New (2022) NatHERS Climate Files - When are we able to begin using?

Region: All States

Assessor Question:

I have a client who is keen to spec a high performance house.

If I run the HERO modelling in regulatory mode (old climate files) it gets to 7.5 stars, but f I change this to the 2022 climate files (non-regulatory mode) it gets 8.0 stars. The building application will likely be submitted for approval prior to September but possibly it will go after May.

So I have a couple of questions:

1. If the new NCC regulations are voluntary after May does that mean we as NatHERS assessors can choose to use the new climate files after this point? NSW is not going mandatory for 7-stars until September.

2. If the clients choose to submit prior to May, can we provide them with a post-Sept certificate for their own purposes, i.e. go back in and re-issue the certificate once the new climate files are enacted.

Note that this is not someone trying to get away with not meeting the compliance levels they are keen to build a high spec home and want to have a have NatHERS certificate that reflects the extra money/effort that they have invested to incorporate energy efficiency into their designs.

TechLink Response:

• The NatHERS 2022 editions are not yet released for regulatory compliance purposes (March 2022)
• Accordingly, NatHERS Certificates using 2022 provisions and climate files cannot yet be generated as yet.
• In the scenario described it will be totally fine to generate one certificate for building approval and then another later on from the new version of the software.
• They will both be clearly dated with the version of the software noted.
• It will probably be good practice to add a note in the Additional Information panel of the updated rating to confirm the reason and purpose of the revised Certificate.