Enery REQUIRMENTS
Building a new house in Australia now requires a minimum 7-star energy rating (NatHERS) for the building shell, plus a Whole of Home assessment for appliances, under the National Construction Code (NCC 2022), aiming to cut energy bills by roughly $183/year on average. This means focusing on good design, orientation, insulation, and efficient fixtures (hot water, lighting, AC) to meet the standards set by NatHERS and ABCB.
Key Energy Requirements for New Homes:
7-Star Thermal Performance (Shell): This rating covers the building's structure (walls, roof, floors, windows) for heat retention/release, ensuring less energy is needed for heating and cooling.
Whole of Home (WoH) Rating: An assessment out of 100 predicting total annual energy use for heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, and onsite renewables (solar/batteries).
How It Works & What You Need:
NatHERS Software: Your home's design is assessed using NatHERS software, which models energy performance based on climate, orientation, and materials.
Design & Orientation: Crucial for success; good design (passive solar, shade) reduces reliance on mechanical systems.
Building Materials: High-performance insulation, windows, and sealing are key to achieving high star ratings.
Fixtures & Appliances: The Whole of Home rating includes efficient air conditioners, hot water systems, and lighting.
Solar PV: On-site solar generation can significantly boost your WoH score.
What This Means for You (Costs & Savings):
Higher Initial Quality: Expect slightly higher upfront costs for better insulation and windows.
Lower Running Costs: The goal is significant long-term savings on energy bills (estimated $183/year for new homes).
Mandatory Disclosure: Some states (like ACT) require disclosure of the rating when selling, increasing market value.
To Get Started:
Work with builders and designers experienced in the new NatHERS standards.
Focus on passive design first (orientation, shading) before adding expensive tech.
Explore NatHERS "Design for Place" plans for cost-effective, climate-specific solutions.
Building with Gablok in 2026 can help you achieve an 8-star NatHERS rating—surpassing the national 7-star minimum—due to its high-performance modular design and "passive house" level thermal properties.
Key reasons why Gablok facilitates an 8-star rating include:
Superior Wall Insulation: Gablok external walls achieve a U-value of 0.15 W/m²·K, which is significantly better than the standard Australian requirement (typically around 0.24 W/m²·K). This thermal conductivity is close to passive house standards.
Integrated High-Density Insulation: Each block features a 26.4cm core of graphite-enhanced expanded polystyrene (EPS). This closed-cell insulation does not absorb moisture, ensuring that its thermal resistance remains stable and effective over the life of the building.
Airtight Interlocking System: The blocks interlock like oversized LEGO pieces, creating a precise, tightly sealed structural shell that minimizes thermal bridging and uncontrolled air leakage.
Continuous Thermal Envelope: Unlike traditional timber framing which has gaps between studs, Gablok provides a continuous layer of insulation across the entire wall surface, which is a critical factor in achieving higher energy stars.
Energy Consumption Reduction: Homes built with this system have demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in energy bills compared to traditional construction due to their superior ability to retain heat in winter and block heat in summer.
While Gablok provides an exceptional building shell, achieving a final 8-star rating also requires strategic orientation, high-performance double or triple glazing, and appropriate roof insulation.