Whole of Home Assessment
Whole of Home (WoH) assessments for NCC 2022 compliance. Understand scoring,pathways, state requirements and cost. Talk to Torple’s accredited assessors.
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Table of Contents
- 01What Is Whole of Home? – Definition and Regulatory Context
- 02When Is a Whole of Home Assessment Required?
- 03What Does a Whole of Home Assessment Include?
- 04Whole of Home Rating – How the Score Works
- 05Whole of Home Compliance Pathways – NatHERS vs Elemental Provisions
- 06Whole of Home and the 7-Star NatHERS Rating – How They Interact
- 07Whole of Home Assessment Cost and Turnaround
- 08Whole of Home Requirements by State – NCC 2022 Adoption
- 09Why Solar PV and Heat Pumps Matter for Your WoH Score
- 10Torple's Whole of Home Assessment Service – What to Expect
- 11Whole of Home Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Whole of Home Assessment? - Definition and Regulatory Context
Whole of Home (WoH) is an energy performance framework introduced under NCC 2022 that assesses the total energy use of a residential building. Rather than looking only at the building envelope, a professional
Whole of Home Assessment accounts for the thermal performance of the building shell together with the energy consumed by fixed appliances, hot water systems, lighting, pool and spa equipment, and any on-site renewable energy generation. It applies to Class 1 buildings (houses, townhouses and duplexes) and to Class 2 buildings (apartments) with decentralised services.
Quick definition
Whole of Home is an energy performance rating introduced under NCC 2022 that measures the total energy use of a new residential building, covering the building envelope, fixed appliances, hot water systems, lighting, and on-site solar generation, on a scale of 0 to 100. New houses must achieve a minimum score of 60; new apartments must achieve a minimum score of 50.
The requirement sits within the National Construction Code. For Class 1 buildings, it is set out in NCC 2022 Volume Two under Performance Requirement H6P2. For Class 2 apartment buildings, the equivalent requirement is J1P3 in NCC 2022 Volume One. Both provisions were introduced as part of the 2022 energy efficiency changes, expanding on the thermal-only requirements that existed under earlier code editions. Full regulatory text is available from the Australian Building Codes Board at ncc.abcb.gov.au, and assessment guidance is published by the NatHERS Administrator at nathers.gov.au/whole-of-home.
The abbreviation “WoH” is standard usage among accredited assessors, certifiers and planning authorities, and appears throughout industry documentation, certificates and DA correspondence. This page uses “Whole of Home” and “WoH” interchangeably to reflect how the term is used in practice.
Whole of Home vs the NatHERS star rating
Whole of Home is frequently confused with the NatHERS thermal star rating, but the two measure different things. A NatHERS star rating assesses the thermal performance of the building envelope – insulation, glazing, orientation, and thermal mass – on a scale of 0 to 10 stars. Whole of Home goes further: it measures the total energy used by the home’s fixed services, offset by any on-site renewable generation. Under NCC 2022, both are mandatory and independent of one another. A home cannot substitute a high star rating for WoH compliance, or vice versa.
Which building classes are covered
- Class 1a buildings – detached houses, semi-detached dwellings, terraces, townhouses and duplexes.
- Class 2 buildings – apartment sole-occupancy units with decentralised hot water and space conditioning services.
Class 2 buildings with centralised services (shared hot water or HVAC plant serving multiple units) sit on a separate compliance pathway, typically addressed through the Verification Method J1V5 (Verification Using a Reference Building for a Class 2 sole-occupancy unit), rather than the standard NatHERS Whole of Home software route. Note J1V5 does not apply in NSW.
Related reading
For the thermal star rating requirement that applies alongside WoH, see Torple’s NatHERS assessment and 7-star energy rating pages.
When Is a Whole of Home Assessment Required by your local authority?
