When building a new home in Australia, it must comply with national and state or territory energy efficiency standards. These standards are not only about compliance — they also affect your living comfort and energy bills.

‍

This article summarizes the key regulations and rating systems you need to know, as well as the crucial role windows and doors play in improving overall energy efficiency. If you’re currently selecting windows and doors for your project, you’ll also find practical tips here to help you achieve higher living comfort with lower energy consumption.

‍

1. National Standard: NCC (National Construction Code)

‍

The National Construction Code (NCC) is the core technical standard governing building design and construction in Australia.

Volume 2 of the NCC applies to residential buildings (Class 1 & 10) and sets clear requirements for residential energy efficiency, including:

· Insulation and airtightness of the building envelope (walls, roof, floor, and windows)

· Energy efficiency of lighting and appliances

· Performance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems

· Ventilation and air leakage control

The NCC underwent a major update in 2022, introducing stricter residential energy efficiency requirements. Since 2023, states and territories have been progressively implementing this new standard, requiring new homes to meet higher energy performance levels.

‍

2. NatHERS Energy Assessment: Star Rating & Whole-of-Home

‍

The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is Australia’s national system for assessing the energy efficiency of residential buildings.

It includes two key performance indicators:

1. Star Rating (0–10 Stars)
Reflects the thermal performance of the building envelope and the effectiveness of passive design.

2. Whole-of-Home (0–100 Score)
Provides a comprehensive evaluation of a home’s total energy use, including lighting, appliances, hot water systems, and solar power generation.

Under the NCC 2022 requirements, new detached homes are generally required to achieve:

· ≥ 7-star thermal performance for the building envelope;

· Whole-of-Home ≥ 60 points for overall energy efficiency (specific requirements vary by state or territory).

These two ratings are calculated based on factors such as house design, orientation, climate zone, and equipment selection, ensuring a balanced outcome between comfort and energy consumption.

‍

3. State Implementation Progress (Examples: Victoria & Queensland)

‍

Each state government sets its own timeline and implementation details based on the NCC framework:

· Victoria (VIC): From 2024, full implementation of the 7-star and Whole-of-Home ≥ 60 requirements.

· Queensland (QLD): Introduced the “Modern Homes” standard, aligning with the same energy efficiency targets as NCC 2022.

· New South Wales (NSW) and Western Australia (WA): Currently in a gradual transition phase.

Recommendation: Before construction begins, always check your local government’s official website or energy assessment guidelines to confirm the latest implementation dates and approved calculation tools.

‍

4. Why Windows Matter (But Aren’t the Only Factor)

‍

Windows are a crucial component of a home’s energy efficiency — they directly affect heat gain and loss, natural lighting, and air leakage.

High-quality windows can significantly improve insulation performance, reduce air conditioning loads, and enhance overall comfort.

However, energy ratings measure the performance of the entire home, not individual elements.

Window performance must work in harmony with:

· House orientation and design layout

· Wall and roof insulation

· Airtightness and ventilation control

· Selection of HVAC and electrical systems

In other words, good windows can make it easier to meet energy efficiency targets — but they can’t achieve compliance on their own.

‍

5. Practical Tips for Achieving Compliance with Energy Standards

‍

Below are practical strategies summarized by Green Life Windows to help Australian residential projects successfully meet NatHERS and NCC energy efficiency requirements:

1. Select the Right Glass and Performance Values

Cold climates: Choose windows with a low U-value (W/m²·K) and medium to high SHGC to capture more winter heat.

Hot climates: Choose a low SHGC to reduce summer solar heat gain.

2. Optimize Orientation and Shading Design

Maximize north-facing windows for winter sunlight.

Use external shading or louvers to minimize summer overheating.

3. Ensure Airtight Frames and Proper Sealing

High-quality seals and precise installation can significantly reduce air leakage.

4. Use High-Performance Glazing Systems

Double or insulated glazing can greatly improve thermal and acoustic performance, boosting the star rating.

5. Involve Energy Assessment Early in the Design Stage

Provide window specifications to the energy assessor during the design phase to avoid costly post-construction modifications.

6. Integrate Solar and Efficient Hot Water Systems

The Whole-of-Home rating includes factors like hot water, solar PV, and appliances.

A well-balanced combination of these systems can substantially improve the overall home energy score.

‍

6. Common Misconceptions Explained

‍

Myth 1: Replacing windows alone is enough to meet energy standards
→ Incorrect. Windows are important, but they must work together with the overall building design.

Myth 2: More shading is always better
→ Not necessarily. Excessive shading can reduce passive solar heating in winter and lower your energy rating.

Myth 3: Energy standards are the same across Australia
→ False. Each state and territory has slightly different implementation timelines and calculation methods — always refer to your local government’s official documentation.

‍

7. Developer & Contractor Checklist

‍

To ensure smooth energy compliance and certification, we recommend:

· Define NatHERS targets (7-Star & Whole-of-Home ≥ 60) during the design and tender stages.

· Specify window performance parameters such as U-value, SHGC, and airtightness in the technical documentation.

· Coordinate with the energy assessor to align modelling data and ensure consistency.

· Keep detailed installation records and performance reports for inspection and final energy certification.

‍

Conclusion & Call to Action

‍
Green Life Windows is committed to providing performance-certified, energy-efficient window and door systems for the Australian market.

We offer window specification advice, performance simulations, and compliance support during the design stage to help your project meet energy efficiency targets with ease.

Want to know the optimal window configuration for your project under the 7-Star and Whole-of-Home requirements?

☎️ Contact our technical team for a free consultation and energy efficiency assessment.

With clear data and professional insights, we help you create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home.

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍

‍