"6 Star" Energy Rating

New houses that require a planning permit should be rated by an accredited house energy rater to determine its energy efficiency according to FirstRate's 6-star system.

The energy efficiency of each part of a particular house can be evaluated through the use of FirstRate house energy rating software. By allocating a point score for various design features, for example window design, insulation, building materials and orientation, the system reaches as overall rating from 0 to 6 stars, 0 indicating extremely poor energy efficiency and 6 representing the best environmental design choices.

A 6-star house will be substantially more comfortable than lower-rated homes because they are designed to take advantage of weather conditions and to maximize the benefits of natural warming and cooling. As a result, it will also be cheaper to maintain, therefore achieving economic sustainability as well as environmental and social.

Size does not affect the results of FirstRate so both large and small houses have the potential to make use of optimal energy efficiency through simple changes in layout and construction plans.

FirstRate house energy software was developed by correlating energy use predictions from the CSIRO's NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Software) with new building element properties.