A Collaborative, Insight-Driven Approach
We engage with your project from the earliest design stage because the most cost-effective path to 7 stars is getting orientation, fabric and systems right before documentation is finalised under NCC 2022 requirements Our assessors work alongside your architects, designers and builders to model thermal performance and Whole of Home outcomes simultaneously.
From concept review to final certification, we translate complex NCC 2022 requirements into clear, actionable design decisions.
Cost-effective compliance strategies
We identify the lowest-cost combination of passive design, insulation, glazing and appliance efficiency to meet the 7-star standard — avoiding over-specification that blows the budget.
Design flexibility & optimization
We model your plans as proposed first. Where improvements are needed, we recommend targeted changes that preserve your design intent — not generic upgrades applied uniformly across the whole building envelope.
Clear documentation for approvals
Receive a compliant NatHERS certificate and Whole of Home assessment ready for submission to your building surveyor, council, or BASIX portal — structured to meet the specific requirements of your state or territory.
- New Residential Developments
- Renovations & Extensions
- Planning & Building Approvals
- Design Optimization
Two Tests. One Compliant Home.
Under NCC 2022, achieving a 7-star energy rating is no longer just about the building shell. Understanding 7 star energy rating requirements early helps avoid costly redesigns later.
There are now two mandatory compliance requirements for new residential buildings across most Australian states and territories.
Test 1: Thermal Shell Performance (NatHERS Star Rating)
This measures how well the building fabric — walls, roof, floor, windows, shading and ventilation — naturally maintains indoor comfort without mechanical intervention and improves overall energy efficiency.
The rating is calculated using energy modelling software underpinned by CSIRO’s Chenath Engine, which simulates the internal temperature of every room using Bureau of Meteorology weather data for the home’s specific climate zone. The minimum required result is 7 stars out of 10.
Test 2: Whole of Home Energy Budget Introduced for the first time under NCC 2022, the Whole of Home requirement sets annual energy-use limits for fixed appliances such as heating and cooling systems, hot water, lighting, and pool or spa equipment. On-site solar PV and battery storage count as credits.New houses must achieve a Whole of Home score of at least 60 out of 100. New apartments must achieve a Whole of Home score of at least 50.
Both tests must be passed. A high thermal star rating alone is no longer sufficient for compliance.
At Torple Enviro, we model and certify both requirements together — giving you a single, coordinated compliance outcome across thermal performance and energy services.
7 Star Energy Rating Requirements Under NCC 2022:
Under the National Construction Code 2022 (NCC 2022), all new residential buildings must achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS energy rating (up from 6 stars), plus a mandatory Whole of Home energy budget. This applies to Class 1 buildings (houses and townhouses), Class 2 buildings (apartments), and Class 4 parts of a building. Understanding these 7 star energy rating requirements early in the design process helps avoid costly redesigns and approval delays.
Why the Threshold Matters
What It Takes to Hit It
When building or renovating in Australia, energy efficiency compliance under NCC 2022 requires demonstrating that your home meets the 7-star minimum through accredited NatHERS modelling software to achieve compliant NatHERS ratings. The outcome — a NatHERS Certificate and Whole of Home assessment — is typically required before your building surveyor will issue a building permit and is essential for council approvals and sustainability reporting such as BESS Best Practice in Victoria.
The National Construction Code (NCC 2022) increased the minimum from 6 to 7 stars and introduced Whole of Home energy budgets — a major step toward lowering household energy use across Australia.
The jump from 6 to 7 stars is more significant than it appears. Moving from 6 to 7 stars commonly requires smarter passive design and, in many cases, upgrades such as improved insulation R-values, higher-performance glazing, and thermal breaks in metal framing or window systems. Designs that relied on nominal credits under the old NCC 2019 framework — such as the former 1-star credit for solar PV — must now be reassessed under the new rules.
If you’re planning extensions, additions or upgrades that affect more than 50% of the original building volume, an updated assessment to confirm compliance is require
7 Star Energy Ratings Explained
Over 70% of new Australian residential construction is now assessed through the NatHERS star rating system. Here’s what each benchmark means in practice:
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 0 Stars
No meaningful thermal performance. The home relies entirely on heating and cooling systems to remain habitable, incurring high running costs year-round.
- 5 Stars
Comparable to homes built between 2005 and 2011 under the former Building Code of Australia standards.
- 7 Stars
The new national minimum under NCC 2022. A 7-star rated home uses approximately 20–25% less energy for heating and cooling compared to a 6-star home, reducing running costs and improving comfort in heatwaves and cold snaps.
- 10 Stars (Green Standard)
A 10-star home requires no artificial heating or cooling throughout the year, relying entirely on passive design strategies such as orientation, shading, thermal mass, glazing, ventilation, and airtight construction
Which Types of Buildings Need a NatHERS Certificate?