A Whole of Home Assessment is mandatory for new Class 1 and Class 2 residential buildings in any jurisdiction that has adopted the NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions . If your project requires verification, Torple’s accredited Whole of Home Assessors can assist right from the initial design phase. It is a compliance requirement tied to Development Application approval or building permit approval, not an optional add-on, and a project cannot proceed to certification without it in these jurisdictions.
When WoH applies
- Any new house, townhouse, duplex or other Class 1 residential dwelling subject to NCC 2022.
- Any new apartment (Class 2) sole-occupancy unit with decentralised hot water and space conditioning.
- Any project where a NatHERS certificate is required under the relevant state or territory building regulations.
When it generally does not apply
Whole of Home does not extend to existing homes undergoing renovation, unless a specific jurisdiction has explicitly broadened its scope. The ACT, for example, has confirmed that renovations are excluded from WoH. Alterations and additions generally sit outside the standard WoH requirement, though this should be confirmed with the relevant state or territory building authority, since local instruments can vary.
Adoption of NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions differs by state and territory. NSW, Victoria, Queensland,South Australia, Western Australia and the ACT have adopted the 2022 provisions, though NSW addresses the requirement through its own BASIX scheme rather than the direct national WoH rating (see Section 8 for the full breakdown). Tasmania has paused adoption, and the Northern Territory’s timeline had not been confirmed as at June 2026.
A Whole of Home assessment is required if:
- your project is a new house, townhouse or duplex
- your project is a new apartment with decentralised hot water and space conditioning
- your state or territory has adopted NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions
- your DA or building permit application requires a NatHERS certificate
What Does a Whole of Home Assessment Include?
A Whole of Home assessment evaluates the following components of a residential building’s energy use:
Heating and cooling systems
The efficiency of installed HVAC equipment – reverse-cycle air conditioners, ducted systems and split systems – is assessed. Heating and cooling account for approximately 40% of annual household energy use and have the greatest single impact on the WoH score of any appliance category.
Hot water systems
The efficiency of the water heater is assessed, whether heat pump, solar, gas storage, gas instantaneous or electric resistive. Hot water accounts for approximately 23% of annual household energy use. Heat pump hot water systems typically deliver the largest single improvement to a WoH score of any appliance substitution.
Artificial lighting
The power density of fixed lighting throughout the dwelling is included in the calculation.
Pool and spa equipment
Where present, pump and heating systems for pools and spas are included in the WoH calculation. Pool equipment is energy-intensive and can make the minimum score harder to reach without offsetting through renewables or high-efficiency plant.
On-site renewable energy
Rooftop solar PV and battery storage reduce the net energy value used in the WoH calculation and directly improve the score. Homes with solar PV have a materially easier path to a score of 60 or above.
Plug-in appliances – refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and similar – are not included in a Whole of Home assessment. Only fixed building services are assessed.
| Appliance / System | Included in WoH? | Typical Share of Annual Energy Use |
|---|---|---|
| Heating and cooling (HVAC) | Yes | ~40% |
| Hot water system | Yes | ~23% |
| Artificial lighting | Yes | ~10–15% |
| Pool and spa equipment | Yes (where present) | Variable |
| On-site solar PV / battery | Yes (offset) | Reduces net energy value |
| Plug-in appliances (fridge, TV, etc.) | No | Not assessed |
Whole of Home Rating - How the Score Works
The Whole of Home rating runs on a scale from 0 to 100, and can extend beyond 100. A score of 0 indicates a very poor-performing home with high energy use. A score of 100 represents a net zero energy value home – one that produces as much energy over a year as it consumes. Scores above 100 indicate a net energy-positive home, generating more energy than it uses.
Minimum compliance thresholds
new houses and townhouses (Class 1) must achieve a minimum WoH rating of 60. New apartments (Class 2 sole-occupancy units) must achieve a minimum rating of 50. These minimums are set under NCC 2022 Performance Requirements H6P2 and J1P3 respectively.
The score is derived by comparing two figures: an energy use budget (calculated from the home’s floor area and location, using reference GEMS-rated appliances as set out in the NCC’s quantified provisions) and the proposed home’s assessed energy value — the energy use of its fixed appliances, less any offset from on-site renewable generation. The relationship between these two figures produces the WoH rating.
