Buildings have to be assessed and rated in terms of their energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. These ratings help in determining the ways for improving efficiencies of buildings and determining energy performance standards for new buildings (Royal Institute of British Architects 2). The assessment of buildings helps in promoting sustainability.
Houses are rated prior to building them or after building them and the rating depends on the dwelling’s plan; the erection of its roof, walls, windows and floor; and the direction of its windows relative to the light pathway and airstream (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme 2).
The NatHERS is a major body in Australia tasked with the necessary software tools used for rating energy efficiency of dwellings. The software tools accredited by NatHers are: AccuRate, AccuRate Sustainability, BERS Professional, and FirstRate (Nationwide House Rating Scheme). The energy consumption of a building and its rating are done by an experienced ABSA assessor who does simulations in the software (Northrop 4).
Types of certifications that have to be compliant with the NatHERS protocols are energy efficiency rating and BASIX.
The Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) is controlled by the ACT government and is mandatory when a person or company markets a residential abode. The assessors are tasked with certifying architectural drawings, producing the ABSA certificates and submitting the certificates to ACT for the EER certificate (Northrop 8). It varies from 1 to 6 stars.
BASIX (Building Initiative Index), an online software program, was started by the NSW government. This certificate is required for developing applications and is depended on power, water and thermal aspects of the building. The attesting body is required to confirm the building’s design against the BASIX requisites (Northrop 10).
References
Nationwide House Rating Scheme. House Energy Ratings. 2012. Web.
Northrop. “Residential Green Building Rating Schemes.” Presentation to University of Canberra. 2012.
Royal Institute of British Architects. Sustainability Hub: Rating Systems and Tools, Non-domestic. 2011. Web.