Not every building is subject to the same requirements, but most new residential projects seeking 7 star energy rating compliance do . If you’re lodging plans with council or seeking a building permit, the following building classes require a NatHERS certificate and Whole of Home assessment under NCC 2022:
- Class 1a – Detached or Attached Homes
Standalone houses, townhouses, terrace houses, row houses and villa units. All must achieve a minimum 7-star thermal rating and a Whole of Home score of 60. - Class 2 – Multi-Residential Apartments
Buildings with two or more apartments must achieve an average rating of 7 stars across all apartments, with no individual apartment falling below 6 stars, and a Whole of Home rating of at least 50. - Class 4 – Residences Inside a Non-Residential Building
For example, a single dwelling within a commercial or mixed-use building.
NatHERS does not apply to Class 3 buildings such as hotels or short-term accommodation. For more information on building classes, refer to the Australian Building Codes Board at abcb.gov.au.
How to Achieve a 7 Star Energy Rating House?
Achieving a 7 star energy rating for your house starts with the right design decisions – orientation, insulation, glazing, and shading all play a role. Our NatHERS assessors model your home’s thermal performance and identify the most cost-effective path to compliance. Whether you’re building new or upgrading an existing home, we make the process straightforward.
Why Aim Higher Than Minimum Compliance?
While 7 stars is the required floor, designing for 8 stars or above delivers compounding advantages over the life of the home:
Lower energy bills, long-term
Greater comfort without the systems
Increased property value.
- Future-ready compliance
Need advice on your project’s compliance pathway? Our team can guide you through the specific requirements for your building class, location and design — and show you how far beyond minimum your project can realistically and cost-effectively go.We provide expert energy rating consulting for residential projects across Australia.
Achieving Your 7-Star Outcome
Step by Step
Discovering Your Vision
We begin with a consultation to understand your project’s design intent, performance goals, compliance obligations and timeline. We’ll outline which NCC 2022 requirements apply to your building class and location, and explain how the thermal and Whole of Home assessments work together.
Project Insights & Data Gathering
We collect detailed information about your building — floor plans, orientation, construction materials, glazing specifications, climate zone and proposed appliance selections. This data forms the foundation of accurate thermal and Whole of Home modelling.
Tailored Energy Strategy
Using accredited NatHERS software, we model your design and produce a clear picture of where it sits against the 7-star threshold. Where improvements are needed, we provide specific, prioritised recommendations — ranked by cost-effectiveness so you can make informed decisions about where to invest
Execution & Ongoing Support
We finalise your NatHERS Certificate and Whole of Home assessment, prepared for submission to your building surveyor, certifier or council. If your design changes during construction documentation, we reassess and update your certificate — no surprises at the approval stage.
Have some Questions
Can an existing 7 star energy rating house be upgraded further?
Yes. Existing homes can often achieve improved thermal performance and energy efficiency through upgrades such as better insulation, glazing improvements and passive design enhancements.
What is a 7 star energy rating in Australia?
A 7 star energy rating is the minimum thermal performance standard for new homes under Australia’s NCC 2022. It is assessed through NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) and reflects how efficiently your home maintains comfort without excessive heating or cooling.
What affects a home's NatHERS rating most?
The key factors are building orientation, insulation levels, glazing performance, shading, wall and roof materials, and natural ventilation. Climate zone also plays a significant role. Our NatHERS assessors analyse all of these to identify the most effective improvements for your design.
What is included in a Whole of Home assessment?
A Whole of Home assessment evaluates not just the thermal shell of the home but also the energy used by fixed appliances — including heating, cooling, hot water, and lighting systems. It provides a more complete picture of your home’s overall energy performance under NCC 2022.
Do all states require 7 star compliance?
The 7 star energy rating requirement is a national standard under NCC 2022, but each state and territory adopts it on its own timeline. Requirements may also vary for renovations and additions. Reach out to us and we’ll confirm exactly what applies to your location and project type.
Hear From Those We've Partnered With
We take pride in delivering thoughtful, sustainable solutions—and our clients say it best.
“The Torple team has been fantastic over the years in providing detailed energy assessments. Specifically, in being pro-active in providing solutions to star rating shortfalls in an easy manner. I would highly recommend Torple due to their low fuss approach to every project they undertake”
“I have worked with Torple for many years on both residential and commercial projects and they play a valuable role in my business in both design development and the development approval process. They are prompt, efficient and good communicators and provide up-to-date information and advice.”
“Professional, efficient and easy to deal with. The team at Torple constantly deliver accurate reports quickly and provide helpful guidance throughout the process in an ever evolving space. Highly recommend for reliable energy rating assessments”.
“We have been using Torple for 18 Months now and have found them fantastic to deal with. They are solution driven and are always willing to work with us to produce the best outcome for our clients. We look forward to working with Torple for future projects & developments.”
“We love working with Torple to ensure our designs are compliant with NCC requirements for both Residential and Commercial Buildings. We appreciate their in-depth knowledge to help us achieve compliance with Section J requirements. They are highly skilled in their field, easy to work with and a great asset to our company.”