Reading the score
- Below 40 – poor energy-performing home, well short of compliance.
- 40 to 59 – below the minimum compliance threshold for houses.
- 60 – minimum compliance threshold for houses and townhouses.
- 60 to 79 – compliant, standard performance.
- 80 to 99 – high performance, well above minimum.
- 100 and above – net zero or net energy-positive home.
The WoH rating is assessed independently of the NatHERS thermal star rating. A home can achieve 7 stars thermally and still fail the Whole of Home requirement if its appliances – particularly hot water or HVAC – are inefficient. Both requirements must be satisfied on their own terms; neither substitutes for the other.
Struggling to Reach Your Target Score?
Don’t let inefficient appliances stall your development application. Let Torple’s expert team optimize your design with trusted Whole of Home Assessment Services.
Common Reasons a Whole of Home Assessment Fails (And How to Fix Them)
Many residential projects fail their initial Whole of Home Assessment due to avoidable specification errors during the design phase. The most common pitfall is pairing a high-performing 7-star building envelope with legacy, inefficient gas storage hot water systems or unmanaged HVAC configurations. Furthermore, omitting preliminary appliance schedules or failing to account for high-energy fixtures like unmanaged pool pumps can instantly drop a design below the mandatory score of 60. To secure compliance effortlessly, Torple’s Whole of Home Consultants review your architectural plans early, advising on strategic upgrades—such as solar PV integration or heat pump swaps—before final documentation is submitted for your development application or building permit.
Whole of Home Compliance Pathways - How Our Consultants Navigate NatHERS vs. Elemental Provisions
Under NCC 2022 there are two recognised compliance pathways for demonstrating Whole of Home compliance. Both are valid Deemed-to-Satisfy routes; the right choice depends on project complexity, whether a NatHERS thermal assessment is already being completed, and the assessor’s recommendation for the specific design.
Pathway 1 - NatHERS software pathway
The Whole of Home assessment is completed using NatHERS-accredited software as part of the thermal performance assessment. The software calculates the NatHERS star rating and the WoH energy score together, in a single simulation. This is the most common pathway for new homes where a full NatHERS assessment is already required, and it requires an accredited NatHERS assessor.
Pathway 2 - Elemental provisions (DTS) pathway
A separate ABCB Whole of Home calculator is used to demonstrate compliance where thermal performance is satisfied through the Deemed-to-Satisfy prescriptive pathway rather than NatHERS simulation. This route is less common for new homes but remains available where DTS thermal compliance is the preferred approach, and it applies only where the house floor area does not exceed the threshold set in the Housing Provisions.
| Factor | NatHERS Software Pathway | Elemental Provisions (DTS) Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| How completed | NatHERS-accredited software generates the star rating and WoH score together | Separate ABCB WoH calculator applied after DTS thermal compliance is demonstrated |
| Best suited for | New homes completing a full NatHERS thermal assessment (most common) | Projects using prescriptive DTS thermal compliance rather than NatHERS simulation |
| Assessor required | Yes - accredited NatHERS assessor required | Assessor recommended; specific accreditation requirement varies by jurisdiction |
| Flexibility | Higher - simulation models the actual design and allows trade-offs between appliances and renewables | Lower - more prescriptive, with limited trade-off between elements |
| Output | NatHERS Certificate including WoH score | WoH calculator output - pass/fail result |
Not sure which pathway applies to your project?
Your expert Whole of Home Consultants will advise at no cost
Whole of Home and the 7-Star NatHERS Rating - How They Interact
One of the most common points of confusion for homeowners and builders is assuming the NatHERS 7-star rating and the Whole of Home assessment are the same requirement, or that achieving 7 stars automatically satisfies WoH. Neither is correct.
