Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What software can I use to rate a house in South Australia that complies with the Building Code of Australia house energy rating software protocols?
A: From 1 May 2009 only Second generation house energy rating software is appropriate software for use to determine the "Star rating" of a domestic dwelling. The software includes:
- FirstRate5, AccuRate & BERSPro
The use of First generation software to assess a star rating is permissible only for development applications (for Building Rules Consent) lodged prior to the 1st of May 2009; Second generation software must be used if an application is lodged on or after 1 May 2009.
Q: How do I find the house energy rating software protocol?
A: Please refer to the Australian Building Codes Board website, Current documents: Energy Efficiency.
Q: How do I become registered as a House Energy Rating Assessor in South Australia?
A: You will need to sit an exam in the software program that you have chosen. The training should be undertaken with a National registered training authority. Once you have passed the exam you will need to then apply to the House Energy Rating Assessors Registration Authority. This application process includes providing evidence of qualification, signing the Code of Practice for House Energy Raters, and paying an application fee.
Q: How do I get information on software training in Second Generation software?
A: Please note that the Department of Planning and Local Government do not coordinate training, the National registered training authority and the software manufacturers are the best organisations to contact for information on training. It is important to note that training in Adelaide for all the software programs is on a demand basis. Therefore assessor's wanting to undertake training should indicate their interest through the following mechanisms:
- The Association of Building Sustainability Assessors - www.absa.net.au
- Sustainability Victoria - www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
Q: What is an Independent Technical Expert?
An independent technical expert means a person who, in relation to building work is not the building owner or an employee of the building owner; and
- has not been involved in any aspect of the relevent development (other than through the provision of preliminary advice of a routine or general nature); or
- had a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any aspect of the relevant development or any body associated with any aspect of the relevant development; and
- has engineering or other qualifications that the relevant authority is satisfied, on the basis of advice recieved from a relevant professional association or a relevant registration or accreditation authority, qualify the person to act as a technical expert under these regulations.
Q: What information do I need to provide to Council or the relevant authority when I submit a rating as part of a Development Application?
A: The star rating certificate must be provided along with stamped project plan. They must be certified with the assessor registration number clearly visible on the certificate. Please refer to the Code of Practice for House Energy Rating Assessors, Part 6. Notice of Rating for more detail.
Q: Can house energy ratings be calculated with the use of heavy drapes and pelmets in order to achieve the 6-star energy efficiency requirements?
A: Attaining a star rating with the use of heavy drapes and pelmets cannot be used for compliance with the Building Rules if there is any doubt about the installation taking place.
The BCA has removed reference to the Protocol for House Energy Rating Software Version 2005.1, meaning that only second generation software tools such as FirstRate5, BERSPro and AccuRate are valid assessment programs. FirstRate5 and AccuRate only allow for the use of Holland Blinds on glazing to be included as part of the building shell.
Further Information
Please refer directly to the software manufacturer’s websites listed below;
FirstRate5 www.sustainability.vic.gov.au
AccuRate www.hearne.com.au/products/accurate
BERS Pro www.solarlogic.com.au/bers-pro
For further information on the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme please refer to www.nathers.gov.au
