NatHERS for Existing Homes: What Every New Homes Assessor Needs to Know

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Price

A$99.00

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Course Content

I. Introduction (5 minutes)
II. Learning Objectives (2 minutes)
III. Module 1: Two Streams, One Framework (9 minutes)
IV. Module 2: Accreditation Pathways and Timing (9 minutes)
V. Module 3: The Commercial Opportunity (12 minutes)
VI. Module 4: Preparing Your Practice (11 minutes)
VII. Case Studies (5 minutes)
VIII. Summary & Key Takeaways (2 minutes)

★★★★★

This course provides a structured overview of the NatHERS expansion into existing homes assessment, specifically for assessors currently working in new homes. It explains how the existing homes stream differs in methodology, tools, and data collection, with a strong focus on site-based assessment and observational inputs. The course outlines the accreditation pathway, including key timelines, training requirements, and the transition from programs like the Residential Efficiency Scorecard. It also examines the growing commercial opportunity driven by energy rating disclosure policies and the limited supply of accredited assessors. Finally, it offers practical guidance on preparing your practice, including workflow changes, documentation standards, and client communication strategies.

This CPD provides general guidance on professional responsibilities and documentation practices. It does not constitute legal advice or replace project-specific contractual or statutory obligations.

  • CPD Points: 1 Formal CPD Point
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Certificate Upon Completion
  • Difficulty Level: Intermediate
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This session is designed for

Energy Assessors
Architects
Building Designers
Residential Builders
Building Surveyors



By the end of this course, participants will be able to clearly distinguish between NatHERS new homes and existing homes assessment streams, including their methodologies, tools, and data collection approaches. They will understand the accreditation pathways, timelines, and training requirements needed to enter the existing homes assessment stream. Participants will be able to evaluate the commercial opportunity created by emerging disclosure policies and assess how it applies to their own practice. They will also be equipped to develop practical strategies for integrating existing homes assessments into their workflow. Finally, they will be able to prepare their practice with appropriate documentation, client communication, and operational planning to support this transition.

  • Distinguish between NatHERS new homes and existing homes assessment streams, including differences in methodology, tools, and data collection.
  • Apply site-based assessment principles, including observational data collection and use of appropriate tools.
  • Explain the accreditation pathways, key timelines, and training requirements for existing homes assessment.
  • Develop documentation practices that clearly differentiate observed data from assumed inputs for professional accountability.
  • Evaluate the commercial opportunities arising from energy rating disclosure policies and market demand.
  • Plan and implement strategies to integrate existing homes assessments into an existing practice, including workflow and client communication.

This ensures that CPD efforts align with professional regulatory requirements.

Framework/Body

Relevant Sections

Focus Areas

National Construction Code (NCC 2022)

Energy efficiency provisions (Volume Two), compliance pathways, performance-based assessment context

Relationship between NatHERS ratings and NCC compliance; distinction between new homes regulatory compliance vs existing homes non-compliance assessments; understanding limitations of NCC applicability to existing dwellings

NatHERS Protocols

NatHERS Administrative Protocols; Existing Homes Expansion Framework; AccuRate Enterprise methodology

Parallel assessment streams (new vs existing homes); site-based data collection; observational inputs; use of defaults; accreditation pathways and competency requirements

ABSA CPD Competency Area

Energy assessment practice; professional conduct; data collection and modelling

Transition from plan-based to site-based assessment; competency in observational data collection; risk management through assumptions; maintaining consistency across assessors

Building Designers

Performance-based design considerations; energy efficiency integration

Understanding how existing homes ratings inform retrofit and upgrade strategies; limitations of documentation; interpreting built form performance

NSCA 2021 (Architects)

PC1, PC12, PC28, PC31

Environmental performance assessment of existing buildings; integration of sustainability knowledge; application of professional judgement under uncertainty; understanding regulatory vs non-regulatory frameworks

Engineers Australia (Stage 2)

Competency areas related to sustainability, data analysis, and professional judgement

Building performance evaluation; interpreting incomplete data sets; applying engineering judgement in real-world conditions; lifecycle thinking in existing assets

Licensed Builders (State CPD)

Building performance, retrofit implications, regulatory awareness

Understanding how ratings influence renovation decisions; interaction between existing conditions and upgrade pathways; site-based inspection awareness

Building Surveyors

Compliance assessment frameworks; performance solutions; existing building evaluation

Distinction between regulatory compliance (new homes) and advisory ratings (existing homes); documentation limitations; evidence-based assessment vs assumptions

Urban Planners & Landscape Architects

Policy context; sustainability frameworks; built environment performance

Link between disclosure policy and planning outcomes; role of energy ratings in property transactions; broader sustainability and housing policy implications

What’s Included

This course examines the expansion of the NatHERS framework to include existing homes assessment and how it operates alongside the established new homes stream. It explores the differences in methodology, tools, and data collection, particularly the shift from plan-based to site-based assessment. The course also examines accreditation pathways, training timelines, and the transition from existing programs such as the Residential Efficiency Scorecard. In addition, it looks at the commercial landscape, including demand driven by disclosure policies and the supply gap of accredited assessors. Finally, it examines the practical steps required to prepare and position a practice for this emerging area of work.

  • A 1-hour video session covering NCC-aligned strategies and real-world case studies.
  • An interactive quiz to test and reinforce knowledge.
  • An audio summary version via NotebookLM for flexible, on-the-go learning.
  • A downloadable certificate of completion for CPD compliance reporting.
  • Centralised CPD tracking dashboard to support audits and personal recordkeeping.
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Why Take This CPD Session?

Understand a major shift in the NatHERS framework and how it impacts your role as an energy assessor.

Identify and prepare for new accreditation pathways and emerging market opportunities in existing homes assessment.

Gain practical strategies to adapt your workflow, documentation, and client communication for this new assessment stream.

Professional development is an investment in career growth and regulatory compliance. Take the next step today.

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