The 7-star NatHERS rating, addressed under H6P1, measures only the thermal performance of the building shell – insulation, glazing, orientation, thermal mass and air infiltration. It says nothing about how efficient the heating system, hot water service or lighting are. The Whole of Home assessment, addressed under H6P2, measures those building services, together with any on-site renewable generation, as a separate and additional requirement.
Both must be satisfied independently. A new home in an NCC 2022 jurisdiction must meet 7-star NatHERS thermal performance and achieve a WoH score of 60 or above. A home that reaches 9 stars thermally but runs an inefficient gas hot water system with no solar PV may still fail the WoH requirement. Conversely, a home fitted with solar PV and a heat pump hot water system will find the WoH target considerably easier to reach, but it must still independently satisfy the 7-star thermal threshold.
In practice, both requirements are assessed at the same time during the NatHERS software assessment and reported on the same NatHERS Certificate – the star rating and the WoH score appear together on a single output document, generated from the same building model.
The two requirements at a glance
H6P1 (thermal performance, 7-star NatHERS) and H6P2 (energy usage, WoH score of 60+) are parallel, independent obligations. Both must be met for NCC 2022 compliance; satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
Related service
Ensure total compliance by pairing your score with an accredited [NatHERS Assessment]
(/services/residential/nathers/) and a certified [7-Star Energy Rating](/services/residential/7-star-energy-rating/)
Whole of Home Assessment Cost and Turnaround
Cost is one of the first questions homeowners and builders raise once they understand the WoH requirement applies to their project. Several factors determine the fee for a given assessment.
What affects cost
- Building type – house, duplex or apartment.
- Floor area and number of separate dwellings covered under a single certificate.
- Complexity of the appliance schedule – for example, multiple HVAC zones, pool equipment or battery storage.
- Completeness of the plans and appliance specifications provided at briefing.
- Whether a NatHERS thermal assessment is being completed at the same time, as a bundled service, or as a standalone WoH assessment.
For a standard new single dwelling (Class 1), a Whole of Home assessment is typically completed as part of the NatHERS certificate. Torple provides a fixed-fee quote within one business day of receiving plans.
A standard Whole of Home assessment takes 3 to 7 business days from receipt of complete documentation, including the appliance schedule. Projects requiring revisions to the appliance specification to achieve compliance may need additional time.
Choosing the right appliances at the design stage – particularly heat pump hot water, efficient HVAC and solar PV – reduces the assessor effort required, since the WoH score is easier to achieve and fewer revision rounds are needed.
Need a Fast, Fixed-Price Assessment?
Torple provides rapid 3-to-7 day turnaround times with transparent, fixed pricing for all residential classes. Consult with an Accredited Whole of Home Assessor today.
Whole of Home Requirements by State - NCC 2022 Adoption
Whole of Home requirements only apply in jurisdictions that have adopted the NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions, and the way the requirement is delivered varies by state and territory.
| State / Territory | NCC 2022 Adopted | WoH Effective Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | Via BASIX | 1 October 2023 | NSW delivers the WoH-equivalent energy budget through BASIX rather than the national 0–100 WoH rating - see note below |
| VIC | Yes | 1 May 2024 | WoH mandatory under NCC 2022 adoption; DTS elemental pathway also available |
| QLD | Yes | 1 May 2024 | Delayed adoption; WoH now mandatory for new Class 1 and Class 2 buildings |
| SA | Yes | 1 October 2024 | WoH requirements apply; confirm specific instrument with local authority |
| WA | Yes | 1 May 2025 | WoH mandatory; confirm specific regulatory instrument with DMIRS |
| ACT | Yes | 15 January 2024 | Excludes renovations and alterations from WoH scope - new builds only |
| NT | TBC | TBC | Adoption date not yet confirmed as at June 2026 |
| TAS | Paused | N/A | Tasmania has paused NCC 2022 energy efficiency adoption as at June 2026 |
State adoption dates and jurisdiction-specific variations can be amended and should be verified with the
relevant building authority for each project. The current NCC 2022 adoption status is published by the
Australian Building Codes Board at ncc.abcb.gov.au/editions/ncc-2022.
