Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Thermal Performance Assessment (Energy rating) and why do I require one?

A thermal performance assessment (previously known as an energy rating) is a calculation of the heating and cooling loads of a building that are required to maintain a comfortable indoor living environment, with minimal use of heaters and air conditioners.
Items taken into consideration for a Thermal Performance Assessment or Energy Rating include building fabric such as roofing, wall cladding, floors, building size, orientation, window glazing, eaves, insulation and are site specific for your climate zone.
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) requires all new homes, additions and alterations to have a 6 star thermal performance assessment.
You are required to submit a thermal performance assessment report along with the endorsed plans to your building surveyor who will provide a building permit.
6 stars is the minimum requirement, eRATE Thermal Performance Assessors can rate homes up to 10 stars.

When is the best time to engage eRATE for my Thermal Performance Assessment?

Generally the early the better

Building permit stage

If you are applying for a building permit it is best to obtain a 6 star thermal performance assessment prior to the completion of the construction plans, as changes to the plans may need to be undertaken.

Planning permit stage

If you are applying for a planning permit it is a good idea to obtain a preliminary thermal performance assessment prior to lodging your plans with council as the building’s design may need to be altered slightly to achieve the 6 star energy rating compliance

What information is required for a Thermal Performance Assessment?

A complete set of plans in PDF format outlining

Site address
Site plan
North Point
Floor plan/s with dimensions
Floor Coverings
Elevations
Cladding Types
Sections
Window schedule / sizes
Location of exhaust fans and ceiling fans
Artificial lighting plan showing internal, external and watts per light

Do we need a rainwater tank or solar hot water system?

New Class 1 buildings must achieve a minimum of 6 star thermal performance assessment and have either a rainwater tank or a solar hot water system installed.
In either case documentation must be provided to your building surveyor to ensure compliance

Rainwater tank

The rainwater tank must be installed in such a way that it collects the rainwater from a minimum catchment area of 50m2 and have a minimum capacity of 2000 litres and
be connected to all toilets within the building for the purpose of sanitary flushing

Solar hot water system

A solar hot water system, which may include a heat pump water heater system, is to be installed in accordance with the Plumbing Regulations 2008.
Where a reticulated gas supply is available for connection to the property / building, the system must be a gas boosted solar water heater