazing area) with an over-performing building element (e.g. increased levels of Insulation).
2nd Generation Software
There are two Classifications of HERS Software Packages permitted for use in Australia under both the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and BASIX Frameworks. They are respectively called 1st Generation and 2nd Generation Software tools.
Second Generation Software tools have been federally developed and integrate increased modelling functionality and analysis tools to improve the ability to accurately rate dwellings throughout Australia for Regulatory Purposes.
2nd Generation Software uses 69 different climate files and contains a larger range of features including a more realistic modelling of natural ventilation, cooling effect of ceiling fans, heat flows in underfloor and roof spaces and attached dwellings. Three Second Generation software programs exist: AccuRate, BERS Pro and FirstRate v5. They all utilise the same calculation engine. Each program provides a different user interface for entering building data. AccuRate requires building dimensions to be entered numerically in tables whereas FirstRate v5 and BERS PRO define building dimensions by drawing a simple plan which can be traced over an imported image of the assessed house plans.
The most commonly used HERS software’s include FirstRate 5, BERS PRO and AccuRate, which are defined as “second generation software”. It only takes a few simple procedures to get your house design assessed using second generation software (click here for more information).
AccuRate is 2nd Generation Home Energy Rating Software developed by CSIRO for rating the energy efficiency of residential building designs.
AccuRate can model complex buildings more accurately than 1st Generation Software, with the inclusion of fifty thermal zones within a building, improved natural ventilation modeling and extensive library of window and wall constructions.
AccuRate is the standard against which all new Australian residential building energy simulators are judged and verified
AccuRate complies with the ABCB Protocol for House Energy Rating Software, a requirement for use in compliance with the Building Codes of Australia, and now is used in all States (except Northern Territory)
FirstRate 5 is a 2nd Generation Home Energy Rating Software developed by Sustainability Victoria for rating the energy efficiency of residential building designs.
FirstRate 5 was developed in line with the NatHERs Second Generation Accredited Software Protocol. The program enters data through drawings and incorporates the ability to zone the house according to how each room will be used , the ability to rate up to 10 Stars and with 69 climate zones in Australia is in line with other Second Generation Software.
FirstRate 5 complies with the ABCB Protocol for House Energy Rating Software, a requirement for use in compliance with the Building Codes of Australia.
The BERS (Building Energy Rating Scheme) computer program is a powerful tool that is used to simulate and analyse the thermal performance of Australian houses in climates ranging from Alpine to tropical. BERS can be used to assign a star rating to a house within a particular climate type.
The user interface of the program is graphics based. Information about the building, the climate type and the conditions of use is selected from pictures displayed on the screen. Floor plans can be imported and traced with a mouse. This eliminates the need for time consuming data entry of dimensions, orientations, adjacent zones etc. making data entry fast and accurate. Calculated data is displayed in graphic form as well as being written to files.
Bers Pro complies with the ABCB Protocol for House Energy Rating Software, a requirement for use in compliance with the Building Codes of Australia.
A deemed to satisfy assessment involves assessing your building against the energy efficiency clauses outlined in the BCA Volume 2. In order to satisfy the requirements of a deemed to satisfy assessment the building must comply with performance requirements of five main components:
- Building Fabric,
- External Glazing,
- Building Sealing,
- Air Movement and;
- Services.
Each building component must comply with individual performance criteria such as; minimum insulation levels, glazing allowances, percentage of window openings per habitable room, before the DTS assessment can be completed. The BCA outlines 8 different climate zones in Australia and each project must adhere to the specific energy efficiency requirements for that climate zone.
BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) was introduced by the NSW government to ensure all new homes are designed to use less potable water and be responsible for fewer greenhouse gas emissions by setting energy and water reduction targets for both house and units.
BASIX is an online program in which the user (usually the building designer) enters data relating to the house or unit design - such as location, size, building materials etc - into the BASIX tool. BASIX analyses this data and determines how it scores against the Energy and Water targets. The design must pass specific targets (which vary according to location and building type) before the BASIX Certificate can be issued.