NSW note
In NSW, the national Whole of Home rating does not apply directly. Instead, residential energy performance is regulated through BASIX (Building Sustainability Index), which was updated on 1 October 2023 to align with NCC 2022 energy efficiency levels and incorporates a whole-of-home style energy budget using NatHERS whole-of-home calculation methods, expressed as a BASIX target rather than the national 0–100 score. For Class 1 buildings in NSW, assessors work to the BASIX energy target and thermal comfort standard as the applicable compliance instrument.
See also
Torple’s BASIX certificate page for NSW-specific guidance.
Why Solar PV and Heat Pumps Matter for Your WoH Score
The most common practical question from homeowners and builders is what needs to change in the design to reach a WoH score of 60. The appliance choices below have the greatest influence on the outcome.
Heat pumps for space heating and cooling
Air-sourced heat pump systems deliver roughly 3 to 5 times more heating or cooling energy than the electricity they consume. This makes the HVAC specification the single most impactful decision for the WoH score. A home fitted with efficient reverse-cycle air conditioning is far better placed to reach 60 than one relying on resistive electric heating.
Heat pump hot water
Heat pump hot water systems work on a similar principle to reverse-cycle air conditioners, extracting heat from ambient air to heat water and typically delivering 3 to 4 times more energy output than the electricity input. Replacing a standard electric storage hot water system with a heat pump unit can add a meaningful improvement to a WoH score, with the exact gain depending on climate zone.
Solar PV
Rooftop solar PV directly reduces the net energy value used in the WoH calculation by offsetting electricity consumption. In combination with efficient appliances, a modestly sized system is typically sufficient to push a standard home comfortably above the minimum 60 threshold. Battery storage further improves the outcome by increasing the proportion of solar energy used on-site.
Pools and spas
Homes with pools or spas carry a higher energy burden in the WoH calculation, since pool pump energy use is included in the assessment. Homeowners planning a pool should raise the WoH implications with their assessor at the design stage – high-efficiency pumps and solar-assisted heating can help offset the impact.
Indicative example
a new four-bedroom house with standard gas hot water and no solar would typically
fall short of 60. The same house fitted with a heat pump hot water system and rooftop solar PV would
typically reach a materially higher score, depending on the HVAC specification and climate zone. Actual
outcomes depend on modelling of the specific design.
Torple’s assessors advise on the most cost-effective appliance specification to reach a required WoH score – contact us for a preliminary assessment.
Torple’s Whole of Home Assessment Service - What to Expect
This section sets out what a project needs to begin and what Torple delivers once an assessment is complete.
What we need to begin
- Architectural plans, at minimum schematic stage.
- An appliance schedule or preliminary specification – HVAC type and model, hot water system type, lighting design intent, pool or spa detail if applicable, and planned solar PV.
- Site location and climate zone.
- Building class and number of dwellings covered.
What you receive
A completed NatHERS Certificate including the Whole of Home score, signed by an accredited NatHERS assessor and ready for submission with the Development Application or building permit application. Where the initial WoH score requires adjustment, Torple provides a revised appliance recommendation before finalising the certificate.
Torple’s assessors
hold current NatHERS accreditation and work across residential and multi-unit projects
Australia-wide.
Standard turnaround is 3 to 7 business days from receipt of complete documentation. An expedited service is available for projects with tight DA lodgement timeframes.
Torple provides Whole of Home assessments for projects in NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA and the ACT. WoH is not yet a requirement in the NT or TAS as at June 2026.
Why Choose Torple's Accredited Whole of Home Consultants?
Navigating NCC 2022 energy standards requires proven expertise, precise calculations, and accredited professionals who understand state-specific nuances. At Torple, our team of certified NatHERS assessors and Whole of Home Consultants deliver comprehensive Whole of Home Assessment Services tailored to keep your project moving without costly delays. Whether you are building a single dwelling in Victoria or managing a multi-unit project in Queensland, our Whole of Home Assessment Company offers industry-leading accuracy. We combine deep technical knowledge with fast turnarounds and competitive pricing, making us the preferred Residential Energy Consultant for builders, architects, and developers Australia-wide. Partner with our Accredited Whole of Home Assessor network to guarantee compliance from day one
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Whole of Home Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whole of Home?
Whole of Home (WoH) is an energy performance requirement under NCC 2022 that assesses the total energy
use of a new residential building, covering fixed appliances, hot water systems, lighting, pool equipment and
on-site solar generation. New houses must achieve a minimum WoH score of 60 out of 100; new apartments
must achieve 50.
What does a Whole of Home assessment measure?
A Whole of Home assessment measures the net energy use of fixed appliances in a new home, including
heating and cooling systems, hot water, lighting and pool equipment, offset by any on-site renewable energy
generation such as solar PV. It does not assess plug-in appliances such as fridges or televisions.
What is a Whole of Home rating?
A Whole of Home rating is a score from 0 to 100, and beyond, indicating a home’s total energy performance. A
score of 60 is the minimum required for new houses under NCC 2022. A score of 100 represents a net zero
energy home; scores above 100 mean the home generates more energy than it uses.
Is Whole of Home the same as NatHERS?
No. The NatHERS star rating, out of 10, measures only the thermal performance of the building shell –
insulation, glazing and orientation. The Whole of Home assessment measures total energy use including
appliances and renewables. Both are required independently under NCC 2022; achieving 7 stars does not
automatically satisfy the Whole of Home requirement.
What score do I need for Whole of Home?
Under NCC 2022, new houses (Class 1) must achieve a minimum Whole of Home score of 60. New
apartments (Class 2 sole-occupancy units) must achieve a minimum score of 50. Scores above the minimum
indicate better-than-required energy performance; a score of 100 or above indicates a net zero energy
outcome.
What appliances affect the Whole of Home score most?
Heating and cooling systems account for approximately 40% of annual household energy use and have the
greatest single impact on the WoH score. Hot water systems account for approximately 23%. Efficient heat
pump systems for space conditioning and hot water, combined with rooftop solar PV, are the most effective
ways to achieve a compliant score.
Does solar PV help the Whole of Home rating?
Yes. Rooftop solar PV directly reduces the net energy value in the Whole of Home calculation by offsetting
on-site electricity consumption. Battery storage further improves the score. Homes with solar PV have a
significantly easier path to achieving the minimum required score of 60.
How long does a Whole of Home assessment take?
A standard Whole of Home assessment takes 3 to 7 business days from receipt of complete plans and
appliance specifications. Where the initial result falls below the required score, Torple advises on the most
cost-effective appliance adjustments before finalising the certificate. Expedited service is available for tight DA
timeframes.
Is Whole of Home required in all Australian states?
Whole of Home is mandatory in VIC, QLD, SA, WA and the ACT under NCC 2022, and is delivered through
BASIX in NSW. Tasmania has paused NCC 2022 energy efficiency adoption as at June 2026. The NT has not
yet confirmed an adoption date. Requirements should be verified with the relevant state building authority.
Do I need a Whole of Home assessment for a renovation?
Generally no. Whole of Home requirements apply to new residential buildings, not alterations or additions. The
ACT has explicitly excluded renovations. If a renovation involves a new dwelling or significant new services,
confirm the applicable requirements with your local authority or assessor.
Can my Whole of Home score be improved?
Your Whole of Home score can be significantly improved by upgrading to high-efficiency heat pump hot water
systems, advanced reverse-cycle HVAC units, or by incorporating rooftop solar PV and battery storage
systems into your architectural design
What documents are required for a Whole of Home Assessment?
To begin an assessment, you must supply complete architectural plans (floor plans, elevations, and sections), a detailed
appliance schedule (specifying HVAC models, hot water systems, and lighting layouts), and details regarding planned
on-site solar generation